Bristol Zoo Events: www.bristolzoo.org.uk
Conservation work at Bristol Zoo
The amount of land around the world that is protected for wildlife, as national parks or wildlife reserves, is very small. In most parts of the world, the ‘wild’ is no longer an unspoilt wilderness. Many species are threatened and becoming rare due to human activities.
Good zoos see their main roles as providers of education and conservation. They will also study animals in captivity, support research in the field and help protect animals in their natural habitats. Primarily, this work is paid for through providing a leisure facility open to the public.
Bristol Zoo Gardens is commited to conservation and research and works together with other zoos and associated organisations to breed endangered species, protect natural habitats and prevent their destruction.
Conservation
The IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature coordinates conservation work around the world. After extensive research, the IUCN prepares strategies for the conservation of habitats and for individual species.
In September 1993 IUCN, along with the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) published the World Zoo Conservation Strategy outlining the role of zoos as members of the international conservation community.
The World Zoo Conservation Strategy is being updated currently and will be published in 2005. Dr Jo Gipps, Director of Bristol Zoo Gardens, is Chair of the WAZA Conservation Committee and responsible for setting out the conservation strategy for world zoos in the future.
