| A life commitment
The conservation role of zoos worldwide has become more widely appreciated
and clearly defined in the past decade.
Changes were prompted by recommendations in the World Zoo Conservation
Strategy of 1993, the World Zoo and Aquarium Strategy of 2005 and through
changes in zoo legislation following the European Zoos’ Directive of 1999.
Their unique nature enables zoos, with a reservoir of technical skills, dedicated
staff and knowledgeable, understanding visitors, to embrace conservation by:
- Participating in co-ordinated and managed breeding programmes for
endangered species
- Supporting or conducting zoo-based research on endangered species as
long as that research has a defined conservation or welfare benefit for
the species
- Raising awareness of environmental and conservation issues through
zoo-based education programmes and outreach in the community and
political lobbying
- Supporting or conducting field projects by direct funding or by
contributing technical support through education and awareness
programmes and research
- Raising funds to support conservation programmes
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