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Contact: Jorge Silva-Bañuelos
Contact: Stephanie Stowell
Contact: Julie Anton Randall
Albuquerque, NM - Valles Caldera National Preserve and the ABQ BioPark recently established a Zoo-Park Partnership for America's Keystone Wildlife to provide vital support in the recovery of New Mexico's native wildlife found at the national park site. They join eight other partnership pairs involving national parks across the country as part of the Zoo-Park Partnerships Project hosted by the Wildlife Restoration Foundation and supported through an agreement between the National Park Service and Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The BioPark and preserve aim to collaborate on the conservation of wildlife native to the preserve, including native bees and bats and at-risk species like the Jemez Mountain salamander, New Mexico meadow jumping mouse and New Mexico's state fish, the Rio Grande cutthroat trout. The goal of these field conservation projects is to measurably increase native wildlife population size, health, viability, and habitat.
A focus of the partnership is to provide BioPark guests with up-close encounters with plants and animals, many of which are uncommon, secretive, or rarely viewed in person at the preserve. The Zoo-Park Partnership will use BioPark exhibits and education programs to deepen audience connections with native wildlife and to encourage active participation in local habitat and species conservation. BioPark and preserve visitors and volunteers will be invited to become conservation stewards and participate in restoration projects at the preserve.
"We are excited to leverage this partnership with the ABQ BioPark to enhance our on-going conservation efforts to restore Valles Caldera's important plant and wildlife habitat," said preserve superintendent Jorge Silva-Bañuelos.
"The BioPark is privileged to educate about the world's incredible and imperiled animals and plants," said Stephanie Stowell, ABQ BioPark director. "We are honored to contribute our expertise in husbandry, horticulture, veterinary care, and species conservation to make New Mexico a place where wildlife thrives."
"Wildlife are part of the historical landscape our nation's parks sustain and interpret. Zoo, aquarium and botanic garden partners contribute expertise and resources to help parks meet America's wildlife health and population recovery goals," said Julie Anton Randall, Zoo-Park Partnerships Project founder and director.
For more information about Valles Caldera National Preserve, visit our website.
For more information about the ABQ BioPark, visit their website.
About Valles Caldera National Preserve
About 1.25 million years ago, a spectacular volcanic eruption created the 13-mile wide circular depression now known as Valles Caldera. The preserve is known for its huge mountain meadows, abundant wildlife, and meandering streams. The area also preserves the homeland of ancestral native peoples and embraces a rich ranching history.
About the National Park Service
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 420 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us on our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube.
Last updated: September 23, 2021