In September this year, Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo (Woodland Park Zoo) was awarded two national conservation awards by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (Association of Zoos & Aquariums, AZA).
The Woodland Park Zoo's Northern Spotted Frog Reintroduction Project, in partnership with Oregon Zoo and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, won the North American Conservation Award. Another award was the Significant Achievement Award, given for the Silverspot Butterfly Conservation Project—undertaken in collaboration with Oregon Zoo—which falls under the AZA’s National Conservation Awards.
The Northern Spotted Frog Reintroduction Project was initiated to address the declining frog population in Washington State and promote ecological balance. The project has been ongoing for six years and has yielded positive results. Thanks to efforts at the Woodland Park Zoo, the local Silverspot butterfly population has also maintained a healthy upward trend.
Located north of Seattle, the Woodland Park Zoo was established in 1889 and ranks among the top ten zoos in the United States. It is home to nearly 300 species of wildlife, all living in habitats that simulate natural environments. The zoo features areas such as the Asian Elephant Forest and a rare tropical rainforest exhibit in the region. As one of the oldest zoos on the U.S. West Coast, it is a pioneer in the development of naturalistic zoo exhibits. Its featured geographical themes focus on Alaska, Asia’s tropical regions, Africa’s savannahs, and tropical rainforests. The brown bear exhibit, which authentically recreates the rivers and mountain slopes of Alaska, is one of its most popular attractions.
In May 2013, Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo will open a new Asian Small-Clawed Otter exhibit and a dedicated children's interactive area. By 2014, the zoo plans to unveil specialized viewing areas for the endangered Malayan tiger and sloth bear.