Through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, North American zoos work together to cooperatively manage populations and establish conservation programs, called Species Survival Plans (SSP). Each SSP carefully manages the breeding of a species to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining captive population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable.
Beyond this, SSPs include a variety of other cooperative conservation activities, such as research, public education, reintroduction, and field projects. SSPs help zoos keep track of information about the entire captive population of a species, including births, deaths, where the animals are located, and their lineage. This information helps zoos make sound breeding recommendations.
The Binghamton Zoo currently participates in several of AZA’s Species Survival Plan programs. Several of these animals are considered Critically Endangered or Endangered by IUCN – The World Conservation Union.
For more information, visit the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ website.
SSP Animals at the Binghamton Zoo
African Pancake Tortoise*
Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur
Black Howler Monkey
Golden Lion Tamarin
Southern Three-banded Armadillo*