Integrating Conservation
Integrating Conservation
Zoos internationally have, for many years, stood on the four pillars of conservation, education, research and recreation.
Today, all of these roles remain important. But looking forward, and in line with the World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy, zoos need to take a more holistic approach as to how they make a difference in these areas, and must look closely at exactly where they place their resources.
In the 21st century, the major goal of zoos and aquariums has to be to integrate all aspects of their work with conservation activities, and to actively live the values of sustainability, conservation, and social and environmental responsibility. Directly supporting the conservation of threatened and endangered animals in the wild (and their habitats) represents a fundamental shift in the role of zoos and aquariums.
Historically, zoos have tended to rest on the laurel of conservation being the captive breeding of threatened species, which was perceived as real conservation. While this is certainly a part of our role, it has little to do with the practical preservation of sufficient sustainable habitat in the wild.
The reason the majority of our staff join the Zoo team is because the values of Auckland Zoo resonate with their own. Many of our people deal with threatened species every day. As a result, the Zoo has grown a considerable base of technical knowledge and skills. These are invaluable, and need to be used well to make a difference for species in the wild, as well as the breeding programmes we manage.
Auckland Zoo welcomes over half a million visitors every year, many of whom are very keen to learn more about threatened species and help contribute to supporting the preservation of wildlife and the environment. It is in this area that the Zoo can act as a conduit to inform and influence the public about the plight of threatened species.
We are actively working to provide avenues for the public, both to support threatened species conservation programmes, and to integrate simple sustainable living initiatives in their day-to-day activities. Check out our ‘Green Team' tips.
Moving forward
Since 2000 when the Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund (AZCF) was established, the Zoo has had a strong internal culture of supporting in-the-field conservation (conservation projects in the wild).
Driven by the efforts of a diverse range of employees and volunteers who have given of their time and skills, the AZCF has raised close to $300,000 for local and international projects.
These efforts have helped everything from a West Auckland forest range to the Sumatran tiger and orang utan, and the rare subantarctic duck – the Campbell Island teal.
But 2007 is seeing the Zoo's support for endangered animals in the wild move to a new level.
In addition to the money we raise through the Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund, 1% of income from all Zoo revenue earning streams is being allocated directly to in-the-field conservation. By 2010 this will increase to 2%. When the Zoo's New Zealand experience, Te Wao Nui, opens in 2010, a further 50c from each ticket will be added to this contribution.
This initiative, implemented at the beginning of the Zoo's new financial year on 1 July, reflects the growth and evolution of the Zoo and its commitment to the World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy.
"The Conservation Office (which manages the AZCF) is planning to match, and even exceed, the Zoo's direct contribution," says the Zoo's newly appointed Conservation Officer, Peter Fraser.
"We are already looking at having $100,000 available this year alone. With a sound and achievable strategy in place, this amount is set to triple by 2010 – allowing us to really champion the field conservation projects we support. Our staff will continue to organise and run fundraising events, which will further complement the Fund and maintain a culture of involvement and ownership," says Fraser.
In addition, conservation initiatives outside the AZCF – like the Zoo's Green Team and its focus on sustainable initiatives, and the Veterinary team with its work on diseases that affect native wildlife – have mushroomed in the Zoo.
Auckland Zoo's commitment to integrating conservation into every aspect of what we do is clearly reflected in the Auckland Zoo's Strategic plan 2006-2010.
While we are the first to acknowledge we still has a way to go to fully achieve some of these intents, we are already moving from strength to strength.
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