Nature Conservation « back

ZOOS in the 21st century

The rate of extinction of plant and animal species is now much faster than it was 50 years ago. The progress of civilization, increase in the human population and all the consequences of that: pollution, degradation and destruction of the natural environment, and overexploitation of natural resources — are the main reasons for the disappearance of our planet’s biological diversity.

Modern zoos are institutions that play an active part in efforts to save endangered species. What were once called menageries, and are now zoological gardens and parks, become 21st-century centres for the protection of nature in the wild. The World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy (WZACS), a document drawn up by members of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), lays down policy for all zoos and aquariums to follow in order to realize their fundamental mission of conserving nature. WZACS also requires that animals be kept in compliance with the highest animal welfare standards. The Zoos Strategy is based on the World Conservation Strategy, produced by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Zoos all over the world work together in organizations such as WAZA, EAZA and many others, and cooperate with scientific institutions and NGOs in international breeding programmes which aim to save animal species that are rare and facing extinction in their natural environment. The main aim of this cooperation is to maintain in artificial conditions (ex situ) the natural genetic variety characteristic of populations living in their natural environment (in situ). This is of great importance for attempts at reintroduction. At European zoos there are active programmes carried out under the EEP (European Endangered Species Programme). At present the EEP covers 180 species of animals (23 of which are present at Płock Zoo). Also there are regional programmes and ESBs (European Studbooks) maintained for 178 species, of which 16 can be found at Płock Zoo. Altogether, zoos throughout the world are currently running over 900 projects for the protection of species in the natural environment.

By performing their basic functions of animal breeding, education, science and recreation, modern zoos contribute to saving endangered species of animals and raising the public’s ecological awareness.