Tag: conservation (Page 1 of 3)

You’re Invited to “Garden in the Gulf” Watch Party

April 16, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Hosted by KPRC 2 Chief Meteorologist Anthony Yanez

Garden in the Gulf: A Reef Rescue Mission airing on KPRC 2

Moody Gardens is hosting a public watch party for the premiere of “Garden in the Gulf: A Reef Rescue Mission” airing on KPRC 2. This one-hour TV special highlights vital coral reef conservation efforts by the Moody Gardens Dive Team, in collaboration with NOAA, to help preserve the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in the Gulf. 

Viewers will gain insight into the progress being made to protect these reefs, uncover the environmental stories hidden within coral cores, and explore the challenges posed by invasive species like lionfish. These ongoing conservation efforts could help rehabilitate living coral reefs around the world, which continue to suffer from the impacts of a growing global population and a changing climate.

Special guests include KPRC 2 Chief Meteorologist Anthony Yanez and Moody Gardens Director of Marine Operations Jake Emmert, who will be in attendance to share more about the making of the special with guests and the important work being done to preserve our Gulf ecosystems.

Though not required, it is recommended to register for this free event online at: www.moodygardens.com/watchparty

A diver from NOAA looks on as a large manta ray swims by during a research expedition at the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary located in the Gulf of Mexico.

In 2024, KPRC 2 and Anthony Yanez filmed a three part series called “Saving the Garden in the Gulf of Mexico.” The live presentation being held at the MG3D Theater will be the conclusion to the diving series that took part last year. You can find all three segments below:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Join Us at NestFest 2025

January 24, 2025 /

Help cleanup the beach for nesting birds and turtles!

NestFest 2025 is being held on March 11 from 9am to 12pm on Bolivar Peninsula, Galveston Island and Follet’s Island.

Protecting Texas’ coastlines has never been more important, and NestFest 2025 is your chance to take action for nesting shorebirds and sea turtles! Join us on Saturday, March 11th, from 9 AM to 12 PM, for a coastal cleanup event spanning 12 locations across Galveston Island, Follet’s Island, and Bolivar Peninsula. This free, family-friendly event invites volunteers of all ages to help clear harmful marine debris from critical nesting habitats, ensuring a safer environment for nesting birds, sea turtles, and their young.

A lone fisherman stands out in the calm waters during the early dawn hours at the San Luis Pass near the Blue Water Highway off of Follet's Island.
A lone fisherman stands out in the calm waters during the early dawn hours at the San Luis Pass near the Blue Water Highway off of Follet’s Island. Photo by Kerry M. Toorcana

NestFest is a conservation project organized by SPLASh (Stopping Plastics and Littler Along Shorelines) with a mission to create a cleaner environment for people, birds, and other wildlife in the greater Houston-Galveston region through community science, education, and outreach.

Spring is a vital time for Texas beaches, as thousands of shorebirds and sea turtles migrate to lay their eggs. Unfortunately, these coasts also accumulate trash ten times faster than any other Gulf state, creating hazardous obstacles for wildlife. NestFest helps combat this issue by cleaning shorelines ahead of the nesting season, giving species like the Wilson’s Plover, Snowy Plover, Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles, and more a greater chance of survival.

Volunteers will not only contribute to an essential conservation effort but will also enjoy exclusive perks. Participants will receive NestFest giveaways, including stickers and t-shirts (while supplies last), and a BOGO coupon valid for a Moody Gardens day pass or individual ticket, redeemable from March 11 through March 31, 2025.

NestFest is hosted by Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, American Bird Conservancy, Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research, Galveston Bay Area Chapter – Texas Master Naturalists, and SPLASh, with Moody Gardens as a proud sponsor of this impactful event.

A mottled-brown willet squawks out a warning to passerbys at the Galveston Island State Park.
A Willet squawks out a warning to passerbys at the Galveston Island State Park. Photo by Kerry M. Toorcana

Texas’ coastlines are home to some of the world’s most endangered wildlife, like the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle. Events like NestFest play a vital role in protecting these habitats and raising awareness about conservation.

Since its inception in 2023, NestFest has continued to grow in reach and impact. This year’s cleanup sites promise to create safer environments for species that depend on the Texas coastline to thrive.

To learn more about NestFest, register to volunteer, or find a cleanup location near you, visit splashtx.org/nestfest. Together, we can make a difference for Texas wildlife.

