Zoos and aquariums the world over are playing an increased role in wildlife and nature conservation. Unfortunately for most of us visiting tropical rainforests and coral reefs is a difficult and expensive endeavor. Many will never do so at any time in their lives. Zoos and aquariums provide an ever more important opportunity for those of us living in big cities, and areas of the world where wilderness has been paved over, the chance to experience nature's wonders first hand. As these important institutions take on a more direct role in conservation through educating their visitors about conservation issues it is important that they can also improve the training available to their staff. If not every visitor can take the time to visit a tropical rain forest, at least staff members can. This way when staff members design exhibits and educational programs, and interact with visitors, they can come from a place of personal understanding, providing a more powerful experience for zoo and aquarium visitors, and hopefully generating more conservation-positive actions.

Eco Preservation Society has committed to developing a zoo and aquarium staff training program, allowing staff members the chance to gain first hand conservation experience. We will utilize our currently existing infrastructure at Playa El Rey and the Manuel Antonio Research and Education Center to provide these experiences, and allow visiting staff members the chance to interact with our full time conservation biologists and our research fellows. We hope this program can become a model for zoological institutions the world over, bringing these important conservation tools a new level of authenticity and effectiveness.