CONSERVATION BREEDING PROGRAMMES

We live in a world of climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss and other environmental threats. Many animal species are at risk of extinction as humans destroy their natural environment. The work of zoos complements conservation efforts around the world by preserving endangered species, and the long-term goal in many cases is to eventually reintroduce animals once their habitats have been restored or threats have disappeared.

EEP PROGRAMME

The most intensive type of conservation breeding programme within the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) is called the EEP (EAZA EX-situ Programme). All individuals in the programme are pedigreed, and from the pedigree the species coordinator can actively plan the breeding work.

Of the species found in Parken Zoo, the following belong to an EEP programme:

Alaotralemur, Aldabra tortoise, Amur leopard, Asian clawless otter, Asiatic lion, Asiatic wild dog, pygmy hippopotamus, Egyptian tortoise, fire salamander, cheetah, yellow-breasted capuchin, jaguar, giant otter, emperor salamander, emperor tamarin, Komodo dragon, lowland tapir, maned wolf, Peruvian skull monkey, ring-tailed lemur, red panda, red-bellied lemur, radiated tortoise, Sumatran tiger, southern tamandua, tree leopard, bicoloured tamarin, Visayan warthog and white-cheeked gibbon.

OTHER BREEDING PROGRAMMES

Some of the Zoo's species are included in other types of breeding programmes that are not yet classified as EEP. These species are monitored within the European network and discussed in the RCP (Regional Collection Plan) within EAZA. Individuals are surveyed as a preliminary to higher classified breeding programmes or as an ongoing inventory of the animal population. Of the Park Zoo's species, such breeding programmes are conducted for the following species:

Yellow-banded poison dart frog, colourful frog, greater flamingo and rhinoceros iguana.