The nature conservation concept of Zurich Zoo

The Zurich Zoo considers itself a centre for nature protection with particular care for ecosystems and animal species protection. It engages internationally in breeding programmes (EEP, ESB) and, whenever possible, it also provides animals to programmes for their reintroduction in nature. Zurich Zoo, alone or with other partners, leads important focal projects, but also smaller ones for the protection of endangered ecosystems or species. For the choice of projects and their implementation, the zoo follows the principles of the world zoos and aquaria nature protection strategy of the World Association of Zoos & Aquaria (WAZA).

Objectives

The animals in Zurich Zoo are the ambassadors of their conspecific in the wild. Animals and plants in the zoo should contribute to sensitize the visitors to the problems linked to nature protection; the exhibitions, the guided tours and the information exchange help to deepen the knowledge on the efforts made for nature conservation.

With an efficient application of available means, nature conservation projects should:

Support the development of species conservation and their habitats,
Help conserve or enlarge areas with habitats close to nature,
Reach an increased knowledge and application of species biology, of ecology and of nature conservation science,
Strengthen the political conscience, as well as,
Contribute to increase the quality of life for population living close to nature, by training, education, and the sensitisation.
Zurich Zoo leads important themes projects with long term engagement, but it also supports other time limited projects.