From Care to Conservation
Within the international conservation community, the Chicago Zoological Society is recognized as a leader in species preservation. Our involvement in species conservation is manifold, encompassing our care of the many endangered species living at Brookfield Zoo; the development of scientific approaches to assess threats to species and to design conservation programs to address these threats; our participation in managed conservation breeding programs; research on a wide range of topics related to conservation and animal well-being; and advocacy and education outreach.
Evaluating Species Viability
Effective species conservation requires an in-depth understanding of the risks that different species face. Recognizing that wildlife agencies and conservation organizations needed assistance in evaluating risks to species viability and developing effective long-term conservation programs, CZS Population Biologist Dr. Robert Lacy began working on solutions that combined conservation expertise with technological advances.
Dr. Lacy began by analyzing the genetic problems facing remnant, isolated populations of endangered species. He then applied his expertise in population modeling to develop the VORTEX population viability analysis software. Collaborating with colleagues around the world, Dr. Lacy has tested the software in the field, demonstrating the ability of computer simulation models to accurately project population trends. VORTEX is currently the industry standard for guiding endangered species risk assessments and conservation planning.
Responding to the Amphibian Extinction Crisis
Dr. Lacy is currently serving as the chair of the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In that leadership capacity, he has helped to coordinate a response to the extinction crisis now facing numerous species of amphibians around the world.
Amphibian Ark, a partnership among CBSG and zoo and aquarium associations worldwide, is providing global leadership to safeguard hundreds of amphibian species that cannot currently be protected in their wild habitats because of immediate threats such as disease and currently uncontrolled destruction of remnant habitats. These species require immediate intervention to avoid extinction.
The Chicago Zoological Society is continuing its leadership role in preserving amphibian species through its involvement with
Amphibian Ark, which includes providing partial funding for Amphibian Ark Program Officer Kevin Zippel and its public outreach events and activities as part of the 2008 Year of the Frog campaign.
Species Survival Plan Animals
The American Zoo and Aquarium Association manages cooperative population management and conservation programs, called
Species Survival Plans, for threatened species at North American zoos and aquariums. Each Species Survival Plan (SSP) carefully manages the breeding of a species in order to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining captive population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable.
Of the 116 species currently covered by SSPs,
44 are in Brookfield Zoo’s collection. Several are considered Critically Endangered or Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, indicating that they face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Innovations in Animal Care
Since 1934, when the Chicago Zoological Society opened Brookfield Zoo, we have put the care of animals first. Over the years, we have pursued and developed innovations in
animal care, from naturalistic exhibits and environmental quality to behavioral endocrinology and husbandry.