The OCIC works with nonprofit organizations and regulatory agencies to combine expertise and resources to reach program goals. Coastal Plains Institute, a nonprofit organization based in Florida that works to preserve the biotic diversity of the Coastal Plains, oversees the release sites and conducts regular wildlife surveys to identify ideal release windows.
Striped newts face many threats, from fire and drought to vehicle impacts and habitat loss. This release is part of continued efforts to combat the challenges faced by these amphibians.
In addition to the striped newt program, the OCIC is the only captive breeding facility for the eastern indigo snake with the sole purpose of releasing the offspring into regions where historic populations have disappeared. Through the OCIC’s research and breeding efforts, snakes hatched under the team’s care are reintroduced back to their natural habitats and regions where populations have disappeared. To date, more than 300 eastern indigo snakes have been successfully reintroduced in northern Florida. To learn more, click here.
To view or download visuals, click here.
About the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is home to more than 350 animals in Sanford, Florida. As a not-for-profit organization, it is a leader in conservation, creating connections that inspire people to take action for wildlife. More information is available at www.centralfloridazoo.org.
|