2010-05-27 Media Advisory: Press Conference - Coalition of Conservation Organizations to Release Major New Report Analyzing Province’s Grizzly Recovery Efforts

On Friday May, 28, a coalition of conservation organizations will host a media conference at the Calgary Zoo to launch a major new report analyzing current recovery efforts in
Alberta. The report indicates that the provincial government is not doing enough to protect one of the most threatened grizzly bear populations in North America. A Grizzly Challenge: Ensuring a Future for Alberta’s Threatened Grizzlies provides a science-based assessment of the status of Alberta’s beleaguered grizzly bear population and the government’s response to protect it.

The results indicate that the government is not doing enough to adequately protect Alberta’s grizzly bear population from decline. The comprehensive analysis found many aspects of the recovery plan, adopted by the Alberta Government in 2008, are not adequate to meet the plan’s stated goal and other aspects of the plan are not even being implemented. A Grizzly Challenge provides several robust, scientifically founded recommendations that are required for immediate implementation to successfully recover Alberta’s Grizzly population.

A Grizzly Challenge: Ensuring a Future for Alberta’s Threatened Grizzlies will be released at a press conference on Friday, May 28. See below for details.

Time: 10:00 AM, May 28, 2010
Location: Calgary Zoo Esso Auditorium in the Karsten Discovery Centre.
Media Directions: Members of the media are asked to check in with the Zoo Security Office on the south side of the Zoo near the Administration Building.

Interviews and Photo Opportunities:

Sarah Elmeligi, Senior Conservation Planner, CPAWS - Southern Alberta
Nigel Douglas, Conservation Specialist, Alberta Wilderness Association
Dave Poulton, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative
Louisa Willcox, Natural Resources Defence Council

Following the press conference, guests are invited to join members of the conservation
coalition for a walk to the Zoo’s grizzly bear exhibit (weather permitting) where two of
Alberta’s formerly wild grizzly bears reside.