Conservation

The conservation of wild animals and their natural habitats are fundamental to the mission of the zoo community in a world where intact environment becomes more and more rare. This mission is maintained by breeding programs, public education and research, animal welfare and the participation in conservation in situ activities. Furthermore quite a number of Endangered Species Programs (EEP) and European studbooks (ESB) have been built up which help to manage species spread between different zoos as a self-sustaining population. This is important for species that are very close to extinction in the wild, and provides an “insurance” population. Zoos can also supply individuals for well coordinated re-introduction projects in National Parks, protected areas and/or in still intact environment.

• co-ordinates the Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita) EEP
• participates the EEP´s of the Otter (Lutra lutra), the European Bison (Bison bonasus), the Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) and the Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
• is part of the ESB of the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus), European Lynx (Lynx lynx), European Brown bear (Ursus arctos sp.)
• takes part in release projects of the Ibex (Capra ibex), European Wildcat (Felis silvestris), Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), alpine grouses and owls
• shelters and cares for injured wild animals