We protect and promote biodiversity

Species conservation

Brillenbären (Tremarctos ornatus) im Sanggay Bergnebelwald des Zoo Zürich.

Species conservation is one of our four main objectives as a modern zoo.

Our goal is to prevent the extinction of endangered species. To this end, we participate as part of a global network in breeding programs for reserve populations. Accordingly, we prioritize the care of endangered species in our animal collection.

Successfully Protecting Species

Every day, about 150 species disappear from the natural world: animals, plants, and fungi. If we do nothing, up to two million species could be lost by the end of the century—a loss of biodiversity of staggering proportions occurring at breakneck speed.

We humans are responsible for species extinction. And we are also the ones who hold the key to saving biodiversity. Modern, scientifically managed zoos can make a decisive contribution to this effort.

Thanks to their expertise in the care and breeding of endangered species, modern zoos can establish international reserve populations. These serve as a safety net in the event that a species becomes extinct in the wild. When a reintroduction project is launched, zoos can provide animals from their breeding programs for that purpose.

  • Education
  • Research
  • Species Conservation
  • Blick aus der Luft auf einen Teil des Nouabalé-Ndoki-Nationalparks (NNNP) im Kongo.HabitatsWe protect nature – locally and globally