A flock of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks float together in a long row across the murky waters of Shoveler Pond surrounded by lilies and moss.
A flock of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks float together in a long row across the murky waters of Shoveler Pond surrounded by lilies and moss. Photo by Kerry M. Toorcana

Counting for Conservation: Rare Birds and Big Discoveries at the Audubon Christmas Bird Count

January 2, 2025 /

Written by Clayton Leopold. Edited by Kerry M. Toorcana

The second, official sighting of a juvenile Yellow-headed Caracara on the beach of Galveston. Speckled yellow across a dark brown coat along with a signature beak indicative from birds of prey.
The second, official sighting of a Yellow-headed Caracara on the beach of Galveston. Photo by Greg Whittaker, General Curator at Moody Gardens.

On December 17th, Greg Whittaker, General Curator and Clayton Leopold, Field Biologist at Moody Gardens, participated in the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count, a nationwide event that celebrates 125 years of citizens science data. This is the longest running citizen science event in the Nation! The count is bound withing a 15 mile diameter circle that is then broken into sections to organize coverage. Volunteers count birds for a 24 hour period, and not only enumerates species, but also counts each individual.

During the count, several bird species were documented, some of which were rare species for the count. We had unique birds like Orchard Oriole, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Tropical Parula, and Eastern Screech Owl.

The real star of the count was a Juvenile Yellow-headed Caracara! Only in recent years has this species been spotted in the United States, and second time in Texas! Greg located the bird on Galveston beach and was able to obtain identifiable photos which aids in detailed documentation. 

An ash-throated Flycatcher sits on a withered brown brand in a forest setting with rays of sunlight peeking through the forage.
Ash-throated flycatcher. Photo by Clayton Leopold, Field Biologist at Moody Gardens

Christmas bird counts were born out of an effort to turn a yearly hunting extravaganza into a conservation initiative. Today, Moody Gardens participates in Christmas bird counts to support these efforts. Data from these counts can help track population changes over time and can lead to a better understanding of how threats are affecting species.

To learn more about the Audubon Christmas Bird Count and even participate, you can read more here.

Moody Gardens SAVY donates $2,000 to conservation efforts!

September 17, 2024 /

Donation Supports the Association of Zoos & Aquariums SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction

Members of the Moody Gardens Education Department and the SAVY (Society for the Advancement of Volunteer Youth) present a donation check for $2,000 towards the AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) program.
Members of the Moody Gardens Education Department and the SAVY (Society for the Advancement of Volunteer Youth) present a donation check for $2,000 towards the AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) program.

The Society for the Advancement of Volunteer Youth (SAVY) is proud to announce its donation of $2,000 to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction program. This program is dedicated to protecting threatened animals and implementing crucial conservation strategies.

Members of SAVY use an educational, interactive cart while speaking to visitors inside the Rainforest Pyramid.
Members of SAVY use an educational, interactive cart while speaking to visitors inside the Rainforest Pyramid.

Funds for the donation were raised by SAVY teams through public engagement about the animals in the pyramid attractions. Volunteers staffed interactive educational booths, speaking with visitors before they entered the attractions. The majority of the SAFE donation came from these visitor contributions. As a Moody Gardens youth volunteer group, SAVY directly supports Moody Gardens’ mission to utilize nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research.

SAFE works to safeguard species at risk of extinction by creating recovery plans, connecting AZA facilities, and measuring conservation efforts. SAVY’s interactive educational display at Moody Gardens has played a key role in this initiative, teaching guests about the SAFE program and highlighting the specific animals that Moody Gardens supports through SAFE.

SAVY, offers a unique opportunity for individuals aged 13 to 17 to engage in community service while gaining hands-on experience in various career fields, including biology and education.

Through their involvement, SAVY members contribute to Moody Gardens’ educational and conservation efforts, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to its mission. SAVY members have played a crucial role in supporting the SAFE program, demonstrating their commitment to conservation and community involvement.

Applications for the Summer SAVY program will open in December of 2024, offering new volunteers the opportunity to contribute to important projects and gain valuable skills.

Gulf Restoration Live Chat at the MG3D Theater on August 1

July 30, 2024 /

Learn about the work being done in the Gulf to repair the damage done by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill

Gulf Restoration Live at the Moody Gardens Theater on Thursday, August 1 from 6pm to 7pm. Learn about the restoration of habitats in the Gulf of Mexico after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Did you know that Moody Gardens divers help support the restoration of deep-sea corals in the Gulf of Mexico that were injured by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill? Join divers and staff from NOAA, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, and other related organizations to learn all about these efforts and connect live on the big screen to an exciting expedition at sea happening right now!

This free event will take place in the Moody Gardens 3D Theater from 6pm to 7pm. Register for the event here.

