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Conservation News
San Diego Zoo Aids Conservationists with Support for Their Programs
May 14, 2008
For the first time in the history of the Zoological Society of San Diego, two new categories for the annual Zoological Society's Conservation Medal—the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Conservation-In-Action Award—will also include a monetary award to assist with the conservation work being done by the recipients.
The three recipients of the 2008 Conservation Medals are: Richard Louv, whose many books and articles have brought countless readers to a greater understanding of the natural world; Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, D.V.M., who created Conservation through Public Health (CTPH); Laurie Marker, Ph.D., founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund. The Zoological Society's Conservation Medal seeks to support effective conservation accomplished by direct effort and advocacy. The medals are now awarded in three categories: Conservation Advocate, Conservation-In-Action, and Lifetime Achievement.
Laurie Marker, Ph.D., who has worked with cheetahs for over 30 years, is the recipient of the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Marker founded the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia and has been integral in the development of an international captive breeding program for the species. Through her work in Africa, she has eased local community conflicts with cheetahs. In the lab, she has helped to identify the lack of genetic diversity in some cheetah populations. Her decades of effort represent a lifetime achievement.
Another award winner, Gladys Kalema-Zikusosa, D.V.M, founder of the Ugandan not-for-profit organization Conservation through Public Health (CTPH), personifies conservation in action. CTPH works to promote conservation and public health by improving primary health care to people and animals in and around protected areas of Africa. The organization monitors wildlife health, offers workshops to educate local communities about the risk of disease transmission between people, livestock and wild animals, and provides resources for communication to the outside world. Dr. Kalema-Zikusosa is the recipient of the Conservation-In-Action Award.
Richard Louv is the recipient of the Conservation Advocate Award for his body of work communicating conservation ideals. The author of books and articles on the interconnectedness of people and nature says that he is concerned that there is a gap growing between children and the natural world. His latest book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder, addresses these concerns. Through conservation advocacy, his work highlights the need for environmental awareness and action.
All three Conservation Award winners will receive their awards at a special ceremony held at the San Diego Zoo on Thursday, May 15. At this ceremony, two Junior Conservationist winners will also be recognized with an award.
The Conservation Medal was first presented in 1966 at the Zoological Society's golden anniversary celebration. Since that time, more than 50 medals have been awarded to an impressive international array of conservationists. Past recipients of the Conservation Medal include Jane Goodall, Gilbert M. Grosvenor, H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh, Sir David Attenborough, and E. O. Wilson, Ph.D.
