Ellen Trout Zoo Crocodilian Conservation Scholarship (ETZ Croc)

Latin America possesses one of the highest levels of crocodilian diversity on earth and is home to the Orinoco crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) and the Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer), both of which are critically endangered species. The Ellen Trout Zoo Crocodilian Conservation Award was established by ZCOG and Ellen Trout Zoo in recognition of the growing threat of extinction faced by crocodilian species native to the Americas. The Award promotes professional training in crocodilian biology, conservation, and captive management for zoo and aquarium colleagues from countries in Latin America and the Caribbean Basin. Award recipients receive full scholarship funding to participate in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Crocodilian Biology and Captive Management professional training course. Employees or associates of Latin American zoological institutions or conservation organizations may apply. Preference is given to individuals demonstrating past or present involvement in cooperative captive breeding programs or crocodilian field conservation efforts with AZA member institutions or other regional partners. The Ellen Trout Zoo of Lufkin, Texas, sponsors this annual scholarship award.

PAST RECIPIENTS
YEAR	NAME	INSTITUTION
2008	Luz Barrantes	Refugio Herpetologico, Costa Rica
2009	Rodolfo Vargas Leiton	Refugio Herpetologico, Costa Rica
2010	Luis Carrillo	Africam Safari, Mexico