The importance of zoo participation in global species conservation Richard Perron IUCN-CBSG Quantum Conservation e.V. Schützenhofstraße Oldenburg Germany

What do we mean by conservation?

Conservation The protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and interesting and important structures and buildings, especially from the damaging effects of human activity Carefully using valuable natural substances that exist in limited amounts in order to make certain that they will be available for as long a time as possible

Preserving & Protecting

Why is conservation necessary?

Last, but not least

Why should zoos, why should YOU, be particularly concerned about conservation?

Two main reasons Moral obligation Legal responsibility Zoos have, as a group, taken animals from the wild over the last few centuries Zoos need to be active in conservation to justify their continuation

A high percentage of global wildlife is rapidly heading for extinction. Some of the most attractive exhibits in zoos are among those species most endangered in the wild.

Education Staff training – informed ambassadors Correct and sufficient signage Integrated environmental compatibility School parties – build for the future Children at play – integration with nature Adult visitors – a problem of apathy Guided tours by zoo professionals Marketing concept aimed at politicians

Marketing the zoo Every zoo should have a marketing concept – know why you are there, what you are doing and where you are going Involve schools, churches, social groups and businesses in all your activities Invite all political parties regularly to events at your zoo and keep them up-to- date on your plans and integrate them into your projects

Ex-situ breeding & research Ex-situ conservation would seem to be the ideal level for zoos to become involved Being an EEP/ESB member is not sufficient, it must be linked to in-situ programmes Collection planning is essential Research: information & publishing

Vital In-situ support In-situ also means doing conservation projects in your local area Smaller zoos could join together to create viable projects for habitat protection Larger zoos could supply technical as well as financial help to projects Raise funds for projects you cannot join Use in-situ activities in your marketing

The reality Very few zoos are actively engaged in in- situ conservation The same zoos are always mentioned in relation to conservation efforts Zoos of all sizes can do more Lawmakers will increasingly pass restrictive legislation Wildlife will be increasingly endangered

Conservation needs YOU! Conservation needs YOU now Educate your visitors & politicians Do something positive for captive species Publish your experiences Help preserve OUR in-situ wildlife and habitat THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION

Levels of Influence International Regional National Local WAZA EAZA ? YOU