In response to the variable effects of conservation efforts and loss of biodiversity, zoos began to turn their
attention to the conservation of endangered species and wildlife in the 1970s and 1980s. Supporting
conservation efforts became an important goal for the modern zoo. A major milestone towards this goal was
the Convention on Biodiversity which was signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. As the modern
zoo continues to focus its efforts towards conservation, it has been seen by many as a sort of “Noah’s Ark,”
primarily focused on conserving the precious few endangered species. Unfortunately, genetic, ecosystem and
economic issues have created challenges for the conservation model of the modern zoo. Read the following
articles that expand on the conservation efforts of zoos and their use of technology towards this goal.
Readings
Keulartz, J. (2015). Captivity for conservation? Zoos at a crossroads. Journal of Agricultural and Environmental
Ethics.
Kobilinsky, D. (2016). New live cam technology might help conservation. Accessed August 13, 2016, at
http://wildlife.org/new-live-cam-technology-might-help-conservation/.
Genetics
Research has shown that zoos currently hold about 15% of the endangered land animals in captivity. There
remains a continual struggle to breed these animals due to low numbers. A zoo’s ability to maintain enough
genetic variability among individual species is impossible and space limitations prevent expansion to allow the
influx of more animals.