Page 15 - GW_2020Winter

The announcement of an animal birth at
Brookfield Zoo often states that the event
resulted from “a recommendation from an
Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species
Survival Plan® (SSP).” The Association of Zoos
and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit organization
for zoos and aquariums that is committed to
advancement in the areas of conservation, education,
science, and recreation.
Brookfield Zoo is one of 230 zoos and
aquariums, mostly in North America, that are
accredited by the AZA. AZA accreditation ensures
that Brookfield Zoo meets the highest standards of
animal care and welfare.
The zoo participates in AZA’s cooperative
animal management programs—including the SSP
program. These programs facilitate the breeding
and management of entire populations of animals
throughout AZA-accredited institutions. The
institutions work cooperatively to ensure that the
animals in their care are healthy, their populations
are demographically stable and sustainable, and that
genetic diversity is maximized. Genetic diversity is
vital to the survival of a species because it increases
the likelihood that some animals will possess genetic
traits that enable them and the species to adapt and
cope with disease, environmental change, and other
future threats.
The AZA is also instrumental in wildlife
conservation efforts around the world. Each year
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums contribute
millions of dollars to field conservation efforts that
benefit hundreds of species in many countries.
Currently, members of CZS’ animal care staff
hold more than 50 positions in SSPs and other AZA
programs. They volunteer to do this work—often
during their personal time. We talked with a few of
them about the roles they play, as well as the rewards
and challenges of managing animals across dozens
of institutions.

The Guam kingfisher has been extinct in the wild for 30 years.
Shortly before that, the last 29 birds were placed in a breeding
program in AZA-accredited institutions and a Species Survival
Plan was created for the birds. There are 146 individuals today.
Brookfield Zoo has participated in the program since 1988.

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