BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

Presidents Comments
E.O. Wilson, in his book The Future Of Life, states that Biodiversity, counted by species (timber wolf or cougars) or families (dog families or cat families), and on both land and sea, is today about twice as great as the average level achieved throughout the past 450 million years.  This is a tremendous legacy that we have been blessed with.  However, the species extinction rate is now over 1000 times higher than the rate that occurred prior to humans expanding around the globe.  We are in danger of losing much of nature’s biodiversity within the lifetimes of our children and the young adults alive today.

And biodiversity is our business.  CAZA institutions should focus their efforts to make a significant difference in addressing the issue of species extinction.  Biologist, Dr. Andrew Bryant recently stated that if it was not for Canadian Zoos the Vancouver Island Marmot (one of the most endangered species on earth) would now be extinct.

Given these realities, I would like to extend CAZA’s heartfelt thanks to the Conservation & Science Committee and the expert volunteers who gave their time to develop this ‘Road Map’ - “Conservation and Science Program – Building For The Future”.
This is a timely work that refines previous thinking of the 1996 CAZA Long Term Strategic Plan with regard to the important role of CAZA facilities in Conservation and Science.  By bringing together the guidance of the World Zoo Conservation Strategy and the expertise of the members who worked on this committee this document provides an exciting and challenging framework to guide CAZA’s important Conservation and Science work into the future.

The Key Results Areas outlined in this document - Conservation of Biodiversity, Resource Conservation, Science and Research and Partnerships and Resources – with their associated objectives provide expert guidance for CAZA and member institutions that will greatly enhance CAZA’s efforts in support of biodiversity.

Society needs accredited zoological facilities to assist in confronting the species extinction crisis. By working together CAZA institutions can have an even greater impact on motivating societal change.  There is reason for optimism - people care a lot about their children and invest in their shelter, clothing, food and education.  So it is only logical that people will want to invest in preserving the legacy of incredible species diversity for the benefit of our children.

 CAZA C&S program.pdf 

Photo Credits
Muskox, Winnipeg Zoo, Darlene Slack
Snowy Owlets, Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo

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