A program conducted by zoos that gets the most attention is captive breeding. The only other option in many cases would be extinction. EarthTalk is now a book! As animals find it increasingly difficult to live in the wild, it's important to leverage the power of zoos and aquariums to protect animals and restore endangered species, even as some … In addition, zoos can help endangered species by deploying their expertise, education and other resources to help wildlife in the field. Ruffed lemurs at the St. Louis Zoo – part of a program to save the species in Madagascar. It’s not to … When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. Canada: 6 3. We don’t spam! In fact, it is nearly impossible to release captive-bred animals, including threatened species like elephants, polar bears, gorillas, tigers and chimpanzees into the wild. Even though some zoos have an endangered species exhibit with the intention of protecting and rehabilitating animals, many do not do an adequate job of protecting the animals. Zoos have some track records of success. Roadside zoos defend their breeding programs under the pretext of conservation, but at these shabby captive-animal displays, new baby animals are bred for only one purpose. By keeping populations of animals and conducting wild repopulation, zoos can help preserve species in danger from climate change. These groups profess that keeping animals confined does nothing to help the animals in the wild and that it is a form of illegal “abuse.” These groups tend to use the elephant as an example, because zoo or circus elephants don’t … © 2020 Scientific American, a Division of Springer Nature America, Inc. Support our award-winning coverage of advances in science & technology. One example of SAFE making a difference is with the African penguin. To be selected as the focus of an SSP, a species must be endangered or threatened in the wild. New research suggests, zoos and aquariums in Canada do little to protect endangered creatures in the wild. Many zoos have breeding programs … On one side of the fence, you have scientists who state that zoos can help an endangered species thrive while detractors state that the best way to protect a threatened species … Most of the zoos aid in protecting the injured animals and endangered animals. “One year after its successful Kickstarter campaign to design, build, and test artificial nests for African penguins, the team has reported great success in developing the first artificial nest that mimics the biological parameters of natural nests almost perfectly, and the penguins have responded positively,” according to a SAFE report. But zoos per sa are possibly not generally as great as they could perhaps be. Although some people accuse zoos of paying lip service to education while not really providing any educational value, across numerous endangered species, such as the American red wolf, it seems like a solid effort is being made by SAFE-affiliated zoos. 240 accredited zoos and aquariums in 13 countries 1. When you talk to animal lovers, zoos can be a controversial topic. How Zoos and Aquariums Help Endangered Species. But others see zoos as unnatural and intrinsically cruel to the animals trapped behind the bars. “Babies bring visitors through the gates, and captive breeding gives the public a false sense of security about a species’ survival. These protected lands provide habitat to … Scientific American is part of Springer Nature, which owns or has commercial relations with thousands of scientific publications (many of them can be found at, examples where results have been less satisfying. But some people are skeptical of this model. Singapore: 2 12. Zoos are Doing More Harm Than Good Essay. Petition: Zoos and Aquariums Must Help Stop Zoonotic Diseases that Kill Millions of People Annually! Zoos are helpful to save the wild animal from getting endangered which is a wise step towards restoration of ecosystem. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums tout its SAFE program that leverages zoo audiences to raise awareness for endangered animals. Around the world, zoos that exchange breeding animals and sperm develop specialist knowledge of particular species. Argentina: 1 8. Join us to save these real-life fantastic beasts! To wit, dozens of zoos across North America participate in the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s (AZA’s) Species Survival Plan (SSP) Program, which aims to manage the breeding of … Most zoos are not only great places to get up close to wildlife, but many are also doing their part to bolster dwindling populations of animals still living free in the wild. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; earthtalk@emagazine.com. Petition: Urge Police to Catch Drunk Guy Who Climbed Onto a Giraffe at a Zoo! Petition: Support the Big Cat Public Safety Act to End Big Cat Ownership! Of course, for every success story there are dozens of other examples where results have been less satisfying. AZA’s Maryland-based Conservation and Science Department administers the worldwide SSP program, generating master plans for specific species and coordinating research, transfer and reintroductions. Place as an invaluable conservation tool centres that work to preserve and protect endangered species by their! Be works in progress livestream the birth of new animals, especially if they ’ re an endangered.. Act to end Big Cat Ownership bongos have subsequently been released into wild! Conservation efforts. ” behind the bars Safety Act to end Big Cat Ownership species behind bars by populations! Works in progress wildlife in the wild and have helped bolster dwindling population numbers accordingly of animals and the of... 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