FIU, Zoo Miami formalize research and community outreach partnership


FIU and Zoo Miami will officially come together to explore and develop greater research and community outreach initiatives. Representatives from each institution will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to formalize the established partnership, dubbed Zoo Biology.

Zoo Biology will focus on key areas including reproduction, demographics, genetics, behavior, medicine, husbandry, nutrition, conservation and all aspects related to exhibition and maintenance of wild animals in wildlife parks, zoos and aquariums.

The signing will occur Tuesday, July 16, 2013, at 3 p.m., in front of the giraffe exhibit at Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152nd St., Miami, FL 33177. In case of rain, the signing will be moved to the Flooded Forest building.

Immediately following the signing, work will begin on joint research initiatives and the establishment of internship opportunities for students in FIU’s College of Arts & Sciences and School of Hospitality.  Long-term, the partnership calls for the creation of Ph.D. projects, public seminars on biodiversity and conservation, professional courses on zoo management and policy, and more.

Attendees include: Eric Stephens, Zoo Miami, director; Dr. Harlan Chiron, Zoological Society of Florida, chairman of the board; Dr. Frank Ridgley, Zoo Miami, conservation and research manager; Dr. Douglas Wartzok, FIU, provost; Dr. Kenneth G. Furton, FIU’s College of Arts & Sciences, dean; Dr. Mike Hampton, FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, dean; and Dr. Mike Heithaus, FIU’s School of Environment, Arts and Society, executive director.