The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience needs volunteers for the Traveling Zoo, an educational program for kindergarten through third grade students. Volunteer teachers transport marine animals to schools and present a curriculum that encourages students to become familiar with various marine species while emphasizing the importance of careful observation. The Traveling Zoo offers students a unique experience where they are able to do things such as touch an urchin, lift a horse conch, and feel an anemone. In 2006, Whitney Lab visited many schools in neighboring counties introducing marine animals to over 1,400 students.
Volunteer teachers come from all walks of life and all levels of experience. They do not have to have science or marine – related experience because they will receive training from Whitney Lab staff. If you are interested in volunteering for the Traveling Zoo, please contact Brenda Cannaliato at (904) 461-4014 or brenda@whitney.ufl.edu.
Jacksonville, Florida, November 26, 2007 – Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has become Bushmaster pit viper central among zoos nationwide. The fourteen babies are the first offspring of the Zoo’s 5-year-old, 7-foot 6-inch female Bushmaster and its male mate. This is the first time the two have produced offspring. The eggs were hatched after a 75-day incubation period on September 1, 2007. Each of the neonate Bushmasters (Lachesis muta muta) were an average of 2 ½ ounces in weight and 22 ½ inches long.