Humberto Mello, Belo Horizonte Zoo/Fundação de Parques Municipais e Zoobotânica, Brazil
Latin America
Zoos have been undergoing a real transformation over the centuries, changing paradigms and getting closer to the real sense of conservation. The development of research and education programs becomes essential, in addition to the reproduction of species that are under human care, especially those threatened with extinction. It is worth mentioning that the enchantment and curiosity that animal life exercises in people, awakens them to develop their understanding of the world. The growing demand to present how and why zoos and aquariums take care of their collections, the Technical Visit Program were created for undergraduate students and other groups whose activities have an interface with wildlife. It is one of the activities considered of great importance by the educational and zoo staffs, which carry it out. A unique opportunity to get behind the scenes and have questions answered about the role of zoos and aquariums in ex-situ and in-situ conservation, the welfare program and how to take a good care of animals. The visits are scheduled from Tuesday to Saturday, last three hours, and have no cost for participants. From 2015 to 2019, 65 technical visits were made, 89% with university classes and 11% with other groups, totaling 1,531 participants. Through the analysis of the evaluation questionnaires presented, it is observed that the objectives are being achieved. Participants understand the objectives of the Zoos and their importance in the integrated conservation of biodiversity.
Speaker Biography
Biologist, Master's degree in Vertebrate Zoology and Diploma in Endangered Species Conservation through Kent University and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, UK. Zoo Biologist since 1993, being Reptile Head from 18 years. Manager of the Environmental Educational Service (2015-2017) and currently Zoo Manager. University Professor for 20 years, teaching in the areas of Biology, Environmental Education, Environmental Management and Sustainability. Also worked in environmental diagnosis, as a consultant, and artistic production.