The highest priority of the AZA is wildlife conservation. Specifically, the objectives of the AZA are:
a. Wildlife Conservation and Management Committee (WCMC).
AZA studbooks are primarily used as a tool for monitoring and managing captive populations and can be either regional or international. Studbook information is often used to make breeding decisions that ensure genetic variation.
Endangered species have the highest priority for studbook development; however, non-endangered species are also eligible for studbooks. As of 1994, Sea World keeps two endangered species studbooks, one for the white-winged wood duck (Cairina scutulata), and one for the red-fronted macaw (Ara rubrogeys). Sea World also keeps the studbook for the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), a non-endangered species. Requests for copies of the international studbooks are submitted to the Studbook Coordinator (the editor of International Zoo Yearbook), and endorsed by the IUCN/World Conservation Union and the IUDZG.
Sea World keeps studbooks for two endangered species: the white-winged wood duck (Cairina scutulata, left) and the red-fronted macaw (Ara rubrogenys, not pictured). Sea World also keeps the studbook for the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus, right), a non-endangered species.
c. Species Survival Plans/Taxon Advisory Groups/Fauna Interest Groups.
Selection criteria for the formation of an SSP are based largely on recommendations by the IUCN/World Conservation Union, the International Council for Bird Preservation, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Other considerations for selection are the realistic odds of successful captive breeding, the number of individual animals presently in captivity, and the space and resources available for the program. As of 1992, over 65 species had SSP's, including the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and red wolf (Canis rufus).
The Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinerea) are among the species bred at Sea World and Busch Gardens in cooperation with a Species Survival Plan (SSP).
Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinerea) Humboldt Penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) Micronesian kingfisher (Halcyon cinnamomina) Hawaiian nene goose (Branta sandvicensis) palm cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus) lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata) Asian elephant (Elephas maxius) black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah) Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi)
Humbolt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) palm cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus)
(3) The purpose of a Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) is to evaluate the present conditions surrounding a broad group of animals (e.g., marine mammals) and then prioritize the different species in the group for possible captive programs. The high priority species are recommended for Species Survival Plans and studbooks. A TAG usually consists of a diverse group of experts, including field biologists, zoo professionals, and representatives from various conservation organizations.
B. Other Zoological Organizations.
1. There are countless professional zoological organizations that are directly or indirectly involved with species conservation. These organizations share information through publications and meetings, both nationally and internationally. Because of the sheer number, only a few can be mentioned here.
2. Veterinary associations that promote excellence in captive animal medicine include the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) and the International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine (IAAAM). The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) is dedicated to quality animal care and supports public education on the need for preservation of natural resources and animal life. Animal trainers also play an active role in captive animal care and conservation. The International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA) promotes professional and responsible captive animal training and care.
Federal Wildlife Laws and Governing Agencies
SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Animal Information Database
www.seaworld.org / www.buschgardens.org
©2002 SeaWorld, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.