A moment of peace with coral

Is coral an animal or a plant?

Coral is a living animal with a wide variety of beautiful colors, unique shapes and textures. They are a keystone species because they create the reef structure for all other animals.

Coral reefs act as a home to not only coral but thousands of species of fish and algae too. Think of coral reefs as the living room, dining room and nursery for a host of organisms. Together, they make up the most unique ecosystem in the world.

Reefs serve as a home for protection. Coral reefs act as a buffer between the coastline and the ocean from erosion and the harmful effects of storms.

The Zoo is a partner with the Association for Zoos and Aquariums Saving Animals from Extinction (AZA SAFE) coral program. The goal is to increase the abundance of coral through research, reef restoration and propagation of corals in land-based coral nurseries.

Check out the beautiful coral and the fish that rely on it in the Bayer Insectarium the next time you visit the Zoo! #AZAsafechallenge