Many of the animals you meet at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are furry, feathery, smooth, or scaly ambassadors for their species. Whether out and about in the parks or making appearances on local and national television, these animal ambassadors help to bridge their unique world to ours. Many of these species' populations are declining in their wild habitats. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens' hope is to inspire those who encounter these animals to care for and conserve the world we all share. In this issue of Land, Sea & Air, your students can discover extraordinary animal adaptations and find out ways to help preserve animal habitats in the wild.

In the following activities, K-3 and 4-8 students can learn how animal adaptations help them move, obtain a meal, or survive in their habitat.

Many of the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens animal ambassadors are endangered or threatened species. Students in grades 4-8 can find out which species are endangered in their own backyards through the activity below.

A wide variety of animal ambassador species live at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens. Discover more about these animals at the following links.

The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has provided grants to help preserve populations for many animal species, including parrot and other types of birds that are animal ambassadors in the parks.
 
The Mabula ground hornbill population has been declining at an alarming rate. Learn how multi-year support from the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund is helping recovery efforts for this charismatic species at the following link.

Only about 100 Guayaquil macaws remain in the wild. The fund has provided grants to a captive breeding and release program to bolster the population of this highly endangered species.

Did you know that SeaWorld and Busch Gardens offer camps for school, scout, and other private groups? February is the official start to sign up for SeaWorld and Busch Gardens 2011 Camps. To learn more, visit our Camp website (see link immediately below) or call 866-468-6226.