Our planet is experiencing it's sixth mass extinction event, meaning we are experiencing the worst series of species die-offs in the last half-billion years. In order to preserve the species that we have grown up with for our children, species conservation and public education is extremely important. Zoos are on the front lines of those battles. Zoos assist not only in the conservation of species through Arc programs designed to breed and possibly help reintroduce endangered species to the wild, but also by allowing people to see these animals first hand. This first hand experience can grow a love and passion for animals in the hearts of children and adults alike. That passion has fueled conservative efforts around the world. Sadly, we still have thousands of species a year that go extinct due to humans, by one means or another. That is part of the reason why I feel we need a new law like the one I'm proposing. Zoos play a critical role, so when an incident like the one that happened in Ohio happens, and an endangered species has to be killed due to a parents lack of supervision, or because of someone's careless, or intentional actions, those individuals should be held financially responsible for the loss of that species from the world. Zoos have a hard enough time getting the funding they need without having to worry about set backs like this due to people's negligence. I would like U.S. Congress or at least the States on their own, to show that they are passionate about protecting endangered species, not only for our lifetimes, but for as long as we can possibly keep these beautiful animals on this planet. Thank you.