Turtle Conservation in Tampa
Seeing as Tampa is my hometown, it is important to explore its turtle representation
or conservation projects in greater detail. This could also help establish my image
for turtles as it links back to my home.
Lowry Park Zoo:
I must admit I've been going to the zoo since a very young age. These trips have
always been important to my family and reoccur in my memories of growing up. From
what I can recall, there are turtles within the manatee exhibit as well as giant
tortoise having a place of their own.
More recently, I believe the new carousel
addition features a turtle to ride on.
Note: Child Magazine has voted this
the '#1 Family Friendly Zoo In America.'
Conservation-wise, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan (SSP).
This was designed by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) to help ensure the survival
of selected wildlife species through breeding, integrated conservation strategies,
increased public awareness of wildlife conservation issues, research and to reintroduce
captive-bred wildlife into restored or secure habitat as appropriate and necessary.
Florida Aquarium:
Another place in Tampa that we've visited numerous times is the aquarium. I believe
this further reveals my family's love of nature. I realize we've had memberships
with both the zoo and aquarium my whole life. Turtles are found throughout the building
in numerous exhibits, artworks and other features.
From their Sea Turtle Rehab Center:
'Endangered sea turtles are often injured as a
result of cold-strandings and other environmental disasters, as well as man-made
injuries such as boat strikes or entanglement in nets and fishing line. The Center
for Conservation is one of only a few rehabilitation facilities authorized by the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, with a full-time veterinary program
and medical staff that can assist with turtle rehabilitation efforts nationwide, with
an emphasis on critical care and release back into the wild.'
More importantly, they're partners with many organizations and aquariums I've previously
discussed. This only furthers the link back to my hometown.
South Florida