S aving S pecies
Your role in protecting our planet...
Isn’t nature wonderful? Every day we go
outside and the wonders of nature are all
around us: land, water, plants and wildlife.
It’s important that we protect and care for the
world around us, so that we maintain a healthy
ecosystem. Ecosystem means “a group of
living and non-living things that are in the same
area, all working together.” Maintaining an
ecological balance is our responsibility and vital
for a healthy planet — ensuring that nature will
be around for future generations to enjoy.
The key to protecting our world is conservation.
In this issue of Backyard Action Hero, you
will learn about some of the species that are
currently in danger of becoming extinct and
what you can do to help. Many of the animals
you'll learn about are also part of the Saving
Animals From Extinction (SAFE) program: a
coordinated effort between more than 200
Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited
institutions to help protect animal species that
are desperately in need — animals that they
are best able to assist. You can learn more
about what zoos are doing to help animals at
LouisvilleZoo.org/SAFE.
Human activity has had a large impact on
many of these species. The expansion of
agriculture, human settlements and industrial
development has left their populations
struggling due to loss of their natural habitat
or places they live.
For example, you’ll learn about the Olive Ridley
sea turtle, a species losing its nesting habitat
due to coastal development. You’ll learn about
polar bears at the Zoo. Their wild cousins are
losing sea ice habitat due to climate change.
We’ll also invite you to observe the western
lowland gorilla. Gorilla populations are being
affected by deforestation: meaning their
forest habitat is being cut down for human
use. All of these animals are affected by human
activity — but you can make a difference.
Protecting the world around you may seem
like a big job, but when everyone helps we can
make a difference. Just by reading this, you
have already begun! It all starts with becoming
informed about the world around you.
Start your journey on the path to becoming
a conservation hero and learn about the
wonderful animals that need your help. (After
you have finished reading, you can visit some
of the amazing animals in this guidebook at
your Louisville Zoo!)
By educating guests about wildlife conservation
through amazing encounters with animal
ambassadors and nature, the Louisville Zoo
works to demonstrate how our actions at
home impact our world and inspire guests to
consider their role in the balance of the health
of our planet.