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BIAZA Conservation |
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In a perfect world there would not be a need for zoos, or other conservation organisations nor would we be living through this period of mass extinctions. Fortunately, in the 21st century, good zoos have risen to the challenge and are becoming a united and powerful force for conservation. |
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The role of zoos has continuously changed over time. It is this ability of zoos to change focus that has resulted in them embracing much needed conservation initiatives. Zoo conservation activities fall under two main headings; work that is carried out in the field and that which is related to conservation breeding programmes. |
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| Many of our members, for example Zoological Society of London (London Zoo and Whipsnade), Marwell, Bristol, Jersey, Paignton, Newquay, Living Coasts and Edinburgh, are all part of larger non-governmental organisations (NGOs or charities) that specialise in field- based conservation activities. Often zoo-based staff will lend expertise to field-based staff. Veterinary care is an obvious area. Without knowledge on how to safely anaesthetise animals, radio-tracking studies in the wild would not be possible. |
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| The other obvious way that zoo-based staff lend expertise is in breeding species in captive settings in situ (in range states) or ex situ (outside range states). This expertise has resulted in the saving of several species; notably the Arabian and scimitar horned oryx and Przewalski’s horses. Both species became extinct in the wild in the 20th century (the scimitar-horned oryx as recently as the late 1990s), but managed zoo populations have resulted in animals being returned to part of their original range, where as wild populations they can again roam freely, albeit, under protected regimes. |
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| This is the reality of the 21st century. As the ‘wild’ becomes increasingly fragmented, small populations become isolated from each other with associated problems. The future of many species depends on them being managed, through a continuum from ‘captive’ to ‘wild’, the latter often in fenced and protected areas. The future of many species (e.g. the African black rhino) is dependant on this sort of management |
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| Much of our knowledge and expertise in management, reintroduction and translocation of these small, and often isolated, wild populations comes from the experience gained in managing zoo populations. The science of small population management has evolved through cooperative zoo breeding programmes and an increase in our knowledge of the health care and welfare of wild animals. |
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| BIAZA members make significant contributions to field conservation. A survey carried out in 2001 showed that during the previous three years (1997-2000) member collections supported 177 field conservation projects in 62 countries representing over £10 million. Members also supplied husbandry and management skills, staff and equipment for habitat and species conservation and essential material for local education and awareness programmes in developing countries. |
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| Today the wild has become a fragmented, and dangerous place for many species due to man’s impact on, and exploitation of the environment. The ability of the better zoos to become powerful and influential forces for conservation is having significant positive effects on the future survival of many species and the conservation of their habitats. |
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