Two staff members at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium were recently appointed to leadership positions of regional and national projects of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Senior Aquarist Carly Hulse was elected to the Aquatic Invertebrate Taxonomic Advisory Group Steering Committee for AZA. This group shapes national industry policy and recommendations for the care of all aquatic invertebrate animals in the care of zoos and aquariums. Invertebrates include mollusks, the group of animals that is the primary focus of the National Shell Museum & Aquarium. The Steering Committee prioritizes species for conservation action, provides resources for proper aquatic invertebrate care, and develops methods that ensure a sustainable supply of naturally abundant but difficult to obtain species.
Director of Finance and Operations Ryan Powell was elected as Treasurer of the Board of the Florida chapter of AZA (FAZA). FAZA focuses on collaboration and promoting the high ethical standards established by AZA in zoos, aquariums, and animal parks throughout Florida. FAZA member institutions, which includes the National Shell Museum & Aquarium, collaborate on maintaining populations of rare species and contributing to wildlife conservation efforts.
Said Sam Ankerson, Executive Director of the Museum, ‘’As a new and specialist aquarium that received accreditation by AZA in 2022, we are thrilled for Carly and Ryan to be joining broader networks, making their own contributions to the field, and building opportunities to collaborate on education and science with colleagues and institutions near and far.’’
The National Shell Museum & Aquarium was accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in August of 2022. Founded in 1924, AZA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA represents the highest international ethical, operational, and educational standards for zoos and aquariums, Accreditation is a major honor – there are currently just over 250 accredited members in 13 countries.
Learn more at AZA.org.
About the Museum: The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is a natural history museum and aquarium, and the only museum in the United States devoted primarily to shells and mollusks. Its mission is to use exceptional collections, aquariums, programs, experiences, and science to be the nation’s leading museum in the conservation, preservation, interpretation, and celebration of shells, the mollusks that create them, and their ecosystems. For more information, please visit ShellMuseum.org or call (239) 395-2233.
