Today Yes On I-1401, the statewide initiative campaign to save animals facing extinction, celebrated the endorsement of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums as the newest member of their growing coalition.
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and seven other countries. The association is a leader in saving species and a key organization dedicated to helping animals all over the world.
Excerpt from endorsement:
“One of the most important opportunities to win the race against extinction is Initiative 1401 in Washington State, which would ban the import of endangered species products into the state of Washington. Working together with AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums in Washington, we are hopeful that Initiative 1401 will become a model for other states.”
You can read the entire text of the endorsement on the AZA website.
The Yes On I-1401 campaign has already benefited enormously from the support and engagement of local AZA members the Seattle Aquarium, the Woodland Park Zoo and the Point Defiance Zoological Society. The endorsement of the national organization is a testament to the local leadership in the fight by these local partners to save animals facing extinction.
“The entire Yes On I-1401 is excited and honored to have earned the endorsement of one of the world’s leading organizations fighting to save animals facing extinction,” said Yes On I-1401 spokesperson Aaron Pickus. “The support of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a sign of our growing momentum as we get closer to Election Day. AZA’s support also shows again the national significance of passing I-1401 this November. As a major port state, Washington can help lead the world by showing that the public is demanding that we take real, concrete actions to save animals like elephants, tigers, pangolins and sharks before it’s too late.”
The AZA endorsement comes at a key time for the association as they kick off for their 2015 Annual Conference in Salt Lake City this weekend.