The large pond on the Sleep Train Arena site in Sacramento is home to HUNDREDS of nesting birds - primarily herons and egrets - as well as many other species of wildlife. The old arena site, including the pond, is slated for development by the Sacramento Kings Organization. Development would place the pond's wildlife at risk of death or forced relocation (which often results in death). The only way to protect the wildlife would be for the Sacramento Zoo to relocate to this site, or to create a nature preserve.

Any other type of development would almost certainly lead to developers finding a way to force the birds to move their nesting site (such as cutting trees back or hazing), or to apply for a "depredation" permit (to kill them - available through the Federal government).

The Pocket area of South Sacramento provides a perfect example of what happens when a nesting colony of herons and egrets are forced to move. The birds moved their nesting site to a residential area in and around the Waterford Cove Apartments. See: Herons, Egrets Bring Noise, Mess to Sacramento's Pocket Neighborhood

This is bad news for the birds and for the neighborhood. On a daily basis during nesting season, injured and deceased baby herons and egrets can be found on the ground (our rescue group picks them up). The baby birds are often hit by cars or are injured by falling from the nest onto hard concrete. It's a terrible situation for the birds, and it affects the quality of life for the humans. The birds are noisy (day and night) and their poop rains down from the trees onto apartment patios, kids' play areas and cars.

However, it is fantastic for a neighborhood's quality of life to have access to nature and green space. Research has demonstrated the mental health benefits to spending time in nature, especially for people who live in urban environments. This pond is near several schools including a high school, and would make a wonderful teaching and recreation resource.

Preserving the pond area is the right thing to do, both for the humans and the animals in our community. We hope that a nature preserve can be created, or even better, the Sacramento Zoo moves to this site and incorporates the pond and its wildlife (this can be done - for example, the Smithsonian National Zoo has a wild heron rookery on site).

On behalf of the birds and the North Natomas community, we thank you for signing and sharing this petition!

Sincerely, Sacramento Heron and Egret Rescue