![Transcription Center logo](/themes/custom/tc_theme/assets/image/logo.png)
This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.
-22- current studies on how nonformal education institutions can improve the utilization of their facilities for public education purposes. Some professional staff additions will be necessary for this program. The Center will have accomplished the first two phases of its six-phase plan for facilities development in FY 1980 with the completion of the new laboratory wing and shop building. Funds will be sought for phases three and four over the next five years to include a combined administrative and research facility and a small dormitory for students and visiting scientists. More information on planned facilities is contained in the facilities chapter of this document. [[underlined]]Zoological Park.[[/underlined]] Over the planning period, the Zoological Park will be developing its animal behavior and medical research programs. Field activities in Venezuela will continue to study the differences and similarities in ecosystems. These studies emphasize the behavioral ecology of wildlife, population dynamics, and inbreeding in natural populations. A fundamental research program on communication in the great apes is planned. Research will be expanded in the areas of bacteriology, virology, and parasitology with the aim of improving the health and longevity of exotic anaimals in captivity, perhaps through the development of vaccines and other treatments not now available. The Zoo plans to establish a comprehensive automated information system on species identification, collections management, pathology, and other medical information to be used for future research and statistical analysis. The development of Monkey Island and Gibbon Island and the renovation of the Small Mammal and Reptile Buildings, with their more natural settings, will result in meaningful educational experiences for the visitor. In addition, the Aquatic Mammal facility in FY 1981-82 will exhibit penguins, sea otters, platypuses, and manatees, as well as other aquatic mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. Another objective is the development of a collection which is essentially stable and self-sustaining in order to minimize further taking from the wild. Reproduction efforts in rare and endangered species will continue; e.g., the long-term breeding and research concerned with the preservation of the golden lion tamarin. Basic research on the breeding and behavior of rare South American wild dogs will continue as will research on temperate-tropical migratory birds. Breeding of the giant pandas is a continuing goal. There will be increased emphasis on public orientation and education activities directed at family groups which will provide a variety of learning opportunities for visitors. To achieve this, new interpretive materials must be developed for existing and planned exhibits. Construction and renovation work remaining at Rock Creek and at the Front Royal Conservation Center over the planning period are detailed in the facilities chapter of this document.