Funds have also been committed for a Felid Masterplanning process in Mesoamerica with Yolanda Matamoros. Funds for this effort have been committed by the Zoological Society of San Diego, the Columbus Zoo, Oklahoma City Zoo, and the Fort Worth Zoo. The Columbus Zoo, an institution with a tremendous commitment to field conservation programs all over the world, is generously supporting the giant panda masterplanning workshop scheduled in December in China. An individual zoo may receive multiple letters inviting support for a workshop. This is not meant to be continual haranguing for money but it is to provide an opportunity for zoos to get involved when there is an interest.
Zoos can benefit tremendously by supporting CBSG workshops.
The CBSG makes the initial contact with local organizers and biologists. Personnel from supporting zoos are then invited to attend the workshop. Full acknowledgment of a zoo's support is given both at the workshop and in all printed materials produced. There are a number of advantages in terms of local connections that can develop at workshops. Zoo personnel are in direct contact with local biologists and managers at the workshop and see first-hand the steps taken in developing the recommendations for action made by workshop participants.