Wildlife

Zoo Conservation Breeding and Genetic Management

How zoo conservation breeding programmes manage genetics and welfare in support of species recovery.

Key Facts

The Species Survival Plan coordinates breeding in North American zoos
European zoos use the EAZA Ex Situ Programme for managed breeding
Genetic diversity management uses studbooks and software modelling
Mean kinship calculations guide pairing decisions to prevent inbreeding
Reintroduction success depends on post-release monitoring and welfare support

Welfare Considerations

Conservation breeding requires balancing genetic management goals with individual animal welfare, including welfare costs of transport and pair introduction.

What You Can Do

Support accredited zoos with strong conservation breeding programmes
Learn about species recovery programmes linked to your local zoo
Advocate for welfare assessment as part of conservation breeding protocols