Zoos and aquariums have evolved rapidly: from mere menageries, where people went to marvel at the spectacle of fierce and unusual animals behind bars or glass, to institutions dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and natural habitats. Vanishing from zoos are images of animals in hard confinement, and increasing are animals exhibited in conditions which accurately and effectively simulate their native environments (Norton, et. al, 1995). Today each of the 172 zoos and aquariums in the United States and Canada accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) has four main goals: conservation, education, science and recreation.

How zoos and aquariums contribute to conservation has also evolved rapidly: from the approach that zoos are modern Noah's Arks, protecting wildlife from the approaching"flood" of species extinctions, to a much broader, multi-faceted approach that has zoos contributing to the conservation of wildlife in nature through a combination of programs including public education, scientific research, technology development and transfer, fund-raising, and captive breeding for reintroduction (Hutchins, et. al., in press; Wiese and Hutchins, 1994; Sunquist, 1995). While it is unfortunately true that for some species zoos and aquariums may be their last refuge, it is unrealistic to view captivity as the "safety net" for all endangered species, because there simply is not enough space. However, zoos and aquariums and their living collections can, and do, play a much broader role in the preservation of wildlife in nature.

Public education is perhaps the greatest role that zoos and aquariums can play in conservation. Collectively, AZA zoos and aquariums form the only conservation organization large enough to reach more than 116 million visitors annually. Supporting zoological societies have a combined membership of 4.9 million people. For many people, urban dwellers in particular, zoos and aquariums may be the only place where they have any significant contact with animals. Zoos and aquariums can provide people with personal wildlife experiences, experiences that often evoke an emotional connection with animals. A close encounter with a gorilla or a flamingo, an alligator or a leaf-cutting ant, can inspire a visitor to want to learn more about these animals and the many threats to their existence. According to a recent Roper Organization poll, nine out of ten Americans believe professionally-managed zoos and aquariums are essential to educating the urban public about wildlife. Ultimately, zoos and aquariums strive to inspire each and every visitor to take some kind of action to help preserve wildlife and wildlife habitat. Zoos and aquariums promote many actions that people can take, from recycling and planting backyard habitats, to taking citizen action through writing to Congress in support of the Endangered Species Act, to making financial contributions to conservation organizations.

Scientifically-managed captive breeding programs are critical to responsible zoo animal management. Over ninety percent of all mammals and seventy percent of all birds in North American zoos today were bred in captivity (Wiese & Hutchins, 1994). Sophisticated computer analyses are employed to maintain healthy, self-sustaining captive populations of animals. Captive breeding for reintroduction is appropriate for some species, particularly those that are extinct in the wild or those whose populations have become so fragmented that they are destined for extinction.

Scientific research contributes directly to conservation through providing greater knowledge on which to base critical management decisions. Zoos conduct research in a wide variety of disciplines: biology, ecology, reproductive biology, genetics, behavior, nutrition, and wildlife medicine. Both applied and basic research are supported by zoos. According to Hutchins et. al. (in press), scientists working at, or in collaboration with, AZA member institutions produced over 1,350 peer-reviewed technical and semi-technical articles, and conference proceedings, in the last four years (1991-1994).

Many of the technologies developed or tested by zoo and aquarium biologists are directly relevant to field conservation (Hutchins & Conway, 1995). Examples include advances in reproductive technology (e.g. methods of wildlife contraception), safe chemical immobilization of wild animals, high-tech methods for tracking free-ranging animals, and individual animal identification (Hutchins, et.al, in press; Wiese and Hutchins, 1994). Through various programs sponsored by individual zoos and AZA Conservation and Science committees (see articles on AZA's conservation programs), wildlife biologists in developing countries receive training in applications of all of these technologies.

Finally, in addition to supporting field research, several AZA institutions provide direct financial assistance to national parks and reserves through "adopt-a-park" programs or "adopt-an-acre" programs. For example, the Minnesota Zoological Garden has adopted Ujung Kulon National Park on the island of Java in Indonesia. An international biosphere reserve, the park is one of the last strongholds of the Java rhinoceros, perhaps the most endangered large mammal in the world. The zoo provides financial assistance to park personnel to purchase equipment and to make improvements to park facilities. Furthermore, a growing number of institutions have field biologists on staff. Zoo and aquarium based ecotourism is another method by which zoos and aquariums make financial contributions to developing countries. Both the AZA and many of its member institutions have developed various funds to support field conservation programs, with each fund having a very specific initiative.

Through regular features in the Endangered Species Update, we intend to highlight examples of those programs that demonstrate how AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are active players in the conservation of endangered species. Our ultimate goal is to foster increased communication and collaboration among our many dedicated colleagues who share our commitment to endangered species throughout the world.

Hutchins, M. and W.G. Conway. 1995. Beyond Noah's Ark: the evolving role of modern zoological parks and aquariums in field conservation. International Zoo Yearbook. Vol. 34, 84-97.

Hutchins, M., E. Paul, and J. Bowdoin. In press. Contributions of zoo and aquarium research to wildlife conservation and science. In: Bielitzki, J., Boyce, J., Burghardt, G., and Schaeffer, D. (eds.), The Well-Being of Animals in Zoo and Aquarium Research, Scientists Center for Animal Welfare, Greenbelt, MD, 1-17.

Hutchins, M., K. Willis, and R.J. Wiese. 1995. Strategic collection planning: theory and practice. Zoo Biology 14(1): 5-25.

Norton, B., M. Hutchins, E.F. Stevens, and T.L. Maple. 1995. Ethics on the Ark: Zoos, Animal Welfare and Wildlife Conservation. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press.

Sunquist, F. 1995. End of the Ark? International Wildlife Nov/Dec, 23-29.

Wiese, R.J. and M. Hutchins. 1994. Species Survival Plans, Strategies for Wildlife Conservation. American Zoo and Aquarium Association, Bethesda MD.

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