ADOPTED - JULY 27, 2010

                                                                                                                                                   Agenda Item No. 13

Introduced by the County Services Committee of the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION THANKING POTTER PARK ZOO STAFF

AND RECOGNIZING JULY 18-24, 2010 AS NATIONAL ZOO KEEPERS WEEK

RESOLUTION #10-213

WHEREAS, worldwide, animal populations are declining with many facing extinction; and

WHEREAS, zoological institutions have become the final hope for many endangered species recovery programs through conservation research, release programs, and by being a portal through which the general public can view and appreciate disappearing wildlife; and

WHEREAS, zoological institutions are also population managers of keystone and cornerstone species, emphasizing the restoration of not just the endangered species, but a restoration of the delicate balance of nature; and 

WHEREAS, Zoo Keepers are animal caretakers devoting their lives to caring for these animals; and

WHEREAS, Zoo Keepers have become the spokespersons for vanishing wildlife, endangered species, and preservation of nature’s threatened wildlands to the public; and

WHEREAS, Zoo Keepers have become animal specialists, as educators, behavior managers through operant conditioning and enrichment, and reproductive specialists through improved observations and husbandry; and

WHEREAS, to increase public awareness about the need to preserve precious habitats and the animals which inhabit them and to recognize the important role that Zoo Keepers play in animal conservation and education.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners thanks the Zoo Keeper staff for providing excellent care to the animals entrusted to the Zoo’s care at Potter Park Zoo and recognizes the important role of the Zoo Keeper staff regarding species survival and husbandry. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, a week of celebration is hereby declared at Potter Park Zoo in honor of National Zoo Keepers Week, July 18-24, 2010.

COUNTY SERVICES:  Yeas:  Schor, Celentino, Grebner, McGrain, Vickers

Nays:  None              Absent:  Copedge     Approved 7/20/10