Tom Torhorst, DVM Conservation Fund

The R.Z.S. Thomas Torhorst, D.V.M. Wildlife Conservation Fund was established in 1997. The annual income of this $30,000 endowed fund will be used to promote the understanding of our natural world and to encourage area wildlife conservation through education, research, and development. The principal should remain untouched, except to be added to. It is the intent of the Racine Zoological Society’s Education Committee to make awards of up to $1,000 per project based on originality and purpose. Non-profit, educational groups and organizations are eligible to apply.

Statement of Purpose
The fund is designed to encourage and support conservation projects, which support the following purposes.

• Educational programming, training, and/or development.
• Wildlife management, environmental restoration, and/or research.
• Habitat preservation, restoration, and/or development.
• Captive animal management, exhibit design, and/or zoological research.

Application Process
The Racine Zoological Society’s Education Committee will accept applications at anytime throughout the year. These applications will be screened for completeness of required information and to see that they meet RZS guidelines of purpose and then will be reviewed by the committee.

Submit two copies of a complete proposal, with a detailed timetable, statement of purpose and research methodology, and itemized budget for the requested monies, a bibliography (if appropriate), and biography of principal personnel. Those applications associated with a recognized institution must include a letter of endorsement from their department head. Those not associated with a recognized institution must provide appropriate references.

Each applicant must state how the project relates to conservation and the purposes outlined above.

Acceptance
Conditions of acceptance include:

1. Information gained from the project must be made available to the public through the Racine Zoological Society.
2. The Racine Zoological Society must receive a summary or final report within one year of the award date. Include a summary of project objectives or methods used, conclusions, recommendations, and statement of expenses.
3. The R.Z.S. Thomas Torhorst, D.V.M. Wildlife Conservation Fund will be acknowledged as a sponsor in any printed materials produced as a result of the project.
4. All research involving live animals must adhere to regulations listed under the U.S.D.A. Animal Welfare Act, and any appropriate sections of the professional ethics or mandatory standards of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, and meet all state and federal wildlife regulations.

PAST WINNERS

• Sean Murphy through UW-Parkside
• Dr. Marilyn Ward of Carthage College
• Arend De Haas of Ecokids Unlimited-Tanzania
• Rachel Gravunder of Wadewitz Elementary
• Robert C. Jagla, Chris Coleman, Patrick J. Liesch, & Sean Murphy through UW-Parkside under academic advisor Dr. Gregory Mayer
• Billie Harrison
• Eric Hileman