THE COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM HOW TO

They are an ancient group that invaded freshwater from the oceans at least 240 million years ago. The importance of keeping mussels alive cannot be overstated as freshwater mussels are considered premier bio-indicators of good water quality and ecosystem health.Īlso known as pearly-mussels, unionids, or clams, the Uniondae are a group of long-lived (some up to 200 years) bi-valve mollusks that inhabit rivers and streams primarily in the northern hemisphere.

THE COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM HOW TO

The mussels will be monitored (they can live for 15 years) and, in the process, critical information will be gathered that will increase our understanding of how to conserve this federally endangered species. To allow monitoring of the released mussels, all have been marked with Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT) tags – a technology previously used to track fishes and reptiles. This was the largest single reintroduction of an endangered species in Ohio history. The largest project is the relocation of the Federally Endangered Northern Riffleshell Mussel from Pennsylvania to Ohio. The Research Center is involved in several conservation efforts, some involving cutting-edge technology.

In 2011, the partnership received the prestigious AZA North America Conservation Award for its work over the past decade. The facility is located on a 32-acre peninsula on the O’Shaughnessy Reservoir of the Scioto River. This is a partnership between the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, The Ohio State University, The Wilds, ODNR Division of Wildlife, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Columbus Recreation and Parks working to play a crucial role in the conservation of North America’s most imperiled animals. In 2002 the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium refurbished the Jeffrey Manufacturing Company’s recreational lodge into the Columbus Zoo’s Freshwater Mussel Conservation and Research Center. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Mussel Research and Conservation: United States

The columbus zoo and aquarium