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Did you know that some animals like the California condor and black-footed ferret were saved from extinction thanks to zoo breeding programs? Zoos play a crucial role in protecting endangered species and helping their populations grow.

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Newborn Baird’s Tapir at San Diego Zoo: A Heartwarming Conservation Success Story | Cal's Good News

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Zoos provide a unique opportunity for people, especially children, to learn about wildlife up close. This personal connection helps create future conservationists and environmentalists who will protect animals.

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Modern zoos have expert veterinarians and scientists who study animals to better understand their needs and behaviors. This research helps both captive and wild animals stay healthy.

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AZA believes that contemporary animal management, husbandry, veterinary care, and conservation practices should be based in science, and that a commitment to scientific research, both basic and applied, is a trademark of the modern zoological park and aquarium. AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums have the invaluable opportunity, and are expected to, conduct or facilitate research both in in situ and ex situ settings to advance scientific knowledge of the animals in our care, enhance the conservation of wild populations, and engage and inspire the visiting public. Members participate in AZA Taxonomic Advisory Group or Species Survival Plan Program sponsored research, conduct original research, are affiliated with local universities, and/or employ staff with scientific credentials.

In 2013, AZA's Research and Technology Committee explored which studies would be considered " mission-focused research " and defined it to include projects that involve application of the scientific method with a primary focus on studying questions relevant to the conservation, animal care and welfare, science, or education missions of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums.

AZA-Accredited Zoo and Aquarium Mission-Focused Research

Every year, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums provide information about their mission-focused research to AZA's Conservation and Research Database. While members use this database to enter updates, it is open for anybody to explore; follow the link, select "Research" as the project category, and learn more about how the AZA community participates in important research.

AZA's Conservation Grants Fund provides financial support to AZA members for scientific research. For example, in 2006, the CGF supported the development of a valuable " Methods for Animal Behavior Research" DVD. Led by David Powell, PhD, members of the AZA Behavior Scientific Advisory Group Steering Committee collaborated to develop a high-quality tutorial that addresses all of the steps needed in the research process as they pertain to behavioral research. Learn more about the CGF, which members have received awards, and about the outcomes of many of the awards online.

A Snapshot

In 2020, 160 AZA-accredited and certified related facilities reported spending approximately $20.5 million on research efforts that impacted over 600 species and subspecies. Explore each Annual Report on Conservation and Science to learn about what each facility is doing individually, or explore Highlights to see what the AZA community is accomplishing together. The following institutions led the way by having the most full-time equivalent (FTE) staff dedicated to research:

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium

The results of this research can be found in the publication of peer-reviewed papers, technical reports, book chapters, and graduate theses and dissertations. In 2013 and 2014, publications focused on animal health and welfare, conservation, and education and professional development.

Helping Members Reach Their Goals

AZA's Research and Technology Committee helps all members engage in, conduct, and apply the lessons learned from high quality scientific research. They also have developed several resources to support AZA engagement in priority research. Visit the Committee's wepage or contact Committee members to learn more.

Standardized Research Application Form

The purpose of the AZA Standardized Research Application Form is to facilitate and expedite the proposal application and review process for single and multi-institutional research projects conducted in AZA accredited zoos and aquariums. The form is designed to be as comprehensive as possible to allow for its use by as many AZA institutions as possible. Before submitting your application to a particular institution, please check in advance as to whether they accept the AZA standardized form or whether they need any supplemental information.

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AZA believes that contemporary animal management, husbandry, veterinary care, and conservation practices should be based in science, and that a commitment to scientific research, both basic and applied, is a trademark of the modern zoological park and aquarium.

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Wild animals need large spaces to roam, hunt, and express their natural behaviors. Even the biggest zoo enclosures can't match the space and freedom of their natural habitats.

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Some animals in zoos show signs of stress and unusual behaviors not seen in the wild. This might include pacing, swaying, or other repetitive movements called stereotypic behaviors.

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“Stereotypic” Behavior in Zoos Reveals Stress and Suffering

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Critics argue that many zoos prioritize entertainment over animal welfare. Some say that keeping animals just for human entertainment isn't ethically right.

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Hot topic: is it time for zoos to be banned?

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A hangover of the Victorian sideshow or an integral part of wildlife conservation? We ask if zoos should be consigned to the history books along with the bearded lady.

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Here are some age-appropriate articles about zoos and wildlife conservation that will help you research this topic. Remember to take notes on important points that support your argument!

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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When forming your argument, remember to: 1) State your position clearly 2) Use facts from reliable sources 3) Consider and address opposing viewpoints 4) Support your ideas with specific examples