Rising junior Lana Badillo was one of four New York City students selected by the Wildlife Conservation Society to travel to Washington DC as a youth advocate as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Advocacy Day this spring. The group was charged with gaining support in the Senate for the US Foundation for International Conservation (USFICA) bill which, if passed, will fund public-private partnerships to support local communities around the world in effectively managing protected and conserved areas. The bill has bi-partisan support.
Lana and her young colleagues also encouraged representatives from the Senate and House to join the Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus which seeks to expand awareness of the role of aquariums and zoos in rescue and rehabilitation. During two days of meetings at the Capitol, Lana spoke with representatives of House Members Richie Torres, Daniel Goldman, Grace Meng, and Hakeem Jefferies.
The Washington trip was a high point for a student who has long been interested in animals and conservation. In the spring of 9th grade, Lana volunteered at the Bronx Zoo, one of five New York City parks managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society. That summer she interned as a Discovery Guide educating visitors to the zoo with activities about animals, conservation, and the various habitats found at the zoo. Reflecting on her trip to the Capitol, Lana said, "This was an incredibly exciting and educational experience, and it was amazing to be able to have a role in saving our planet." The USFICA bill was passed by the Committee on Foreign Relations in April and has been placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar.