AZA, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, has celebrated the ongoing success of its internationally-recognised program to preserve critically endangered species.
Since it was created in 2015, AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction has harnessed the expertise and resources of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums to help protect species and encourage wildlife protection. As the scheme approaches its 7th anniversary on Endangered Species Day, SAFE has expanded to 30 species and taxa that are at threat of extinction.
Conservation by numbers
Almost three-quarters of AZA’s 239 accredited zoos and aquariums are operating concurrently to assist species safeguarded by the US Endangered Species Act.
AZA president and CEO Dan Ashe says: “Animals at home and around the world are benefiting from SAFE and the work of AZA-accredited aquariums, nature centres, science centres, and zoos.
“Because of the AZA community, 1,000 tortoises confiscated from illegal trade are now rehabilitated and positioned for release back into the wild in collaboration with a community committed to protecting them in Madagascar.”
“Additionally, over 35,000 corals have been out-planted in Florida and the Bahamas, and another nearly 65,000 endangered corals have been added to Caribbean reefs. SAFE programs are innovating to protect African penguins living in disturbed habitats in South Africa and working to decrease unintended and negative consequences of fishing gear on marine life in the Gulf of California.
“Knowledge gaps are being filled by monitoring flamingos in the Andean Highlands, vultures in Africa, and hornbills in southeast Asia. These efforts are saving animals from extinction and inspiring people to do even more.”
Continued assistance
Even during the long-term closures imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, AZA-accredited facilities stayed committed to the care, research, and conservation of animals. AZA’s own Annual Report on Conservation and Science, states that $210 million were invested by these facilities in 2020 towards field conservation, with roughly 90 percent documenting their conservation efforts having a natural impact on wild animals and habitats.
The AZA SAFE scheme shows continued growth with the creation of new SAFE species programmes for chinchillas and the African painted dog, as well as outlining plans on how the AZA community will support species such as tree kangaroos in Papua New Guinea and rays in various waters.
The AZA has also announced its Party for the Planet: Spring into Action campaign, designed to engage in the creation of healthy habitats for people and SAFE species, for example, North American songbirds and monarch butterflies. The focus for 2022 will be the three action areas of Clean, Create, and Connect.
More information on SAFE can be found on the AZA website as well as details for this year’s Endangered Species Day.
AZA recently reviewed institutions applying for accreditation, which included the denied application of a site in Mexico.
