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2010 National Conference
Committees
Bowling for Rhinos
Conservation
Enrichment
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Our chapter has seven committees, each working hard to fulfill our mission!  Committee members volunteer their time and energy, and are the foundation of everything our chapter does. 

Archive

We believe it's important to keep a record of everything our chapter does.  The Archive Committee collects photographs and other records of our chapter's activities.  These are compiled into scrapbooks, display boards, etc. and used to promote our chapter at events.


Bowling for Rhinos

Intrigued?  Check out the site for our most popular conservation fundraiser!  This annual event is hosted by AAZK chapters across the country, and has raised over $3,000,000 since it began in 1990!


Conference

Get ready, Philadelphia!  More than 200 zoo keepers from all over the country will be descending on the city next August for the national AAZK conference, hosted by the Greater Philadelphia Chapter.  The annual conference gives zoo staff the opportunity to share information and learn about the latest breakthroughs in animal management.  We're excited to be hosting the 2010 conference, and are looking forward to a great week!  Want more info?  Check out our conference site.


Conservation

One of our chapter's primary goals is to support conservation efforts both locally and worldwide.  Some members participate in projects, providing both manpower and expertise.  Our chapter also donates funds to support a variety of conservation projects each year.  These projects are chosen by our chapter members, and are often organizations that members have supported in other ways.  For a list of organizations we've supported or to learn how you can help, click here.


Enrichment

Enrichment is used to promote natural behavior in captive settings.  It can be as simple as a cardboard box stuffed with meat that's given to a tiger, or as complicated as a lure coarse set-up for a cheetah.  Our chapter purchases a variety of enrichment items for the animals at the Philadelphia Zoo each year.  We also put up an Enrichment Tree each year, which gives zoo visitors the opportunity to purchase enrichment items for the animals that are chosen by the keepers.  To learn more about enrichment and to see photos of animals utilizing enrichment items, click here.


Fundraising

All of our chapter's activities are made possible through funds raised by our Fundraising Committee.  Because our chapter is made up of volunteers who donate their time, all funds raised go directly to support chapter activities.  We are currently fundraising for our 2010 national conference.  Want to help?  Find out how you can support our efforts with a donation or by purchasing a unique gift, perfect for any occasion!


Social

We all know zoo keepers like to party!  This committee helps keep our chapter happy by arranging a variety of events, including our popular annual keeper-intern picnic.  This event gives zoo interns a chance to hang out with keepers, learn about their jobs, and make connections that can help them as they search for jobs in the field.