CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Conservation is a pillar of operations at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Recently, their work has received international recognition.

Dr. Valerie Pence, the director of plant research at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, received the Ulysses S. Seal Award for Innovation in Conservation.

The award is given out every other year to an individual who has made incredible strides in saving endangered plants or animals.

“I will say, it’s always great to see plants get some focus in conservation because so much of the focus is on animals,” Dr. Pence said. “So, I’m really thrilled that this award is now including plants in their thought.”

She was the first to receive this award for plant-related conservation efforts.

Her work in cryopreservation and the frozen

See Full Page