Zoos of the world and their organization (WAZA)

Zoos have become places for family entertainment. At the same time, they have become a key part of the strategy for preserving biodiversity, since they offer the opportunity to learn about the Earth’s endangered habitats.

The ways that zoos are involved in conservation are diverse. They include through captive breeding programs, conservation of threatened or endangered species, field work and the creation of habitats to facilitate species establishment and preservation.

Conserving wildlife and biodiversity is a primary objective for zoos, so this work has to be coordinated with other agencies and animal conservation institutions.

In fact, to be effective and to develop in situ conservation programs, it is essential to carry out scientific research programs to help better understand the populations and the development of endangered species.

Zoos are privileged institutions, since they have large collections of animals in captivity. This allows them to carry out research to contribute toward saving ecosystems and endangered animal populations. So zoos have a moral obligation to conduct research on their populations and on other issues related to conservation and animal welfare.

In fact, zoological research itself, which is based on daily management, is an important tool. Monitoring the growth of animals, the study of genetic data, behaviour, and even diseases of ex situ collections provide a lot of information that, properly handled, serves to acquire knowledge of conservation programs.

Since 2009, the Barcelona Zoo has carried out an ambitious research and conservation program. The objectives are:

-    The ex situ conservation of species, by participating in more than 80 conservation projects (EEPs and the ESBs of the EAZA, as well as other local initiatives).

-    In situ conservation through collaboration in certain related research projects, for example:

• The project "Global Amphibian ARK”, led by the CBSG (Captive Breeding Specialist Group).
• The project to reintroduce the Dorcas gazelle (Gazella dorcas neglecta) in the Guembeul Reserve (Senegal) with the Arid Zone Experimental Station (EEZA) of the CSIC.
• The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) conservation project and protection of Wae Wuul Reserve on the island of Flores.

-   Applied research or animal welfare and knowledge of the species in its environment.

-    Applied research and biodiversity protection in the city of Barcelona.

-    Applied Research and fauna of the Mediterranean area.

But zoos also have to be able to provide information to visitors who are more than just curious, such as students. They must also be able to generate new knowledge for researchers.

We are living in century characterized by society’s immersion in information, communication and knowledge. Zoos should also take advantage of new technologies to spread the conservation message.

This rethinking of the Barcelona Zoo is inevitably linked to the transformation of the zoo into the Resource Centre on Nature, which is open to the public and society. An important resource centre in the field zoology, it will also have a broad scope. The ideal role of zoos in the future is to go beyond traditional activities and embrace new disciplines, new techniques, and new perspectives and recognize that learning about nature is fun, useful and satisfying. We must change, following new knowledge and act as information centres about nature.

The trend in recent years has been to move away from the concept of zoos as entertainment facilities focused on child and family entertainment, and redirect activity toward conservation and education.

The challenge of zoos is to reach everyone. The work that zoos carry out is important for future generations, but we need to broaden the range of awareness and education for all ages. Nature is becoming increasingly remote and alien for people. Today’s zoos seek to minimize this distance through new approaches and technologies. In addition, zoos provide a unique benefit: the connection that is established between people (as observers) and the species within the zoological collections.

Educational programs should make an emotional impact, without distorting reality. They should also foster understanding and motivate people to become involved. As it’s often said: “We only love what we know.”