The Role of Zoos in Endangered Species Conservation

The world's best zoos offer face-to-face encounters with some of the most fascinating
and rare creatures on the planet--an experience that few people will ever be able to
pursue in the wild. Unlike the cramped cages that housed animals in sideshow
spectacles of the past, the modern zoo has elevated habitat emulation to an art,
carefully recreating animals' natural environments and offering them challenging
activities to reduce boredom and stress.

The evolution of zoos has also included programs dedicated to protecting endangered
species, both in captivity and in the wild. Zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos
and Aquariums (AZA) participate in Species Survival Plan Programs that involve
captive breeding, reintroduction programs, public education, and field conservation to
ensure survival for many of the planet's threatened and endangered species.

CONSERVATION BREEDING
AZA conservation breeding programs (also known as captive breeding programs) are
designed to augment populations of endangered species and avoid extinction via
regulated breeding of animals in zoos and other approved facilities.

One of the primary challenges facing captive breeding programs is maintaining

genetic diversity. If a captive breeding population is too small, inbreeding may result,
leading to health problems that negatively affect the species' survival.

For this reason, breeding is carefully managed to ensure as much genetic variation as
possible.

REINTRODUCTION PROGRAMS
The goal of reintroduction programs is to release animals that have been raised or
rehabilitated in zoos back into their natural habitats. AZA describes these programs as
"powerful tools used for stabilizing, re-establishing, or increasing in situ animal
populations that have suffered significant declines."
In cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the IUCN Species Survival
Commission, AZA-accredited institutions have established reintroduction programs
for endangered animals such as the black-footed ferret, California condor, freshwater
mussel, Oregon spotted frog, and other species.

PUBLIC EDUCATION
Zoos educate millions of visitors each year about endangered species and related
conservation issues. Over the past ten years, AZA-accredited institutions have also
trained more than 400,000 teachers with award-winning science curricula.

A nationwide study including more than 5,500 visitors from 12 AZA-accredited

institutions found that visits to zoos and aquariums prompt individuals to reconsider
their role in environmental problems and see themselves as part of the solution.

FIELD CONSERVATION
Field conservation focuses on the long-term survival of species in natural ecosystems
and habitats. Zoos participate in conservation projects that support studies of
populations in the wild, species recovery efforts, veterinary care for wildlife disease
issues, and conservation awareness.

AZA sponsors a landing page on the National Geographic Society's Global Action
Atlas, featuring worldwide conservation projects associated with participating zoos.

SUCCESS STORIES
According to the IUCN, conservation breeding and reintroduction have helped
prevent the extinction of six out of 16 critically endangered bird species and nine out
of 13 mammal species, including species previously classified as Extinct in the Wild.

Today, 31 animal species classified as Extinct in the Wild are being bred in captivity.
Reintroduction efforts are underway for six of these species, including the Hawaiian
crow.

Endangered species breeding programs will also help scientists better understand
population dynamics critical to the management of animals in the wild.
References:
Bove, J. (2015). The role of zoos in endangered species conservation. Retrieved from
https://www.thoughtco.com/zoos-and-endangered-species-conservation-1182068