Gulf Oil Spill

How is Wildlife Impacted by the Oil Spill?

Oil is toxic to wildlife. For example, oiled birds get sick, have trouble keeping warm, and develop skin lesions. Sea turtle eggs contaminated by oil fail to hatch or produce deformed hatchlings. Marine mammals that inhale harmful fumes as they surface for air or eat contaminated plants or prey are poisoned.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) reports that thousands of birds, hundreds of sea turtles, and several dozen marine mammals have been collected in Louisiana, Florida, and neighboring states since the oil spill occurred. While most of these animals did not survive, others have been successfully treated and released. The effects of oil contamination on wildlife habitat will affect generations to come.

Which of the Zoo’s Animal Species does the Oil Spill Affect?

Animal species at the Zoo that have or may be affected in the wild by the oil spill include the Florida manatee, American crocodile, bobcat, tri-colored heron, double-crested cormorant, and ruddy duck.

What’s Happening with Manatees Regarding the Oil Spill?

Although no manatees have encountered oil yet (as of 7/7/10), it is possible that the oil will reach manatees or that manatees will move into oiled areas. Manatee experts are not sure exactly how oil would affect manatees, but are certain that it would be toxic, especially if the manatees have ingested oiled sea grasses.

The USFWS has developed an action plan to address the threats to manatees. Aerial flights survey waters that have been oiled or may soon become oiled in search of sick and injured wildlife, including manatees. If a manatee is in distress or potential danger, a rescue team will attempt a capture. It will be transported to a de-oiling station where it will be assessed and cleaned with dish soap. Once medically cleared, the manatee will then be transported to a long-term holding facility at Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park. Manatees will not be released until the threat of oil contamination is eliminated.

More on Saving Manatees

What is the Zoo Doing to Help?

Zoo and aquarium professionals are assisting USFWS with animal rescue and rehabilitation. The Cincinnati Zoo has offered to send highly trained personnel to help move manatees, clean birds, and rescue other wildlife. Staff members are on call and ready to go at a moment’s notice when needed.

The Zoo also continues to lower its carbon footprint by using less fossil fuels, including oil.
Less oil used = Reduced need for drilling = Lower chance of oil spills
The Zoo has committed to building green and pursues certification from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) on all new construction projects. LEED is the industry-recognized, voluntary standard for sustainable building design, which includes energy efficiency. The Zoo also works to retrofit existing buildings with green features whenever possible. For example, the Zoo uses solar panels and geothermal wells to generate clean energy.