CONSERVATION AND SCIENCE

Scientific study or research is at the heart of all conservation initiatives.  Over the years that animals have been kept in zoos and aquariums much has been learned, however there are still many things about them that are still unknown or unclear.  

CAZA members conduct active and collaborative research programs to better understand how to care for the animals in their facilities and also how to better conserve them in the wild. Research programs address areas as diverse as animal husbandry, reproduction, nutrition, behaviour and veterinary care.  This knowledge is necessary to feed, house, and care for the animals, to stimulate their reproduction and to keep them healthy.   New branches of science, such as genetics, population biology, conservation biology, biotechnology and others, have been added to the long list of areas that serve as necessary foundations for zoo practices.  

Research is conducted not only by the institutions themselves but often in partnership with external researchers representing other zoos or aquariums, universities, wildlife agencies and recovery teams.  The publications that result from the research share the knowledge gained with people around the world.  This combination of research and publication enhances the educational contribution that zoos and aquariums make to their communities and to the world. 

CAZA members with research departments have rigourous methods of screening all proposals prior to approval.  Several members have made their forms available for information and use as needed.  They are available for  downloading in Word format:

 combined_forms.doc

Photo Credits

Burrowing Owl, Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo
Orang-Utans, Toronto Zoo, Ken Ardill

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