In the About Us section:
2012-2013 Passion into Conservation Action (PICA) Grant Recipient
In 2012, the Birmingham Zoo started the Passion into Conservation Action (PICA) Program, which allows employees to submit conservation research projects that the Zoo will fund. These projects support the Zoo’s conservation initiatives. After the applications were reviewed and narrowed down through a selection process, individuals were awarded grants to fund their chosen projects.
Travis Coty, Zoo Keeper (Predator Department)
Destination: Karoo Cat Research Farm in South Africa
Travel Dates: March 7-24, 2013
Project: Research with Small African Felids
Travis assisted Dr. Mircea Pfleiderer on a research farm in South Africa and learned about the keeping, behavior and ecology of the local felid species (Serval, Caracal, African Wild cat and Black-footed cat). This research included both observing the cats in captivity and field investigations. Main research subjects were: social and hunting/feeding behavior, maternal behavior and ontogenesis, comparative ethology, ecology, systematics and taxonomy, and zoo biology.
Benefit to Conservation:
The breeding program addressed the reintroduction demand for South African preserves, as well as the need to increase rare felids in zoos to broaden genetic populations.
Benefit to Birmingham Zoo:
- Gained knowledge of wild African cats in their native environment.
- Created a positive public impact, showing visitors that the Birmingham Zoo plays a direct role in small felid animal research and is always trying to find a better way to care for its animals.
Benefit to Career:
- Further developed husbandry skills for small felids.
- Networked internationally with experts.
- Increased communication skills by presenting to groups and colleagues about experience in South Africa.
Brandon Moyer, Zoo Keeper (Reptile Department)
Destination: Pelican Point in Weeks Bay, Alabama
Travel Dates: April 5-7, 2013
Project: Oyster Reef Restoration
Brandon assisted in the Nature Conservancy’s ongoing project in Mobile Bay to restore three acres of oyster reef, which in turn will protect two miles of coastline and promote the growth of about 30 acres of sea grass beds. Oyster reefs provide suitable habitats for juvenile fish and invertebrates and protect the shoreline from wave erosion. The oysters themselves filter sea water and improve water quality.
Benefit to Conservation:
This project helped to create habitats for oysters and countless other species that rely on oysters to provide suitable habitats. These artificially created reefs also absorb wave energy and protect shoreline habitat from erosion.
Benefit to the Birmingham Zoo:
- Furthered Zoo’s involvement in an important conservation issue that occurs in the state of Alabama.
- Brought attention to a local conservation issue and communicated new knowledge to Zoo staff and guests.
Benefit to Career:
- Allowed Brandon to better communicate with Zoo visitors about critical conservation issues happening on a local/statewide level.
