How Zoos Support Wildlife Conservation

It’s fair to say that zoos have moved away from the image of just being a place for entertainment. Although recreation is still an important focus for zoos, they now place a lot of value on education, research and conservation.

When it comes to conservation, zoos have the ability to conduct plenty of ex situ conservation work, such as captive breeding programs. But, there are also lots of ways that they help support in situ conservation efforts that take place in the wild.

How are zoos helping conservation in the wild?

Providing Financial, Equipment, and Staff Support

Possibly the most important thing a zoo can do to help in situ conservation projects is to provide financial support. It can be difficult for conservation projects to obtain funding. By receiving either one-off sums or, better yet, zoos committing to giving long term financial aid, many projects are able to continue their crucial conservation work.

Along with monetary support, zoos also provide important equipment, research students, and their own staff. Zoo staff are incredibly knowledgeable in animal husbandry, veterinary care, population management and conducting scientific research. With zoos sharing their knowledge and expertise, in situ conservation project staff and volunteers gain important skills that help aid their efforts. 

Combining ex situ and in situ Conservation through Captive Breeding and Reintroduction

Zoos also take part in captive breeding programs. This connects zoos worldwide and allows the movement of animals to different locations to successfully breed endangered species, while ensuring high genetic diversity, and managing worldwide zoo populations. Animals produced as a result of breeding programs may then be used to reintroduce species into the wild.

This is where ex situ (captive breeding) and in situ (reintroduction) conservation efforts combine. This union of ex situ and in situ is part of the IUCN’s One Plan Approach which presents the idea of a worldwide population management system between wild and captive populations.

How are zoos helping the lemurs of Madagascar?

Educating Zoo Visitors about Lemur Conservation

Lemurs are a popular animal in zoo collections, with zoos around the world housing a number of different species. Zoos are in an optimal position to educate the public about lemurs, the threats they face, and the conservation projects that are working hard to save them. This education helps zoo visitors become aware of lemur conservation and then support it through donations, volunteering, or sharing their knowledge and passion with others.

A 2017 study found that zoo visitors’ knowledge of biodiversity and conservation actions that can be taken to protect it significantly increased during their zoo visit. This increase was even larger in visitors who engaged with educational materials such as signs, interactive panels, and films. Thus, zoos have a brilliant opportunity to increase the public’s awareness about key conservation issues!

Supporting Conservation in Madagascar

In addition to educating visitors, many zoos also help in situ lemur conservation projects in Madagascar. Each of our member zoos supports various lemur conservation work. Many zoos are members of joint associations such as Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group and AEECL. And, some zoos are part of zoological societies that carry out their own in situ work in Madagascar. 

Summary

The Collaboration of Zoos and Conservation Efforts

There are many ways in which zoos contribute to in situ conservation efforts: financial support, providing resources, educating the public, and sharing expertise. For lemurs, zoos can have a significant impact on conservation efforts by working with conservation organizations towards the same goal: conserving as much biodiversity as possible and saving species in Madagascar from extinction.