SAVING ANIMALS ONE DAY AT A TIME
The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society helps conserve and protect endangered animals and serves as a safe haven to all animal species.
Dr. Alanna Lecher, an assistant professor at Lynn, is passionate about helping endangered animals.
“Zoos and aquariums provide a valuable service in educating the public about endangered species,” said Lecher.
Originally known as Dreher Park Zoo, the Palm Beach Zoo changed its name after a generous donation from longtime donors George and Harriet Cornell. The Delray Beach couple are well known philanthropists in the area, known for donating $30 million to Cornell Museum for the zoo to open Tiger Falls in spring 2000.
“The Palm Beach Zoo is home to Florida Panthers. Visitors to the Palm Beach Zoo learn not only about the plight of the Florida Panther, but also what they can do in aiding in the recovery of these animals, such as reporting poaching and raising money for rehabilitation of injured panthers,” said Lecher.
Lecher has had a multitude of wonderful experiences at the zoo. “I have visited the zoo, and I found its collection of animals quite impressive for its size. Although I have lived in Florida most of my life, the first time I saw a Florida Panther was at the Palm Beach Zoo.”
Other Lynn professors and students also have experienced this safe haven for animals including Sarah DePeri, junior. “It makes my heart warm to know that there are good zoos out there that want to help animals instead of exploiting them for money and causing them more harm,” she said.
Associate Professor Anna Krift is an avid member of the conservation society. “I am a member of the Palm Beach Zoo and enjoy visiting there with my daughter as often as I can,” she said.
The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is a place to visit for those interested in preserving South Florida wildlife. For more information, visit Palmbeachzoo.org. The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
