The Philadelphia Zoo is involved in helping endangered species in places around the world, including the countries of Madagascar, Brazil and Kenya.
Below are just a few of the ways our staff members, often together with their colleagues at other zoos, are working to make a difference for animals all around the world.
Species of Conservation Concern
How do you help animals in danger? An important first step is to identify species at risk. Toward this end, Zoo staff have assembled a list of "Species of Conservation Concern" - a list of animals in the Philadelphia Zoo's collection whose survival is of concern to conservationists at the state, national or international levels.
How do we decide which species and subspecies to place on this Zoo list?
They must be included on one or more of the following
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Programs
The Philadelphia Zoo is an active member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which represents more than 200 accredited zoos and aquariums in North America. AZA has established several ways for zoos to work together to preserve the genetic diversity of animal species, both in the wild and in zoos:
SSPs are programs for managing the populations of selected species in North American zoos and aquariums. The SSP coordinators decide which animals within the North American zoo population of a given species should mate. The goal is to manage the captive population and keep it genetically diverse and demographically healthy.
CAPs are special committees designed to help coordinate the conservation and science activities of AZA institutions working in specific geographical regions of the world. Attention is focused on regions abundant in unique wildlife and habitats.
TAGs are groups of experts responsible for making recommendations for AZA institutions regarding similar groups of animals or taxa. TAGs include groups for terrestrial invertebrates, bats, marine fishes, penguins and more.
SAGs help coordinate, facilitate and monitor the relevant research activities of AZA's member institutions and conservation programs. These groups serve as a clearinghouse of technical advice for institutional members.
Local Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK)
The Philadelphia chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) has a membership of about 30 Zoo staffers and affiliates. These chapter members support the Zoo's conservation efforts in many ways. They host guest speakers from outside conservation organizations, organize public programs, such as Keeper Evenings and Keeping up with the Keepers, and staff tables discussing conservation topics at Zoo special events.
What's more, they also take part in a unique national fundraiser called Bowling for Rhinos (BFR). By selling t-shirts and other items and, of course, bowling, the chapter raises funds to help conserve the five remaining rhino species, all of which are endangered. Since 1990, the chapter has raised more than $104,000 for the conservation of rhinos. This year's Bowling for Rhinos event takes place on August 22. All proceeds from this event go directly to support three wildlife refuges:
- Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (LWC) in Kenya, a sanctuary that protects not only the black rhino but also everything from orchids to elephants within the refuge.
- Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia, home to the last 47 Javan rhinos in the world.
- Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP) in Sumatra, Indonesia, a lush, tropical rain forest where Sumatran rhinos, tigers and Malayan sun bears live.
You too can help spare these endangered animals and save valuable ecosystems for future generations. Help save rhinos by sending your generous donation to:
Philadelphia Zoo AAZK Chapter
3400 West Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104