300614 VO Importance of Zoos for Conservation of endangered species (2008S)

Zoos and aquariums operate now in a world of accelerating environmental threats and reduction in biodiversity. In the last ten years climatic changes, over-exploitation of natural resources, increases in the negative impact of invasive species and overall environmental degradation have all continued. The evolution of modern scientific guided zoos and aquariums has been toward nature-protection centers that serve four major objectives: education, research, conservation and recreation. They make further contributions to conservation in the wild by providing knowledge, skills and resources through initiatives in zoo breeding programs, translocations and reintroduction, wildlife health, research, training, education and by funding field activities. Zoos and aquariums will be an important force for worldwide conservation by their employment or support of field workers active in the conservation of wild animals and their habitats. They uniquely have a massive audience of visitors whose knowledge, understanding, attitude, behaviour and involvement can all be positively influenced and harnessed.The lectures describe historical development of conservation issues, methods of proper and ethically acceptable care of wild animal and successful reintroduction programs. The earliest proposals for conservation of wild populations by zoos were made through breeding and reintroduction, building on the successes of breeding American bison, Bison bison, and European wisent, Bison bonasus, at North American and European zoos and wildlife parks respectively. Zoos and aquariums can act as 'arks' in which carefully managed populations of animals are bred and the progeny released back into the wild. Examples from Projects for Evertebrates up to flagship species like Giant Pandas and Elephants are represented, and the development of methods for successful projects described.The scientific background to all of these issues and the educational value shows modern engagement of Zoos in Conservation.