Conservation Programmes
Headstart Programme: Nashville Zoo Released Eastern Hellbenders into the Wild
July 21, 2021
The Nashville Zoo & partners have released 29 eastern hellbenders into the wild, in Tennessee. They were collected from the wild, as eggs, and raised at the zoo for six years, part of a headstart programme for the species. The zoo has been involved in eastern hellbender conservation since 2003, and has made great progress in breeding this species in captivity.
Captive-bred Alpine Ibex Reintroduced in the Wild in Austria
July 16, 2021
Nine Alpine ibex were reintroduced in the wild, in the Austrian Lessach Valley, where the species has gone locally extinct. Six of the animals were born at Tiergarten Nürnberg, the other three at Alpenzoo Innsbruck & private breeders. Nürnberg Zoo has been involved in reintroduction projects for this species since 1995, but the Lessach valley is a new reintroduction site!
Tennessee Aquarium Releases 250 Juvenile Southern Appalachian Brook Trout in the Wild
July 12, 2021
The Tennessee Aquarium has released 250 juvenile southern Appalachian brook trout in a new release site - a mountain stream in Cherokee National Forest. The only trout native species in the region, it disappeared from more than 75% of its natural range. The aquarium collects and breeds wild adult individuals and keeps the young over the winter, releasing them in the spring.
World's First: Baby Gorilla Born to Zoo-Bred, Reintroduced in the Wild, Parents!
June 30, 2021
In a world's first, a baby western lowland gorilla was born to two zoo-bred, reintroduced in the wild, parents! The adult gorillas were born under the EAZA-led European Ex-Situ Programme (EEP) for the species - the male was born in Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve & the female in Zoo de Beauval, and they were reintroduced in Gabon in 2013 and 2019, respectively.
Prague Zoo Supporting Conservation of Critically Endangered White-Bellied Heron
June 28, 2021
The white-bellied heron is a critically endangered species with under 60 individuals left in the wild, half of them in Bhutan. Prague Zoo is supporting conservation efforts for the species, which include creating an insurance population by bringing some of the young from wild nests, where they would likely not survive, to captivity. The zoo has supported the development of a breeding facility in Bhutan, has helped training Bhutanese keepers and has provided other resources such as transport boxes and veterinary medicine.
Czech Zoos Partner Up In New Conservation Program to Fight Illegal Wildlife Trade
June 17, 2021
The Trenggiling Conservation Program is a new initiative to fight the illegal wildlife trade and support the conservation of the critically endangered sunda pangolin. Prague Zoo, Zoo Ostrava and Zoo Olomouc are the main partners in this program.
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Their activities include a new rescue centre in Sumatra, the employment of former poachers as field assistants and educational activities with the local communities.
Oakland Zoo Helping to Vaccinate Threatened Rabbit Subspecies from Fatal Virus
June 12, 2021
The riparian brush rabbit is one of eight subspecies of brush rabbit and is threatened with extinction. The RHDV2 is a fatal virus that originated in Europe and is now spreading through south US and Mexico. Oakland Zoo has partnered with other institutions to help vaccinating the riparian brush rabbit population, so they can protect this endangered subspecies from the virus and potential extinction.
Eight Captive-Bred Red Wolves Released Into the Wild
May 31, 2021
Eight captive-bred red wolves (four adults and four pups) were released into the wild, in North Carolina, US. The pups were born at Akron Zoo but were sent to be placed in the den of a wild female, so she could adopt them, in an effort to increase both numbers and genetic diversity in the wild population.
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The red wolf is critically endangered with only 20-25 individuals left in the wild (including the ones that have just been released)! The Red Wolf Species Survival Plan, overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and coordinated by North Carolina Zoo, aims to bring this species back from the the brink of extinction.
Estonian Zoo Sends Ten European Minks for Reintroduction in Spain
May 19, 2021
Tallinn Zoo has sent 10 zoo-bred European minks to Spain, where they will be reintroduced in the wild! This species is critically endangered and the European Ex-Situ Programme (EEP), managed by this zoo, is one of the conservation actions in place!
Zoo-led Conservation Programme Helping to Restore Endangered Snake Population
May 13, 2021
The Louisiana pine snake is an endangered species from North America. A captive breeding and reintroduction programme led by Memphis Zoo, and in partnership with other zoos & institutions, has resulted in the release of hundreds of individuals in their natural habitat. Fifty more juvenile snakes have been released last month and the research team also discovered that previously released individuals are now breeding naturally in the wild!
