NEW BIRDS-EYE VIEW OF CONSERVATION ALLOWS INTERACTION San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy Takes Flight

Conservation enthusiasts, animal lovers, scientists, students, parents and anyone with an interest in wildlife now has direct access to a world that only scientists and zookeepers once had. On Monday, the new website, www.sandiegozooglobal.org, launched with the first-ever live web camera in a California condor nest.

     The web cam is the first for the nonprofit organization in eight years. This window into the life of an endangered bird species will provide a unique view. With the start of a new breeding season just around the corner, online viewers may witness rare moments at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park previously only seen by condor keepers and biologists such as courtship, parents incubating an egg, hatching, parents caring for the young and a chick's first flight!

     "This endeavor organizes the communication of the combined conservation efforts of the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park and San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research under one umbrella, the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy," said Allison Alberts, Ph.D., San Diego Zoo Global chief conservation and research officer. "The Wildlife Conservancy, dedicated to bringing endangered species back from the brink of extinction, represents a unique opportunity for people all over the world to come together to help wildlife."

     The dynamic content available online at sandiegozooglobal.org, gives visitors to the site access to content used by researchers to better understand the wildlife they study, including a comical time-lapse video of a family of nine burrowing owls - seven chicks and the parents - busying themselves at the opening to their burrow.

     "You will notice that the face of San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy is the people," said Ted Molter, San Diego Zoo Global corporate director of marketing. "The work being done by our dedicated staff is recognized as much as the species we are working to save. You will also see that each section, such as the Condor Cam page, highlights the integration of keepers, curators, educators, scientists and our partners."

     The content, which includes wildlife notes from the field, is driven by these experts. There is more storytelling from a personal perspective, giving online users an opportunity to meet the people behind the Wildlife Conservancy and take part in their adventures through photos, videos and first-hand accounts of wildlife conservation.

     There will also be opportunities for supporters to physically ride along with a scientist working on a local conservation project. "Like" the new Conservancy's Facebook page, which also launched on Monday, and enter for a chance to accompany conservationists into the field. A new Twitter page will provide regular updates. Another tool for supporters to get involved will be user-generated content. People can submit their own wildlife photos for a chance to have it featured prominently on the homepage.