CONSERVATION

CAZA and its members are committed to the Canadian conservation movement.

Canada’s accredited zoos and aquariums have a long and distinguished record of service in conservation programs. They collaborate regularly with government agencies and volunteer organizations in work aimed at the preservation of species throughout Canada and in many other countries around the world.

CAZA member zoos and aquariums are dedicated to the highest standards of animal care.  They nurture, protect and care for more than 100,000 animals representing over 2000 species.   Often these animals are the last representatives of endangered species.

Many of these endangered species survive because of zoo and aquarium captive animal management programs. CAZA’s members participate in close to 800 ex-situ programs and are directly involved in 20 field projects, most linked directly to reintroduction programs.  CAZA’s Canadian Collection Plan (CCP), a series of long-term breeding and conservation plans, is an example of how national associations are coordinating the efforts of their members in this critical work.  These types of programs provide insurance policies against extinction for key Canadian endangered species such as the Vancouver Island Marmot,  Burrowing Owl, Loggerhead Shrike, Wolverine, Black-Footed Ferret and others.

Canadian accredited zoos and aquariums participate in in-situ conservation programs in Canada, and around the world.  In 2005 they were involved in over 60 projects that since their inception had resulted in expenditures of $1,750,000.00.  Some of the projects are supported through the provision of financial support, in many other cases staff from the institutions is directly involved in doing the work.

Photo Credits
Vancouver Island Marmot- Calgary Zoo
Siberian Tiger - Toronto Zoo, Ken Ardill
Sea otter - Vancouver Aquarium, Bob Herger

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