Innbruck, den 8.9.2025 — We are delighted to announce that, following an extensive and thorough application process, Alpenzoo Innsbruck-Tirol is now an official and voting member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). This makes the zoo one of the most important international networks in nature and species conservation. This membership emphasises the Alpine Zoo's commitment to global species conservation and strengthens international cooperation.
IUCN - the world's largest nature conservation network
With more than 1,400 member organisations from over 160 countries, the IUCN is the world's largest network for nature and species conservation. Among other things, it is responsible for the Red List of Threatened Species and advises international processes for the protection of biodiversity. More than 10,000 experts contribute to the work of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) worldwide. The Alpenzoo is only the second zoo in Austria and one of fewer than 20 zoos and aquariums in the German-speaking world to have joined the IUCN as a member.
Alpenzoo contributes expertise
The Alpine Zoo already contributes to the important work of the IUCN in many ways. Since 2024, it has been coordinating the first IUCN Species Conservation Centre in Austria together with the IUCN SSC Small Mammal Specialist Group, with a focus on certain species of small mammals. In addition, some employees are involved in IUCN SSC Specialist Groups (SG) on a voluntary basis: Director Dr André Stadler is active in the Cat and Deer SG, Species Conservation Coordinator Dr Nora Weyer in the Small Mammal and Afrotheria SG and as an expert for the IUCN Red List. The Alpine Zoo is also involved in European Endangered Species Programmes (EEPs), species conservation projects, such as for the Bavarian short-eared vole, and successful reintroductions of bearded vultures, northern bald ibises, bison and other species in need of protection. Since its foundation, the organisation has made an important contribution to the preservation of Alpine biodiversity.
"Champions League of species protection"
"As a themed zoo with a focus on Alpine wildlife and with many years of experience in conservation breeding, environmental education and species protection, we are now also contributing our knowledge directly to global decision-making processes such as those of the IUCN," explains Director Dr André Stadler. "In a way, the IUCN is the Champions League of species conservation. We are incredibly proud to now be involved on this international playing field and to actively help shape the rules of the game, i.e. the international nature conservation guidelines. Nature conservation does not end at national borders - it is the global cooperation of diverse players that makes it successful."
Zoos as indispensable partners in species conservation
The IUCN recognises the important role of progressive, scientifically managed zoos in species conservation: they are not only places of education and recreation, but also essential partners in the protection of threatened species through breeding programmes, research initiatives and support for conservation projects in natural habitats. This role includes applied genetics, behavioural studies, veterinary science, animal husbandry, reintroduction and translocation of wildlife, research, education and community engagement, policy and guideline development, access to nature experiences and conservation promotion. The Alpine Zoo consistently implements all these aspects in its daily work.
"Our membership of the IUCN enables us to be even more actively involved in global species conservation projects and the development of reliable species conservation practices, knowledge exchange with a global reach, as well as new interdisciplinary training opportunities and partnerships," explains Stadler, "Zoos have an incredible amount of species conservation potential, and we are committed to utilising this at all levels."
First steps as an IUCN member
As an active member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Alpine Zoo will work with hundreds of other organisations to protect endangered species of animals, plants and fungi both inside and outside their natural habitats. A first milestone will be participation in the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi in October 2025, where the Alpine Zoo will actively shape international processes as a voting member of the IUCN.
Thanks for support
The Alpine Zoo would like to thank the Wilhelma Zoological and Botanical Gardens in Stuttgart and the Royal Zoological Society Scotland for their positive support of the application by providing the necessary formal advocacy.
More information on the IUCN can be found at https://iucn.org
More information about the IUCN Species Conservation Centre for Small Mammals at the Innsbruck-Tyrol Alpine Zoo can be found at https://iucn.org/our-union/commissions/species-survival-commission/partners-and-donors/centers-species-survival/css-small-mammals-alpen-zoo
Bild 1: Zum Schutz von Waldrapp, Bartgeier, Europäischer Wildkatze und der Bayerischen Kurzohrmaus trägt der Alpenzoo, nun Mitglied bei der IUCN, aktiv bei.
