Why the world needs (good) zoos more than ever
Zoos have changed. Today, the best zoos provide a vital conservation lifeline for some of the world’s most endangered species.
The threat is real and it’s happening now. Across the world, numerous species are on the brink of extinction, and many more are facing an increasingly bleak future.
From the magnificent Sumatran Tiger to the tiny Corroboree Frog, species from all ecosystems, from many parts of the world are fighting for their survival — and many are losing. The reasons are complex but research shows a direct correlation between human population growth and extinction that is only going to get worse.
Whatever the reasons, the outcome is simple — the permanent loss of countless species. The WWF’s Living Planet Index shows a 58 per cent decline in populations of vertebrates between 1970 and 2012. If this continues, it’s estimated that this decline will be 67 per cent by 2020.
Thankfully, conservation organisations the world over are casting a lifeline to some of the most endangered species. And the world’s best zoos are playing a significant role in helping many of these species fight back.
Zoos have changed. The very best have evolved into fully fledged conservation agencies that are leading the way in science, research, animal husbandry, breeding programs and conservation projects in house and in the field. Zoos worldwide work in collaboration to ensure some of the world’s most endangered species have a viable insurance population should the unthinkable happen to them in the wild. The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums reports that the zoos and aquariums globally spend US$ 350 million on wildlife conservation each year. It’s a far cry from the zoos origins as a menagerie for curious visitors.
Zoos make a difference. From large key species like Sumatran Tigers, Asian Elephants, Western Lowland Gorillas and Black Rhinos to lesser known, but equally important species like the Golden Lion Tamarin, the Panamanian Golden Frog and freshwater mussels, the species being helped by zoos are many and diverse, as are the roles that zoos play in wildlife conservation. Zoos are even using their expertise in science and research to help secure the future of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. What would happen to these species without the help of zoos?
Zoos have evolved. The contribution world zoos have made to conservation is immense. One of the most well-known contributions is the incredible story of the Arabian Oryx. Once listed as extinct in the wild, it was brought back from the brink thanks to the painstaking work of Phoenix Zoo and others. Through this incredible work, we now have over 1,000 of these magnificent animals back in the wild and thousands more looked after by zoos worldwide.
Przewalski’s Horse, the only truly wild horse left in the world and once declared extinct in the wild, has made an incredible comeback thanks to a breeding program only made possible due to the international cooperation of zoos.
The California Condor, once on the brink of extinction, now fill the Californian sky in their hundreds thanks to the dedicated conservation efforts of San Diego Wild Animal Park and the Los Angeles Zoo.
In Australia, there were only a handful of Corroboree Frogs left in the wild until a breeding program was set up at Taronga Zoo Sydney. After years of work, Taronga has so far released thousands of frogs back into the wild and continue this work behind the scenes every day.
But these success stories are just the tip of the iceberg. Zoos, from the big to the small, are showing an unprecedented commitment to conservation that is helping to secure the future of species in their home countries and around the world.
And these conservation programs aren’t just limited to on-site projects. There are hundreds of in-situ conservation projects across dozens of countries happening in the world right now — managed, financed and staffed by world zoos. The best of these take a holistic approach to conservation: ensuring a viable breeding population in zoos, working to protect habitat and build capacity in local communities in the animals’ natural environment to co-exist with wildlife, while educating and empowering zoo visitors to take action and make choices that result in a real-world difference.
While not all animals in zoos are on the endangered species list, it’s important to remember that people come to zoos for the experience of seeing animals for themselves. Every year, around 700 million people visit zoos and aquariums worldwide to do just this — and this gives zoos an incredible opportunity — in fact an obligation — to promote and campaign for conservation measures and environmental education that ultimately will help those species that are endangered.
But of course, not all zoos are equal. Just like any industry, there are good practitioners (who continuously seek improvement) and ones that need to shift in both practice and philosophy. The best zoos are putting conservation outcomes at the top of their priorities and are consistently striving for better animal welfare.
The best zoos are setting a precedent for others to follow. They are changing the very notion of what a zoo is, the role they play in society and are the best defense for some of our most endangered species.
Taronga Conservation Society Australia (Taronga) is a not-for-profit conservation organisation that leads in wildlife conservation, science and research; animal welfare and rehabilitation; and environmental education. Taronga operates the award-winning Taronga Zoo in Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo.
Taronga’s vision is to secure a shared future for wildlife and people.
Find out more at taronga.org.au.
Story: Adam Browning
