RE: Speaking of Public Aquariums... Was "Re: NANFA-- Newport Aqua
Denkhaus, Robert (DenkhaR_at_Ci.Fort-Worth.TX.US)
Fri, 6 Oct 2000 10:44:24 -0500
Personally, that is why I left the zoo world and went to work in nature
centers. Nature Centers are more locally based and their missions include
educating visitors about the world outside their back doors. Native
animals, including fish, are often exhibited in nature centers although they
are not typically exhibited in huge, naturalized exhibits do to lack of
funding. Our facility exhibits longnose and spotted gar, channel catfish,
green sunfish, orangespot sunfish, red shiners, the occasional madtom, etc
in addition to various other aquatic and terrestrial natives. My point is
that we, as native fish enthusiasts, can do a lot to improve the exhibits
that are out there and the information that is presented to the public by
getting involved on the local level with our local nature centers,
environmental education centers, outdoor learning centers, etc. Leave the
big public zoos and aquaria to the recreational public and get involved with
the Nature Centers' grassroots movement. (Anyone on the list from the north
central Texas area is welcome to lend a hand at our place!)
Rob Denkhaus
Nature Center Supervisor
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
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