FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Melanie Gade; mgade@defenders.org; (202) 772-0288

December 17, 2014

Senators Portman’s and Brown’s Resolution Honoring Passenger Pigeon Extinction Anniversary Passes Senate with Unanimous Consent

WASHINGTON – Yesterday evening, Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rob Portman (R-OH) introduced resolution (S. Res. 564) which recognizes the importance of wildlife conservation by commemorating the September 1st centennial of the passenger pigeon’s extinction, passed the Senate by unanimous consent.

Once numbering as many as five billion in North America, the passenger pigeon was driven to extinction by 1914. Today, the sobering tale is a strong reminder of the continued need to protect the nation’s treasured natural heritage and wildlife. The resolution requests that the Senate “commemorates the importance of this centenary, our natural heritage, the suitability of our ecosystem and the conservation of our Nation’s wildlife.”

Jamie Rappaport Clark, Former president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife issued the following statement:

“I am grateful to Senators Brown and Portman for their display of foresight and leadership on the crucial issue of wildlife conservation by highlighting the tragic but important message to be learned from the loss of the passenger pigeon. Their joint resolution takes a strong stand on the continued need to protect our nation’s treasured natural resources for future generations, an issue that today too often gets lost in partisan turmoil.

“The tale of the passenger pigeon's demise is much more than a tale about this particular species. The bird’s extinction was an event that changed the way we thought about our nation’s treasured natural resources. Today we know that if we don’t work to protect our wildlife, it will vanish. Senators Brown and Portman understand this equation and in speaking out have demonstrated the wisdom and courage we need when so many imperiled species face extinction like the passenger pigeon. I am honored to have their support on this crucial issue.”

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Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1.1 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit www.defenders.org and follow us on Twitter @DefendersNews.

For over 75 years, Defenders of Wildlife has remained dedicated to protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.1 million members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on X @Defenders.

  

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