The Florida Reef Tract is one of the largest reefs in the world with more than 1,000 fish species living in and around the reef.

It is estimated that Florida's reef-related businesses bring in over $8.5 billion every year. However, the reef faces many threats, including the Stony Coral Tissues Loss Disease. Because the disease is spreading throughout the Caribbean and killing many corals, the Federal and State agencies that manage the reef asked aquariums for help as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project (FRTRP).

The Columbus Zoo's Involvement

• In 2020, the Columbus Zoo received 18 coral colonies that were removed from the reef ahead of the disease. We will keep these corals until it is safe to return them to Florida.
• The Zoo also participates in AZA’s Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) Coral program which is a partner of the FRRP.