Divers from Moody Gardens make their way down to the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary coral reefs.
Brilliant and varied colored coral reefs sitting on the ocean floor at the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.

Joining Forces for Conservation: Moody Gardens Partners with Ecology Project International and Pacuare Reserve

July 3, 2024 /

Advancing Wildlife Protection and Environmental Education Through Global Collaboration

Ecology Project International and Pacuare Rserve enters into conservation partnership with Moody Gardens.
Moody Gardens is proud to be official partners with Ecology Project International (EPI) and Pacuare Reserve.

Moody Gardens is excited to announce a new partnership in conservation and education with Ecology Project International (EPI) and Pacuare Reserve. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to protecting wildlife and promoting environmental awareness.

The Agami Heron at its breeding grounds in Costa Rica at Pacuare Reserve.
Agami Heron perched on a decaying log in the Costa Rican tropical forest at Pacuare Reserve.

Our partnership with Pacuare Reserve includes funding assistance for conservation projects, staffing, and research. This support is vital for expanding the conservation efforts focused on the rare and magnificent Agami Heron, among other species.

This multi-year endeavor aligns with our mission of advancing conservation and education through successful international collaborations. One of our initial joint projects involves contributing to the construction of an observation blind for the majestic Agami Heron and hatcheries that protect sea turtle nests. We look forward to achieving great things together through joint research initiatives, educational programs, and impactful conservation projects.

Ecology Project International is a non-profit organization that fosters
place-based education partnerships among educators, experts, and students.
The work of EPI helps promotes scientific and community-based conservation, which addresses human and environmental threats.

Pacuare Reserve, managed by EPI, is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including three species of monkeys, 252 bird species, sea turtles, jaguars, and ocelots to name a few. The reserve, accessible only by boat, welcomes eco-tourists, students, and researchers to its dense jungle outpost.

Visitors can look forward to observing the flora and fauna first hand which can give them a real sense of the world in its natural environment. They can also participate in census collection and field research where they can observe and study species such as sea turtles, monkeys, felines and birds.

Additionally, they can learn about the diverse species and natural wonders of the reserve, with field assistants who explain scientific terms in simple, easy-to-understand language. For those unable to visit, donations are welcomed to support ecosystem protection, research, and education in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss.

Two Spider Monkeys look down through the branches of the rainforest at Pacuare Reserve.
Curious Spider Monkeys looking down through the branches of the dense rainforest.

The Agami Heron, known for its vibrant breeding colors, is classified as Vulnerable due to habitat loss and other threats. Its small, scattered population makes it especially vulnerable. The research project at Pacuare Reserve is vital for protecting this species by studying its behavior, migration, and habitat needs, and sharing the findings with the international Agami Heron Working Group.

Research and conservation programs for the Agami Herons faces challenges, including the need for advanced technology like satellite transmitters and high-quality optical instruments. Moody Gardens is supporting Pacuare Reserve by helping design and place a blind to enhance the observation site. This will allow researchers, and participants to gather more accurate data and improve existing conservation strategies.

Together, Moody Gardens and EPI are confident that our joint efforts will lead to significant advancements in conservation and education for the Agami Heron and other species that can be found at Pacuare Reserve.

World Migratory Bird Day on May 11

May 10, 2024 /

Protect Insects, Protect Birds

Participate in celebrating the importance of migratory birds this Saturday, May 11th. Insects play a hugely important role in the life cycle of birds and within the varied ecosystems of Planet Earth.

In conjunction with the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council, there are three events planned to occur at Moody Gardens and one event that takes place offsite on Galveston Island:

Houston Audubon Urban Survey
Moody Gardens Golf Course
1700 Sydnor Lane, Galveston TX
Travel by golf cart across the greens to take a survey of all the birds on the course. Must RSVP, with a limit of six people per party to (409) 370-4585
7:00 AM – 8:30 AM

Moody Gardens Learning Place
Listen to knowledgeable staff as they discuss native plant gardens and actions that can be taken to help bird populations. This is a FREE to the public event.
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Moody Gardens Colonel Paddlewheel Tour
This boat tour will focus on bird migration throughout Galveston.
Tickets must be purchased for this event here.
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

The theme, ‘Protect Birds, Protect Insects’ which forms the focus for this year’s ‘Migratory Bird Day,’ are important for several reasons.

Insects are an importance food source for many creatures, they recycle nutrients by eating decaying plants and animals, they are also pollinators to 85% of all flowering plants including crops, and they are herbivores that promote biodiversity. Habitat degradation, pesticides, invasive species and more all threaten this balance in nature.

A Black-necked Stilt feeds in the retention ditch at Moody Gardens West Lot.

