Disney’s Animal Kingdom was recently recognized for one of the park’s sustainability programs.
The theme park was awarded the 2014 Edward H. Bean Award for its work with the Taveta golden weaver, an African bird.
The award was presented by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and recognizes programs that contribute to the reproductive success of one or more species or subspecies. The AZA looks at the significance of the breeding program for species conservation, and the long-term commitment to the program.
Since 1998 the Aviary team at the Animal Kingdom bred more than 900 Taveta golden weaver chicks and was instrumental in saving the North American population of the bird. The chicks are now living in zoos around the country.
The Animal Kingdom’s Aviary team also received the Edward H. Bean Award in 2008 for its work with Carmine Bee-eaters.
