Conservation

In cooperation with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the Black Bear Conservation Committee (BBCC), the Alexandria Zoo is developing a plan to assist the state in a project where captive born Louisiana black bears will be introduced into the wild, increasing state populations. The introduction plan would be managed by Maria Davidson, biologist and coordinator of the Bear Management Program for LDWF.

The Zoo currently houses three black bears; 1.1 Ursus americanus (American black bear) now on exhibit, and 0.1 Ursus americanus luteolus (Louisiana black bear) which was captured by LDWF as a nuisance (3-strike) animal in 2006. Carrying out the introduction plan as designed by LDWF may involve enlarging the exhibit and increasing our bear holding capacity at the Zoo or off-site. It will definitely involve working with other wildlife facilities and zoos to accommodate a breeding pair of pure Louisiana animals. Management of Ursus americanus luteolus is controlled as other zoos join the effort to conserve the Louisiana black bear.

The BBCC, based in Baton Rouge, LA, is made up of three staff and sixteen board members from Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Texas. Their mission is “to restore the Louisiana black bear to its historic range through education, research and management of habitat and populations.” Partnerships with landowners, government agencies, wildlife facilities, corporations / businessmen, and interested citizens are the key to the success of this mission.

For many years the Zoo has joined forces with the BBCC, working with Executive Director Paul Davidson, Private Land Biologist David Telesco, and BBCC Chairman Dr. Greg Brian to sponsor conservation events such as Bear Awareness Day and Cenla Earth Fair, now also known as Party for the Planet. LDWF biologists have also participated in the Zoo’s free adult lecture series.

The Zoo’s association with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries goes back even farther, as an agency that issues permits for operation of zoo facilities as well as partners in conservation projects. The Zoo staff has also accompanied Ms. Davidson and recorded bear tagging projects on video.

The Alexandria Zoo has chosen the black bear as one of its annual conservation initiatives and through Friends of the Alexandria Zoo an annual financial contribution is made to the BBCC.