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Contact: Gina Stiles, 904-757-4463, ext. 210

Koalas' Departure Opens Door to Critical Amphibian Conservation Efforts at the Zoo

December 18, 2006 – Jacksonville, FL –   Officials at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announced today that their two Queensland koalas will be returned to their former home at the San Diego Zoo within the next week. The move will enable the Zoo to assist in the critically important “global amphibian extinction crisis.”  The koala exhibit located in the Australian Adventure area will be transformed into an amphibian conservation center to allow for the Zoo’s participation in this effort.  To date, there are122 species of amphibians believed to have become extinct since the1980s.  Scientists estimate that almost half of all amphibians are now threatened or endangered.

“Amphibians are biological indicators of the health of ecosystems, so there is tremendous concern over the news of significant amphibian declines,” said Delfi Messinger, director of animal programs for the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.  “Although the koalas will be greatly missed by Zoo staff and guests, it is very important that we respond to the call to assist in making a contribution to this very serious problem.”

The koalas came to the Jacksonville Zoo in 2004, when it first opened its Australian Adventure area.  The Zoo staff is comforted in knowing that the koalas will fly to San Diego under the care of a Jacksonville Zoo representative via Southwest Airlines, whose staff is experienced in transporting these relatively sensitive animals. They will also be well cared for at the San Diego Zoo, which is widely recognized as the leading institution in koala management in the United States.

For over 90 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experience in a caring environment.  Starting in 1914 with an animal collection that consisted of one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has grown to house more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and over 1,500 unique plant species.  The Zoo is a non-profit organization and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  Located on Jacksonville’s north side two miles off I-95, the Zoo is open year-round, 7 days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information on the Zoo, log on to jacksonvillezoo.org.

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