Zoo News
Saving Madagascar Plants
Madagascar is an island that is considered one of the top hotspots for biodiversity because it is home to the largest number of endemic plant and animal species. Endemic means the plants and animals are native only to this country. The opening of Expedition Madagascar on May 7, 2010, will show visitors this unique area of the world.
Omaha Zoo’s work in Madagascar began in 1998 and since the year 2000, the Lab for Rare & Endangered Plants has conducted research on 170 plant species. The research, the first of its kind, encompasses field expeditions, conservation, micropropagation and reintroduction of Madagascar’s most threatened plants.
A total of 839 orchids, including 307 Aeranthes seedlings (orchids), produced in vitro at Omaha’s Zoo, have been returned to Madagascar and reintroduced into their natural habitats. With the help of local residents and Malagasy graduate students, the Aeranthes have a 64 percent survival rate.
Visit Expedition Madagascar, opening May 7, 2010, to see all the beautiful plants and cool animals.