When it comes to humans, there are several actions that we can take to protect insects and the birds that rely on them for survival.
• Leave the Leaves: leaves provide nutrients and shelter for many insects
• Plant Native: native insects do better with native plants
• Reduce Chemical Use: have a natural lawn instead of a manicured lawn
that uses pesticides
• Dim Your Lights: both insects and birds are affected by artificial light at
night. Turn off unnecessary lights and make sure any outdoor lighting is
Dark Spy approved.

Happy World Migratory Bird Day!

Shark Finning Banned in Texas!

July 7, 2015 /

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After years of campaigns to bring awareness and promote change, the trading of shark fins has finally been outlawed in Texas.

Texas became the 10th state, and the first Gulf coast state to prohibit the sale of shark fins after Governor Greg Abbott signed a new bill on June 20. The new law is a win for shark conservation groups across the globe, since Texas had become a major location in the shark fin trading business.

Finning is federally banned in U.S. waters, but import and export of them is still allowed in a lot of places stateside. That is no longer the case in the country’s second largest state.

Moody Gardens Animal Husbandry Manager Greg Whittaker helped organize a unified letter of support amongst the 17 Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited facilities across the state to bring awareness to this growing issue. Whittaker says:

“The International trade in shark fins is convoluted and difficult to track and Texas was being used as a major exporter to Asia with a reported 50% of the US total shark fins transiting through our state.  This legislation effectively closes the trans-shipping loophole and protects the well managed, sustainable Texas fisheries.  It is an important step in closing down the supply lines in a wasteful exploitation of wildlife.  This is a good thing for sharks and we are proud to work with the Humane Society of the US in achieving this victory.”

What exactly is shark finning? It’s a brutal act against one of the ocean’s most iconic animals.

Fishermen capture sharks in the ocean and slice off their fins. The sharks are then thrown back into the water where they either drown or bleed to death.

The process is essentially the ocean’s version of killing an elephant or a rhino for its tusk or horn.

The shark fin is so special because it can make a lot of money. A pound of shark fin can go for as high as $880 dollars. The main use of the fins is shark fin soup, a delicacy in China. The soup normally sells for around $100.

An estimated 100 million sharks are killed each year, with 73 million of those being used to create shark fin. Around 98 percent of the animal is wasted when it is only harvested for its fin.

Shark finning is largely responsible for a major decrease in shark populations. Some species have seen their numbers decrease by 99 percent. Overall, around 32 percent of open-ocean sharks are threatened with extinction.

The new Texas law certainly will help reduce the trade in shark fins globally , but there is still a long way to go. If you want to find out how you can help end shark finning, visit wildaid.org.

Have questions on this? Join us tomorrow for our #MGSharkTalk and our shark experts will answer them for you. CLICK HERE for more info.

Musical Enrichment Event

October 10, 2014 /

GREEN MUSIC ENRICHMENTJam out with the animals of the Rainforest Pyramid at our Music Enrichment Event this Saturday and Sunday October 11-12 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

What is Enrichment?

Animal enrichment is something that stimulates the senses or changes the environment. Several categories of enrichment are then used to enhance that species’ behavioral, physical, social, cognitive, and psychological well being.

This event, focuses on the auditory and vocal abilities of animals in the Rainforest Pyramid. Using music is just one of the many auditory ways that we can stimulate the animals. To them, it is simply a different sound. This replicates the various sounds they might encounter in the wild.

Stop by to enjoy the music with some of our most popular animals. Send us your pictures on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ using the hashtag #MGEnrichment so we can see it and share them too.

Here’s the schedule:

SATURDAY

  • 10:30 a.m. Saki Monkeys: Guitar
  • 11:00 a.m. Amazon Pond: Guest Jam Session
  • 12:00 p.m. Otter Training Platform: Violin
  • 1:30 p.m. Croc Monitor Exhibit: Piano
  • 2:00 p.m. Rod Bat/Egyptian Bat: Harmonica/Guest Jam Session
  • 3:30 p.m. Ocelot Exhibit: Guest Jam Session
  • 4:00 p.m. Canopy: Flute

SUNDAY

  •  10:30 a.m. Saki Monkeys: Violin
  •  11:00 a.m. Otter Overlook: Guitar
  • 12:00 p.m. Amazon Pond: Drum
  • 1:30 p.m. Komodo Exhibit: Guitar/Piano
  • 2:00 p.m. Rod Bat/Egyptian Bat: Harmonica/Guest Jam Session
  • 3:30 p.m. Ocelot Exhibit: Guest Jam Session
  • 4:00 p.m. Canopy: Flute
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