Of the various elements in our industry, zoos and aquariums have been one of the biggest proponents of change throughout the past decade—many are unrecognizable from their early days of animals in cages and fish in tanks. Today zoos and aquariums are centers of learning and sources of ecological repair. As the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) continues to educate about the care of captive animals and their needs in the wild, these facilities, new and old, are rising to the challenge. The value society has placed upon animals not only existing but proliferating is evident in the existence of organizations like AZA, which was founded in 1924 and now has more than 208 zoo and aquarium members in North America. In the United States, zoos and aquariums have also made alliances with the National Wildlife Refuge as well as local refuges to do their part to bring animals back from endangerment. This issue of FUNWORLD focuses on the needs of animals in zoos and aquariums and what these facilities can do to enhance their exhibits and the quality of life for the animals and keep their visitors coming back. The feature on Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo—Zoo Revolution—offers ways of making the environment as authentic as possible for the animals while simultaneously charming guests with a sensory experience. The Land Sharks feature covers the Shark Reef in Las Vegas, an aquarium that teaches guests about the dangers that sea predators face and dispels misconceptions about these creatures. Recognizing the role animals play in our facilities is an important point to keep in mind when you read this issue of FUNWORLD magazine, which is now online at funworldmagazine.net. Best Wishes, John P.C. Collins Chairman of the Board