Thanks to a grant from the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, Nature Iraq recently completed a conservation education project to improve the condition of animals in captivity - and raise awareness about the health of zoo animals and the requirements for building rehabilitation centers in the country. The project was offered to veterinarians and zoo staff from all parts Iraq.

The devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Northern Japan on March 11 greatly impacted several zoos and aquariums in the area. The facilities have been dealing with a wide range of issues including flooding, structural damage, power outages, and gas and fuel shortages. Food and drinking water for both staff members and animals have also come into short supply. One zoo, The Aquamarine Fukushima, suffered damage that required the transport of their animals to another aquarium.

SeaWorld’s legacy of animal rescue is being showcased in one of the zoological industry’s leading publications, the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ “Connects” magazine. The story features an in-depth look at the passion and ingenuity displayed by the zoological professionals that comprise the SeaWorld Rescue Team.

Here is a snippet.

SeaWorld: A Legacy of Animal Rescue

Mike Boos has been named vice president of zoological operations at Busch Gardens, the top zoological position at the Tampa park. Boos, 43, replaces Glenn Young, who retired at the end of June.

Meet Roxy, our 9 week old red fox kit.

Sometimes, the most interesting conservation stories at SeaWorld are the ones that take place behind-the-scenes. One of the most interesting is our efforts to help a native Texas species, the Attwater's Prairie Chicken.

A tawny frogmouth chick, hatched April 11, gets fed by its mother, while the father looks on. In less than a year, six chicks have been hatched at SeaWorld Orlando and all are now thriving.

As a Busch Gardens Adventure Camp counselor, Katie Timko saw first-hand the bond between zookeepers and the animals in their care. Now, she's making her own connections with some of the world's largest land mammals, working with the elephants at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.