Zoo Update with Connie Morgan

Stopping Traffic
February 5, 2019

Photo by Jamie Pham

With the holidays past, it’s time to look ahead at new challenges on the horizon. One of our biggest conservation challenges is the illegal trade in wildlife. This year, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Wildlife Trafficking Alliance are joining WildAid to raise awareness about the threat of poaching. You can learn more about this campaign in this issue of ZOOSCAPE.

Collaboration is one of the most powerful tools that conservationists have. The Los Angeles Zoo collaborates not only with other zoos, but with a range of agencies and NGOs both domestic and international, as well as foundations, sponsors, and private donors who are all committed to protecting wilderness, wildlife, and biodiversity. We also collaborate within the Zoo to accomplish our mission—every division and department has a role to play in our success.

With my retirement imminent, I find that after more than 16 years as part of this community of dedicated, talented, and passionate people, leaving is bittersweet, but I know that the important work will continue and, indeed, accelerate and deepen. I salute my colleagues, and you– our members and our donors. I will always be proud to have been a part of what we accomplished together.