Prague Zoo Releases Przewalski's Horses in 20-Hectare Field in Prague's Historical Site
April 29, 2021
Prague Zoo released four (♀) Przewalski's horses in an almost 20-hectare plain at Prague’s Dívčí hrady. A stallion will eventually be joining them. By grazing in the area, the wild horses will contribute to the regeneration of the habitat while allowing visitors to observe and learn more about them.
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The herd will also provide an important contribution to the EAZA Ex-Situ Programme (EEP) for this species, which aims to maintain a healthy insurance population in captivity to aid in reintroduction efforts when necessary.
Melbourne Zoo Sets Up First Captive Breeding Programme for Rare Giant Burrowing Frog
April 22, 2021
The first ever conservation breeding programme for the giant burrowing frog has been set up at Melbourne Zoo (Zoos Victoria). Scientists from the zoo and partner institutions collected tadpoles from the wild and they will now study their development into adult frogs so they can optimise the breeding programme.
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On top of being threatened by the chytrid fungus, habitat loss, climate change and invasive predators, this species has also lost great parts of their natural habitat due to bushfires in recent years. The captive breeding programme is an important part of integrated conservation efforts to restore and protect this species in the wild.
EAZA Ex Situ Programmes Get a New Section in Their Website
April 14, 2021
Explore some of the EAZA Ex Situ Programmes (EEPs) in the new dedicated section in their website. Some of the EEPs already showcased include the Pygmy marmoset, the European pond turtle, the Javan green magpie, the Przewalski’s horse & the Desertas wolf spider.
Western Burrowing Owls Reintroduced in Southern California
April 3, 2021
🦉 San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance & partners have released 24 Western burrowing owls in Ramona, San Diego. This is part of an integrated conservation programme to boost the populations of this species in southern California. Watch video of the release here.
Zoo de Beauval is the New Manager of a Chimpanzee Conservation Programme in Congo
March 30, 2021
Zoo de Beauval's association Beauval Nature is now managing HELP Congo - a conservation programme for chimpanzees in Conkouati-Douli National Park.
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The programme is now expanding to protect not only chimpanzees but the rich biodiversity within the park. Their main missions include population monitoring and surveying, anti-poaching and park protection, eco-tourism and empowering and educate local communities.
Chester Zoo Releases 10-Year Conservation Masterplan
March 23, 2021
Chester Zoo released its 10-year Conservation Masterplan, with four key focus areas:
🌎Populations (in-situ & ex-situ management);
🌎Places for wildlife (habitat protection & restoration);
🌎People (enable & promote human-wildlife coexistence);
🌎Policy (push for effective planning & legislation).
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New "Center for Species Survival" Opens at Brazilian Zoo
March 19, 2021
The Center for Species Survival Brazil has been launched - a new hub for the conservation of the very rich Brazilian biodiversity!
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Based at Parque Das Aves and founded in partnership with IUCN Species Survival Commission & Conservation Planning Specialist Group, the CSS was created under the Reverse the Red global movement to ensure a future for wild species & ecosystems.
Loro Parque Sends Two More Lear's Macaws for Reintroduction in the Wild
March 10, 2021
Two zoo-bred Lear's macaws have been reintroduced into the wild, in Brazil, thanks to the efforts of Loro Parque & partners. This species is bred at the zoo under specific protocols and conditions, so they can more easily adapt to the wild once released. Once in Brazil, they are housed in large aviaries and go through "reintroduction training", so they adapt to the environment and further develop the necessary skills to survive.
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Loro Parque had already sent six Lear's macaws for reintroduction, in August 2018!
Marwell Wildlife Supports Conservation Efforts for the Scimitar-Horned Oryx
March 03, 2021
Marwell Wildlife not only manages the international studbook and the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) for the scimitar-horned oryx, but is also involved in multiple conservation efforts for this species. They are assisting with the monitoring of the reintroduced populations and they have provided funding, expertise, animals and equipment to reintroduction efforts on top of their own projects.
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Listed as "Extinct-in-the-Wild" in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the scimitar-horned oryx remains only in captive and semi-wild conditions, with its future survival depending on captive breeding and reintroduction programmes.
First Successfully CLONED Black-Footed Ferret Has Been Born in the US!
February 20, 2021
The first ever successfully cloned black-footed ferret was born in December last year! "Elizabeth Ann" is the clone of a wild-caught ferret that was cryopreserved over 30 years ago!
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Why is this important? This achievement is a step forward to increase the genetic diversity of the black-footed ferret population. This species is threatened and almost went extinct but was brought back from the brink thanks to a captive breeding and reintroduction programme!
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This project is a partnership between Revive & Restore, San Diego Zoo Global, ViaGen Pets & others!
Canadian Zoo Sends Two Cheetahs to Zimbabwe, For Future Reintroduction into the Wild
February 13, 2021
Two 18-month male cheetahs have been transferred from Parc Safari (Canada) to Zimbabwe, for future release in the wild. They are now in an acclimatisation enclosure, to habituate to the new environment and learn the necessary hunting skills. This project aims to establish a breeding population of cheetahs in Imire and assist in the repopulation of other reserves.
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Imire: Rhino & Wildlife Conservancy and The Aspinall Foundation are the other institutions involved in this project.
Zoobotánico Jerez Receives 17 Northern Bald Ibis for Reintroduction into the Wild
February 7, 2021
The Zoobotánico Jerez has received 17 Northern bald ibis for reintroduction into the wild. They were sent by
La Citadelle de Besançon, Parc zoologique et botanique de Mulhouse & GaiaZOO, under the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) for the species.
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The veterinarians at the zoo will health check, ring and attach GPS-tracking devices to the individuals. They will then move to an acclimatisation aviary, where they will stay for a few months before they are released into the wild.
How do European Zoos & Breeding Centres Boost the Ex Situ Breeding Efforts for the Bearded Vulture?
January 31, 2021
The collaborative efforts of the Vulture Conservation Foundation and EAZA have resulted in over 500 bearded vulture chicks produced and over 300 reintroduced in the wild since 1978.
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Behind this success is the hard work and commitment of several zoos & breeding centres across Europe. From careful monitoring of the animals' behaviour to hand rearing and use of "adoptive parents", many strategies are applied to boost this breeding programme.
Zoo in US sends Mexican Gray Wolf Pack For Reintroduction in Mexico
January 24, 2021
A Mexican gray wolf pack (a pair and their seven pups) was sent by ABQ BioPark to Mexico, for future reintroduction in the wild. The animals will first go through a "reintroduction training" process, so they learn the necessary skills to survive in the wild. This subspecies is threatened mainly due to conflicts with humans/livestock.
Seven International Experts Join Global Center for Species Survival
January 20, 2021
SEVEN international conservation experts have joined the Global Center for Species Survival - a collaboration between Indianapolis Zoo & IUCN Species Survival Commission. As conservation coordinators, they will help supporting & connecting conservation efforts all over the world!
Persian Leopard Pair Sent From European Zoo to Breeding & Reintroduction Centre in Russia
January 13, 2021
A Persian leopard pair was sent from Nordens Ark to the breeding centre in Sochi National Park (Russia), with hopes it will successfully breed there (as it did at the zoo) and increase the genetic diversity of the individuals to be released into the wild.
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This leopard subspecies is endangered and thought to be extinct in the Russian Caucasus, but captive-bred individuals started being reintroduced in the area in 2016.
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The Persian leopard is managed in an EAZA European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), coordinated by Lisbon Zoo (which have also sent leopards to the breeding centre in the past).
Zoo-Bred Wētāpungas Released in Bay of Islands, Ending a 180-Year Absence
December 28, 2020
Over 100 zoo-bred wētāpungas have been reintroduced in the Bay of Islands, after a 180-year absence. Auckland Zoo & conservation partners have now released over 5,000 wētāpungas across eight sites! As this species plays an important role in seed dispersal in their native habitat, their reintroduction is beneficial for the overall ecosystem!
Zoo-Bred Kākās Reintroduced into the Wild
December 18, 2020
Three zoo-bred North Island Kākā juveniles have been reintroduced in the wild. The birds were bred at Hamilton Zoo and transferred to Cape Sanctuary in October, part of a soft-release programme for this endangered species.
Zoo Córdoba Receives Iberian Lynx Pair - Surplus from the Ex-Situ Conservation Programme for the Species.
December 17, 2020
The Zoo Córdoba has received a pair of Iberian lynx from the (Lynx ex-situ) breeding programme for this species. The two animals are unsuitable for reintroduction or breeding due to health and/or genetic anomalies but they found a new home at the zoo.
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Only one zoo is actively part of the breeding programme
for this species (Zoobotánico Jerez) but a few zoos in Portugal & Spain house surplus individuals, alleviating space from the breeding centres and educating the public about the species and the threats it's facing.
Reverse the Red: the New Global Movement Against EXTINCTION!
December 5, 2020
Reverse the Red is the new global movement against the extinction of species & ecosystems. The IUCN Species Survival Commission, World Association of Zoos and Aquariums
and many other institutions all over the world have partnered for this movement, which aims to use SCIENCE & COLLABORATION to effectively protect the world's most threatened species.
