May 26, 2020

How do zoos support rhino conservation? Save the Rhino International supports 25 field programmes for wild rhinos and is partnered with over 30 zoos. In this article, they discuss the role of zoos in rhino conservation, from breeding programmes to research and support to in-situ conservation.

May 15, 2019

The recently released U.N. report further highlighted the massive impact we are having on the planet and the danger world's biodiversity is in. Modern zoos and aquariums may be the last hope for the conservation of many of the species that are in risk... Have a look at this opinion article by the CEO of the American Humane.

May 07, 2019

On top of telling the new generation of conservationists they can make a difference for wildlife, Jane Goodall has also spoken about the importance of zoos!

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"Dr Goodall said she was honoured by the dedication and to be a part of the zoo's community, especially as zoos, such as Taronga, were "playing a major part in conservation efforts and education"."

March 13, 2019

Auckland Zoo's Director, Kevin Buley, explains why captivity doesn't necessarily mean miserable animals, and that, as habitats in the wild suffer under human pressure, some animals live better lives in the zoo than they would in the wild.

March 01, 2019

Another opinion article on the vital role of modern zoos in fighting extinction, by ZSL's Director General, Dominic Jermey. This comes after four Northern Bald Ibis were sent from ZSL London Zoo to Spain, for reintroduction into the wild, as part of an ex-situ project that is returning this species to its former range.

December 16, 2018

A nice opinion article from David Field, Zoological Society of East Anglia's CEO, on the role of modern zoos in conservation, research and education!

June 28, 2018

To celebrate National Zoo & Aquarium month in the US, the American Humane has shared an opinion article by Turtle Back Zoo's director, which explains the importance of modern zoos and why we need them! 

May 01, 2018

"Good zoos inspire and collaborate to transform the world we live in for people, animals and the planet. " these are the words of Karen Fifield, Wellington Zoo's Chief Executive, in her article about the great importance of zoos in modern society.

March 30, 2018

Zoos have saved many species and are currently the last hope for many others that are in risk of extinction. Dr. Laura Graham, the director of WRG Conservation, explained why the contribution of zoos to conservation is of vital importance.

March 23, 2018

The world cried the death of Sudan, which brought the northern white rhino subspecies one step closer to extinction. Other rhino species and subspecies are threatened with extinction, and zoos have a vital role to play in their conservation. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's director, Dr. Chris Kuhar discussed how zoos can support conservation efforts while educating their many visitors.

March 19, 2018

Dr. Conde, Species360 - Global Information Serving Conservation's Director of Science, explained the importance of using biodiversity databases to organise relevant data and make it more accessible to researchers. Dr. Conde also encouraged the inclusion of data collected by zoos and the increase of partnerships between institutions, in order to optimise wildlife conservation efforts.

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Photo: Copenhagen Zoo

March 04, 2018

What is like to direct one of the most popular and conservation-focussed zoos in the world? Zoophoria interviewed Chester Zoo's former director, Dr. McGregor Reid, and talked about his story, acomplishments and the challenges he had to face while directing the world-famous zoo.

September 12, 2017

Mike Crowther and Dan Ashe, CEOs of the Indianapolis Zoological Society and AZA, respectively, highlight the vital role of modern zoos in protecting endangered species:

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"Today’s zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums have accepted a leadership role in preserving Earth’s tapestry for today and for future generations. And that leadership challenge is not a burden. It is a joy"

August 14, 2017

The Executive Director for Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Dr. Chris Kuhar, discussed the involvement of this zoo in wildlife conservation and environmental education. Every year, this zoo does around $600.000 worth of conservation work.

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"Accredited zoos and aquariums (...) are investing more and more every year into conservation. Zoos aren't just about having a fun experience with animals. They are, but we have a greater mission that we're really dedicated to" Dr. Kuhar said.

August 01, 2017

Dr. Hone, lecturer at Queen Mary University of London, explains in this article why we need zoos! With so many species threatened with extinction and even common ones declining in the wild, zoos work to ensure these species won't permanently disappear. When in-situ conservation efforts fail or are not quick enough to avoid extinction, there is a captive population that can be used for reintroduction, like it has happened with several species in the past!

July 01, 2017

Our wildlife is in danger and needs as much help as we can get. This article by Taronga Zoo​ emphasises what we have been preaching here at The Zoo Scientist: Zoos provide an undeniable and vital support to wildlife conservation.

June 28, 2017

Zoos are agents of conservation and no longer just for entertainment: this is the opinion of many zoo veterinarians, who, together with many other zoo professionals, dedicate their lives to wildlife conservation and to the welfare of the animals under their care.

March 30, 2017

"In a perfect world, zoos wouldn’t need to exist. Sadly, with animal populations crashing and habitats disappearing, zoos and aquariums have become the last refuge for many species."

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Dr. Clement Lanthier, CEO at The Calgary Zoo explains the importance of zoos for animal populations and their habitats.

February 02, 2017

Still unsure whether zoos are necessary or not? This article by Perth Zoo may help you decide, as they give nine reasons why world's wildlife strongly depends on the work of zoos.

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"We will apologise for our history, but not our future. Today, good zoos are local and global conservation agencies, modern day arks in an age of unprecedented extinction."

November 12, 2016

San Antonio Zoo has responded to an anti-zoo article that has been published in a student-run newspaper for an university, by explaining the important role of modern zoos in the world.

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"To allow misinformation to go unchecked is not only dangerous, but would be irresponsible to our planet and to the mission of the San Antonio Zoo and all other accredited zoos and aquariums." Tim Morrow said, CEO at San Antonio Zoo.

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Photo: © Edward A. Ornelas /San Antonio Express-News

October 11, 2016

Conservation biologist and science communicator James Borrell has given his opinion about zoos, providing us with eight reasons why they are good for conservation!

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"Would I rather have a species in captivity, than not at all? One hundred times, yes." he said.

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Find out what his eight reasons to support zoos are in the link below.

October 08, 2016

Dr. Jane Goodall, famous conservationist and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, was asked about her views on modern zoos, during the IUCN's World Conservation Congress. She said modern zoos are committed to the welfare of the chimpanzees (and other animals) under their care, and, considering the threats they face in the wild, sometimes they are better off in a zoo.

She said: "there is a mistaken belief that animals in their natural habitat are, by definition, better off. Not true, necessarily."

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Photo: © Michael Nichols

September 21, 2016

"Studying zoo animals: why it's worth the effort" (Current Conservation, volume 10, page 20). Paul Rose, BIAZA Research Committee's member and a researcher in animal behaviour and welfare, explains why zoo animals are so important for research and conservation.

August 03, 2016

Sir David Attenborough was asked, at the 70th anniversary event of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, what are his views on the importance of zoos for conservation and education. He replied that zoos do invaluable research on their animals,which wouldn't be possible otherwise, allow people of all ages to see the reality of live animals, and are crucial for captive breeding and reintroduction programmes - which are challenging and not the solution for all problems, but have, nonetheless, saved species.

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© Photo by ZSL 

June 14, 2016

The Director of Lemur Conservation Network, Corey Romberg, has said zoos play a vital role in the conservation of lemurs.

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By managing captive breeding programmes, providing financial and technical support to in-situ conservation projects and educating the public/raising awareness, zoos are helping to ensure there is a future for all lemur species.