Snowy Plover & Southern Sea Otter Now Part of Santa Barbara Zoo Conservation Hub
John Palminteri
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Barbara Zoo has added the Western Snowy Plover and the Southern Sea Otter to the newly redesigned Richard Block Conservation Hub.
This is an all-ages interactive learning space. There will be researchers and educators there daily near displays, along with actual equipment that is used in both field work and inside habitats.
The zoo is visited by thousands of guests and many school students on field trips annually. For many visitors it is a chance to see an animal, learn about it and find out about research efforts.
Santa Barbara Zoo CEO Charles Hopper said, “we have species here in California that exist here and nowhere else in the world and what an opportunity to care for them in your back yard.”
The goal is to teach those who see the exhibits more about the otter and plover which they may see in the wild. This hands-on program will create a sense of understanding about the native species and the need to be gentle on their environment. On the South Coast plovers have a known habitat on Coal Oil Point west of Isla Vista. Otters are very visible in areas such as the coast of Cambria and in Morro Bay but have found new areas they enjoy south of Point Conception and at times in areas of the Channel Islands.
The zoo is hoping everyone who comes in becomes more knowledgeable and has a sense of caring through wildlife conservation after having these personal experiences.
Santa Barbara Zoo Conservation Science Associate Nadya Seal Faith said, “so often in zoos, you are looking and not touching. We want you to touch please, please come in get hands on learning.”
She also has a strong report card on what’s happening in the wild. “This year we have had a higher count that we have ever had for an otter survey with our partners.” Looking ahead, ” the population is doing what it is supposed to do. “
There is no age specific plan for the new exhibits and research interactions, but the goal is both on the site and off. “Seeing it in the wild sparks this curiosity and amazement that makes you care for it even more,” said Hopper. “That creates the sense of amazement and wonderment and changes the minds of our young future conservationists and who knows what they are going to do.”
In the newly refreshed Conservation Hub, at the top of the property, the zoo says their guests will experience:
Community Conservation – Guests will be encouraged to initiate their own coastal conservation activity by participating in beach and creek clean-ups and transforming their trash into a community marine debris art piece that will be displayed on the room’s central podium.
Custom Interactive Water Table – An immersive, hands-on exploration of coastal habitats and watershed connections. Think touch tank meets video game!
Plover Conservation Experience – Guests will learn how conservation organizations support snowy plovers from intake through release, explore simulated nests and incubators, and learn ways they can contribute to plover conservation efforts.
Otter Spotter Activity – Guests will learn how researchers identify and track sea otters and understand why monitoring populations is critical to conservation success.
Choose Your Own Adventure Activities – Interactive decision-making experiences that allow guests to explore the many ways humans connect with and impact coastal ecosystems.
Conservation Action Opportunities – Guests will discover local conservation partnerships, learn more about Southern California’s marine ecosystems, and explore practical ways they can make a difference in their own communities.
For more information go to: sbzoo.org
The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.