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Photo: Post-War Recovery of Wild Dogs in Central Mozambique (Paola Bouley).
Zoo-Bred European Bison Sent for Reintroduction in Natural Park in Azerbaijan
November 27, 2020
Five zoo-bred European bison were sent to Shahdag National Park in Azerbaijan to be reintroduced into the wild. A bull born at Zoo Berlin and four cows (from Zoo Rostock, Tiergarten Bernburg & Domaine des Grottes de Han) will be kept in a fenced area to acclimatise to their new surroundings, before they are fully released next Spring.
Rare Brown Teals Hatch at Auckland Zoo, Part of Breed-for-Release Programme
November 22, 2020
Three pāteke (or brown teal) ducklings have hatched at Auckland Zoo, part of a breed-for-release programme. With just over 2,000 individuals left in the wild, the breeding programme is essential to boost the wild populations.
Perth Zoo Released 31 More Endangered Dibblers Into the Wild
November 10, 2020
Last month, Perth Zoo released 31 more zoo-bred dibblers into the wild! They are the only zoo in the world that breeds this endangered species and they have released over 900 dibblers into the wild since 1997!
Zoo-Bred Greater Stick/Nest Rats Reintroduced into the Wild in Australia
November 8, 2020
Forty zoo-bred greater stick-nest rats were reintroduced into the wild! The animals were bred at Zoos South Australia (Adelaide Zoo & Monarto Safari Park) and reintroduced in Mallee Cliffs National Park.
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Feral predators nearly drove this species to extinction, but integrated in-situ & ex-situ conservation efforts are re-establishing populations in their native range.
Several Bushfire Recovery Projects Will be Funded by Australasian Zoo and Aquarium Association
November 4, 2020
The Zoo and Aquarium Association Bushfire Appeal raised over $1 million earlier this year, which will be used to fund several rescue, assessment & recovery projects for areas and species affected by the 2019/2020 drought and bushfires in Australia.
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The funded projects will focus on:
✅Rescue and rehabilitation in affected areas;
✅Further research to assess the impact of bushfires on threatened species;
✅Ex situ breeding programmes for affected & threatened species;
✅Biobanking of threatened frogs.
Louisville Zoo to Reintroduce 22 More Black Footed Ferrets Into the Wild
October 30, 2020
Out of the 27 black-footed ferrets that were born at Louisville Zoo this year, 22 will be reintroduced into the wild very soon!
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This zoo is one of the six organisations working in this conservation project and has contributed with over 700 ferrets for reintroduction since 1991.
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This species is also included in the Save Animals From Extinction (SAFE) initiative by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
World Okapi Day: Zoo-Supported Okapi Conservation Project Working to Protect the Endangered Okapi
October 18, 2020
⚠️Today is World Okapi Day! The okapi is an endangered species, closely related to the giraffe and endemic to the forests of Congo. The Okapi Conservation Project works with the government and local communities to manage and protect the Okapi Wildlife Reserve and the animals that inhabit it, with the support of a global network of institutions (including over 50 zoos!).
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💲And why not supporting them if you can? Donate here.
Over 1000 Zoo-Raised Hellbenders Reintroduced Into the Wild
October 10, 2020
Over 1000 captive-raised Ozark and eastern hellbenders were reintroduced into the wild this summer, thanks to the efforts of Saint Louis Zoo & partners!
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✔️The zoo not only has a successful breeding programme for the Ozark hellbenders, but it also partakes in a headstarting programme for both species - collecting eggs from the wild for future release.
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✔️Thousands of hellbenders have been reintroduced since 2008!
Captive-Bred Tasmanian Devils Released in Mainland Australia
October 6, 2020
🐾Tasmanian devils are now back in mainland Australia, after 3,000 years absence... A total of 26 captive-bred devils have now been released in a large fenced area in a sanctuary, where they will be closely monitored. It is hoped the devils will re-balance the ecosystem, which has been severely affected by invasive species!
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✅Aussie Ark, which is an environmental charity supported by several zoos, is one of the organisations behind the Tasmanian devil reintroduction efforts.
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Photo credit: Aussie Ark
Wellington Zoo's Conservation Strategy 2020-2023
October 5, 2020
Wellington Zoo has released their Conservation Strategy for 2020-2023... Their conservation aims for this period include:
🌎Supporting restoration programmes for native species in the wild;
🌎Research collaboration with universities;
🌎Annual skills audits;
🌎Monitored Community Conservation Programmes;
🌎Staff participation in conservation efforts.