Letter regarding the upcoming hearing on "Marine Mammals in Captivity: What Constitutes Meaningful Public Education?"

The Honorable Madeleine Z. Bordallo
Chairwoman
Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife
Committee on Natural Resources
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

The Honorable Henry Brown, Jr.
Ranking Member
Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife
Committee on Natural Resources
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Chairwoman Bordallo and Ranking Member Brown:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than three million businesses of every size, sector, and region, requests that this letter be made part of the record of the upcoming hearing on "Marine Mammals in Captivity: What Constitutes Meaningful Public Education?"

Before addressing the educational value of American zoos and aquariums, it is important to also emphasize the fact that these institutions are among the greatest vacation destinations in the world helping to bring close to 30 million visitors to the United States from overseas. It is estimated that these overseas visitors spend approximately $4,500 per visit. The tourism translates into jobs in the United States. In fact, the combined direct and indirect employment related to zoos and aquariums in the United States is approximately 130,000.

As to the educational value of zoological facilities, a number of studies have confirmed both their direct and indirect educational benefit. The National Science Foundation funded a three year study on the conservation programs at zoological facilities and found that zoos and aquariums enhance public understanding of wildlife and the conservation of the places where the animals live.

SeaWorld, one of the scheduled witnesses for the hearing, has one of the largest and most comprehensive education departments of any zoological facility in the world. It employs more than 200 full time education staff. All of SeaWorld parks have well-developed relationships with their local public schools. SeaWorld partners with local schools and takes teachers, animals and other resources directly into the classrooms—many times inspiring students to consider careers in scientific fields.

In summary, besides the clear economic reasons to support America's globally recognized zoological facilities, the Chamber strongly supports the work these facilities do because of the welldocumented positive impact they have in enhancing education for many who would otherwise never have the opportunity to see these animals in the wild.

Sincerely,

R. Bruce Josten

Cc: The Members of Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife