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POPULATION PLANNING continued
How do you determine which Do you have any plans for Brookfield
animals will be included at Brookfield Zoo’s animal population in the future?
Zoo? What steps do you take to
make sure that you meet the I am always looking for something new and unusual,
physical and social needs of any like our pangolin program. I feel a zoo is not doing
new species that are brought in? its job if it is not constantly advancing the knowledge
and science of animal care in areas that can support
We use a number of criteria when selecting a species to conservation efforts in the wild. At one time, we
ensure we can properly house, care for, and provide the knew a lot less about all the species we now maintain
best welfare possible. We look at what existing programs in zoos and aquariums. Through science and a bit
are in the zoo community that we can support; in of trial and error, we learned and that knowledge
other words, we consider how we can contribute to the then goes to support efforts to conserve species in the
sustainability of the species. We also try to consider wild. Unfortunately, over the years a different culture
what our guests are interested in, which species are has developed that discourages exploration with new
their favorites, and which species we can make the best species. I have had the opportunity here at the Society
connection with, so we can help people make the right to begin to reverse that trend and encourage other
choices in their daily lives to support conservation. institutions to once again do the same. Wildlife today
are under increasing pressure from the expansion of
human influence, some good, but mostly bad. Being
afraid to work with new species means no forward
movement, no advancement of science. We have
an obligation to always learn more about the world
around us; the more we know the more we can
help protect the species we share our world with.
Is there anything else you’d like to
share about population planning?
A population plan is a living document, a guiding
document that supports an institution’s programs,
mission, and vison. To the readers out there, know
that you too influence our population plan at the
Society. We hope we are meeting your needs as well as
supporting conservation efforts around the world. █
Bill Zeigler is the Chicago
Zoological Society’s senior vice
president of animal programs.
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