{"id":88,"date":"2024-05-31T10:44:50","date_gmt":"2024-05-31T15:44:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/decatur-parks.org.staging3.juiceboxint.com\/decatur-zoo\/?page_id=88"},"modified":"2024-05-31T11:37:27","modified_gmt":"2024-05-31T16:37:27","slug":"conservation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/decatur-parks.org\/scovill-zoo\/about-us\/conservation\/","title":{"rendered":"Conservation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
In spring 2007, Scovill Zoo formed a local chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK). The national organization formed in 1967 in San Diego, CA as a resource for zoo keepers to exchange information and continue their education. Scovill Zoo\u2019s AAZK goals include assisting in conservation and animal protection efforts. Educational booths are also planned for Earth Day celebrations, Zippy Zoo Days and other zoo events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scovill Zoo AAZK partners with the Macon County Conservation District on projects such as prairie burns, retaining appropriate foliage, ridding areas of invasive plant species, and monitoring blue bird nests. On several occasions and most recently in 2023, the group raised funds to adopt an Anatolian shepherd, a breed of working dogs that is an important component of cheetah conservation in Namibia, Africa. For more information about Scovill Zoo\u2019s AAZK chapter and upcoming events, please call the zoo at 421-7435.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scovill Zoo has partnered with the Macon County Conservation District and erected two barn owl nesting boxes on conservation land with several dozen acres of prairie grass. Those two nest boxes were erected in December 2021, and three more nest boxes were put up in December 2023. Other locations are being identified for future nesting boxes around Macon County. Scovill Zoo\u2019s AAZK Chapter purchased a new barn owl box that will be erected on Decatur Park District land in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n