The importance of zoo participation in global species
conservation
Richard Perron IUCN-CBSG Quantum Conservation e.V. Schützenhofstraße 30
26135 Oldenburg
Germany
What do we mean by conservation?
Conservation
• The protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and interesting and important structures and buildings, especially from the damaging effects of human activity
• Carefully using valuable natural substances that exist in limited amounts in order to make certain that they will be available for as long a time as possible
Preserving & Protecting
Why is conservation necessary?
Last, but not least
Why should zoos,
why should YOU, be particularly
concerned about conservation?
Two main reasons• Moral obligation
• Legal responsibility
• Zoos have, as a group, taken animals from the wild over the last few centuries
• Zoos need to be active in conservation to justify their continuation
A high percentage of global wildlife is rapidly heading for
extinction.Some of the most attractive
exhibits in zoos are among those species most endangered in the
wild.
Education• Staff training – informed ambassadors
• Correct and sufficient signage
• Integrated environmental compatibility
• School parties – build for the future
• Children at play – integration with nature
• Adult visitors – a problem of apathy
• Guided tours by zoo professionals
• Marketing concept aimed at politicians
Marketing the zoo• Every zoo should have a marketing
concept – know why you are there, what you are doing and where you are going
• Involve schools, churches, social groups and businesses in all your activities
• Invite all political parties regularly to events at your zoo and keep them up-to-date on your plans and integrate them into your projects
Ex-situ breeding & research
• Ex-situ conservation would seem to be the ideal level for zoos to become involved
• Being an EEP/ESB member is not sufficient, it must be linked to in-situ programmes
• Collection planning is essential
• Research: information & publishing
Vital In-situ support• In-situ also means doing conservation
projects in your local area
• Smaller zoos could join together to create viable projects for habitat protection
• Larger zoos could supply technical as well as financial help to projects
• Raise funds for projects you cannot join
• Use in-situ activities in your marketing
The reality• Very few zoos are actively engaged in in-
situ conservation
• The same zoos are always mentioned in relation to conservation efforts
• Zoos of all sizes can do more
• Lawmakers will increasingly pass restrictive legislation
• Wildlife will be increasingly endangered
Conservation needs YOU!• Conservation needs YOU now
• Educate your visitors & politicians
• Do something positive for captive species
• Publish your experiences
• Help preserve OUR in-situ wildlife and habitat
• THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION
Levels of Influence
• International
• Regional
• National
• Local
• WAZA
• EAZA
• ?
• YOU