Today, with voting in Washington State on Initiative 1401 fully underway, 10 leading zoological organizations from across the United States joined in support of action to save animals facing extinction. These organizations, which boast annual attendance of over 15 million visitors, represent 15 separate zoos and aquariums in states ranging from Oregon to Georgia. They join the four Washington institutions – Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Aquarium, and Point Defiance Zoo Society – that have endorsed Initiative 1401 in supporting efforts to strengthen the protections for endangered species.

The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) endorsed Initiative 1401 in September.

“Animal conservation and protection across the globe is a fundamental part of our mission,” said the supporting organizations in a statement. “One of the greatest threats to endangered animals like elephants, rhinos and sharks is poaching and illicit trafficking in endangered species products like ivory, rhino horn. America’s zoos and aquariums are playing a leading role in supporting efforts to strengthen the protections for endangered species.

“Zoos and aquariums have special roles in each of our communities. Our institutions will always be safe and educational places for families, but now, most of us are considering how we can be most effective in fighting for the conservation of our planet’s most precious animals and habitat,” said Bruce Bohmke, acting president and CEO of Woodland Park Zoo, Gary Geddes, Director of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium & Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, and Bob Davidson, President and CEO of Seattle Aquarium in a letter to their fellow institutions. “The four AZA institutions in Washington state…have taken a leading role in a state-wide citizens’ initiative effort, known as Initiative 1401. The goal of this measure is not only to do our part in saving these animals, but to break the demand cycle in our state and create a model for other states to do the same.”

“We are honored to have the support of those working every day to help protect endangered and threatened animals,” said Stephanie Ervin, campaign manager for Yes On I-1401. “The movement to fight poaching is strong nationwide. In less than two weeks, Washington State can show the country – and the world – that the public will stand up to save animals facing extinction.”

A complete list of the zoos and aquariums around the country who now support the campaign to save animals facing extinction:

• Mystic Aquarium, Mystic

• Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta

• Zoo Boise, Boise

• Baton Rouge Zoo, Baton Rouge

• National Aquarium, Baltimore

• Zoo New England, representing Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo

• Wildlife Conservation Society, representing The Bronx Zoo

• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Powell

• Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport

• Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Eatonville