The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) have entered into a cooperative agreement to implement Section 6003(a)(2) of Public Law (P.L.) 117-2, the American Rescue Plan Act. The enacted language of Section 6003(a)(2) states:
“$30,000,000 shall be for the care of captive species listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, for the care of rescued and confiscated wildlife, and for the care of Federal trust species in facilities experiencing lost revenues due to COVID–19.”
AZA be hosting a webinar about applying for ESCR funds on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM ET.
All organizations – regardless of accrediting affiliation(s) – that cared for endangered and threatened species, or rescued or confiscated endangered and threatened wildlife and that experienced earned revenue losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic should attend.
Sign up for the ESCR Webinar on 9/28 here!
AZA will share information about eligibility, requirements, and how to apply to be considered for relief funds. Signing up will also provide access to the recording to view on-demand.
Between now and the webinar, you can find information about ESCR here on AZA’s website. Please note this is NOT a first-come, first-served opportunity, so there is no advantage to rushing an application.
The deadline to apply for relief funds is midnight ET on November 1, 2021.