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ALLIANCE URGES ACTION TO HELP PROTECT POLAR BEARS

AMMPA working to assist marine mammals in the Arctic

The future of many marine mammal species depends greatly on environmental conditions and humans taking quick action when serious threats arise. Members of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums are very concerned about climate changes that may be causing the polar sea ice to recede and threatening the lives of polar bears, whales, seals and walrus.

Receding sea ice due to the climate change:

  • Reduces important habitats, which are literally melting away, and
  • Limits the animals’ access to sufficient food/prey. This can lead to reproductive problems, unhealthy offspring, and even starvation.

The consequences of these occurrences for marine life in the Polar Regions are life threatening. Studies indicate that continued climate change will not only have a negative impact on additional species of marine mammals, such as dolphins but also species of turtles, penguins and many other marine life forms.

Based on scientific research and a commitment to the future of marine mammals, Alliance members strongly support the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposal to list polar bears as threatened under the Endangered Species Act and to undertake a comprehensive scientific review to assess the status and future of the species.

Alliance members fund research that contributes to the health and conservation of marine mammal species in the wild. We monitor research and reports relevant to climate change and its affect on marine mammals. To date, Alliance member zoological parks and aquariums have invested tens of millions of dollars over decades in both field research as well as research with animals in their care.

Also, Alliance educators are an important link to informing the public about marine mammals and the threats to their environments. More than 40 million people visit our member facilities each year. An increased awareness about these issues inspires people to care about the animals’ future and to take action. Introducing people to live animals is a powerful, proven way to promote wildlife conservation

Alliance members passionately advocate for the well-being of marine mammals and their habitats. We care about the future of these animals in our care and in the wild and are working to help ensure their populations have a sustainable future.

Fish and Wildlife Service press release on polar bears:
http://www.doi.gov/news/06_News_Releases/061227.html