Memphis Zoo

Memphis Zoo’s journey to Sri Lanka marked an exciting chapter for wildlife conservation! Over 12 days, we celebrated the grand opening of the Conservation, Awareness, Research, and Education (CARE) Center Basecamp, explored the future CARE Field Station, and connected with high school and university students while building relationships with potential conservation partners. Working with the incredible Tropical Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) team, including founders Professor Enoka Kudavidanage and Ravi Amarasinghe, we gained deeper insights into Sri Lanka’s unique ecosystems and the challenges of protecting its biodiversity. A special thank you to Dilmah Tea for your warm hospitality and continued support. This is just the beginning of new collaborations and impactful projects. The Memphis Zoo is firmly committed to working alongside our conservation partners and broadening our impact to reach our shared goals of creating adventures and saving wildlife through research, education, and animal welfare.

This past week, Memphis Zoo had the honor of meeting Dilhan Fernando, Chairman and CEO of Dilmah Tea to explore potential opportunities for future collaboration and events. Their conservation branch, Dilmah Conservation, has been a strong partner in supporting Memphis Zoo’s efforts in Sri Lanka, joining us on several events the past two weeks; including, sponsoring the CARE Center opening, hosting multiple student workshops, and fostering future partnerships. ???? Beyond bringing Sri Lanka’s famous tea to the world, Dilmah dedicates 15% of its profits to conservation efforts, supporting impactful initiatives across the country. Together, we are committed to preserve our shared biodiversity and build a sustainable future. ?? #conservation #sustainability #srilanka #memphiszoo #dilmah

Exciting Progress on the CARE Field Station! Phase 2 of the Memphis Zoo & Tropical Ecosystem Research Network (TERN)’s Sri Lanka Conservation Project is underway with the development of the Conservation, Awareness, Research, and Education (CARE) Field Station! ?? Located on the edge of land identified for restoration by TERN, the CARE Field Station will serve as a hub for researchers, students, and conservation partners. Equipped with a field lab, it provides direct access to critical habitats and wildlife. It will complement the nearby CARE Base Camp, a headquarters for community building and educational outreach. This outpost is a game-changer for advancing environmental protection and species conservation efforts. Stay tuned as we continue building a brighter future for Sri Lanka’s incredible ecosystems! #memphiszoo #TERN #CARE #conservation #SriLanka

From The Field: Sri Lanka Edition On the third stop on Memphis Zoo’s trip to continue building and strengthening conservation partnerships in Sri Lanka, our senior veterinarian, Dr. Felicia, and Dr. Sheila Poo, Curator of Research, went to Sabaragamuwa University, where they met with the Vice Chancellor, Professor M. Sunil Shantha to discuss a formal partnership. From there, they went to the Department of Natural Resources, where they gave guest lectures to the student body to share their expertise and talk about how veterinary medical programs and applied research at zoos can contribute to species conservation. We were also excited to meet a master student whose project is funded by Memphis Zoo’s Conservation Action Network grant. Jithmanthi De Silva is studying differences in amphibian endoparasites across different habitats, such as forests, cultivated lands, and human settlements. This is the first study of its type being conducted in Sri Lanka. Jithmanthi presented her research to Dr. Felicia Knightly and Dr. Sheila Poo as well as her advisory committee. With their approval, she will proceed with intensive field data collection over the following year.

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The Memphis Zoo team is excited to be in Sri Lanka to celebrate the opening of the new Conservation, Awareness, Research, and Education (CARE) Center! This center is a partnership between Memphis Zoo and the Tropical Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) in Sri Lanka. On November 10th, we officially opened the Base Camp section, which serves as the main hub for operations and marks the completion of phase one of this exciting project. This project is part of Memphis Zoo’s Conservation 6 initiative. The C6 represents the specific areas where we concentrate our conservation efforts. ? At the opening ceremony, our Curator of Research, Dr. Sheila Poo, and Senior Veterinarian, Dr. Felicia Knightly, joined TERN’s team, including the organization’s founder, Professor Enoka Kudavidanage. Other guests included representatives from conservation organizations such as Dilmah Conservation, Wildlife and Nature Protection Society, and Sabaragamuwa University. Together, we celebrated this important milestone in our shared journey to protect our planet. ? The project emphasizes the use of environmentally friendly materials, with the building constructed from eco-friendly bricks. Community involvement was also essential; local elders blessed the initiative, and TERN actively engaged the community. The station will be managed by local caregivers. ? Phase two will bring us to the opening of the field center, where research labs will be set up to support critical studies. This partnership also marks the start of a long-term effort focused on protecting biodiversity and sharing scientific knowledge across borders. Our hope is to highlight Sri Lanka’s incredibly rich ecosystems and to establish a strong foundation for sharing expertise on biodiversity, conservation, and environmental protection. ? Future efforts also include raising additional funds to furnish the station and install solar panels. The Zoo aims to build a sustainable foundation that benefits both the local community and broader conservation goals.

Over the weekend, Research Curator Dr. Sheila Poo and Senior Veterinarian Dr. Felicia Knightly, visited Dilmah Conservation’s Elephant Transit Home in Sri Lanka, a one of its kind elephant rescue facility focused on the rehabilitation and release of orphaned elephant calves. 80% of orphaned elephants result from human-elephant conflict. Elephant Transit Home currently houses 58 calves, and shortly, they’re hoping to release 18 calves into nearby National Parks. Memphis Zoo staff were invited to participate in a symposium of architecture students, conservation partners and governmental veterinary staff to discuss elephant conservation, in conjunction with the opening of the Conservation, Awareness, Research, and Education (CARE) Center. The CARE Center is a collaboration between Memphis Zoo in the US and Tropical Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) in Sri Lanka. The architecture students had previously conducted a community survey on human-elephant conflict to gauge the CARE Center's future impact. This is the first of many organized events over the next 10 days to solidify a network of potential partners centered around the CARE Center. Stay tuned for more! #memphiszoo #conservation #research

?? Exciting News! ?? Memphis Zoo and Overton Park Conservancy have been awarded a grant from the AZA’s Conservation Grants Fund to create an essential habitat for monarch butterflies right here in Memphis! This project, part of AZA’s SAFE program, will transform areas in Overton Park into thriving sanctuaries filled with native milkweed and nectar plants, providing vital resources for monarchs on their migration journey. https://lnkd.in/ghapsXFh Photo by Melissa McMasters, Overton Park Conservancy

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As we celebrate tiger cubs at the Memphis Zoo, Nashville Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, it's important to remember why these #Births make a difference for the species. ?? With wild #Populations of this critically endangered species numbering fewer than 700 individuals, these #Cubs help strengthen genetic diversity in accredited facilities. Endemic to the spectacular Indonesian island of #Sumatra, the Sumatran tiger is one of the most imperiled species in the order Carnivora. They require sustained vigilance and monitoring from skilled rangers dedicated to protecting them at all costs. ?? The tasks of these #Rangers vary from dismantling snares and destroying poacher camps to placing #Camera traps, reporting unpermitted logging, and recording animal tracks. ?? This globally significant ranger work, regularly performed in physically demanding conditions with limited #Resources, requires extraordinary commitment and dedication. Learn more about how tigers are protected in Connect: https://bit.ly/4gLzOEX #AnimalHealth #EndangeredSpecies #Conservation #Tigers #Indonesia #SumatranTiger #ZooBaby #ZooBorns