Conservation
The role of zoological parks in species conservation
The human population has grown exponentially over the last 200 years and is still growing in a speedy way. This means that our Planet’s natural resources are being consumed by billions of people at a speed far exceeding their regeneration capacity. This growth and development endangers the habitats and the existence of various types of wildlife across the world, compromising the Planet’s biodiversity.
Conservation is the main area of focus in a zoological park, especially those with endangered species. By maintaining members of an endangered species, zoos ensure the existence of genetically pure and healthy individuals that, with the help of breeding programs, can be introduced into the wild, thus increasing wild populations. With the present increase in threats to the survival of wildlife, Ex-situ conservation programs – carried out outside the species’ natural habitat – are ever more necessary. Every day, new species are classified as in danger of survival and some are already extinct in the wild, existing only in captivity (Zoos, Reserves and Associations).
The role of Zoos does not replace the action of nature, but experience teaches us that the technical, scientific, pedagogical knowledge and, above all, the financing that parks can provide to field conservation projects (In-situ) are essential to their continuity and the success of their projects. Zoological parks are a fundamental support base for these institutions and can make a huge difference in the continuity of many species by preventing their extinction, as declared by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2023. Zoos and Aquariums form a pillar of the structure necessary to safeguard the future.
Zoo Santo Inácio embraces the mission of Preserving Wild Species, especially the most endangered, on a daily basis, conveying this urgent need to everyone who visits us.
Conservation at Zoo Santo Inácio
The Zoo’s active participation in the Conservation of Wild Animal Species takes on the following main areas of action:
Reproduction
Cooperation in important European Endangered Species Breeding Programs (EEP), such as those for Asiatic Lions, Siberian Tigers, Humboldt Penguins, Pygmy Hippos, among many others.
Genetic variability
Maintenance of healthy populations and genetically pure lineages so that they can one day return to their original habitats.
Education
Bringing visitors closer to wildlife and understanding the role of each animal in Nature will allow changes in behavior and greater awareness of Earth Conservation.
Research
Cooperation with other entities in studies on the different animal species that live in our park.
European Species Program
European Endangered Species Program
Since 2005, Zoo Santo Inácio has been part of EAZA – European Association of Zoos and Aquaria – and participates in several Preservation Programs for Endangered Species (Ex-situ) – EEP. These programs are operated only by EAZA member Zoos and Aquariums, which participate according to the species existing in their institutions, in order to guarantee that genetically pure populations are maintained with healthy animals. Each species corresponds to an EEP program, led by a coordination team, in which only employees of parks belonging to EAZA can be involved.
In 2021, EAZA Institutions cooperated in more than 400 EEP programs, involving more than 300 Zoos and Aquariums. Currently, Zoo Santo Inácio participates in about 25 EEP programs and is a member of the coordination team of three of them: Philippine Deer (Rusa alfredi), Dama Gazelle (Nanger dama) and Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica).
Together with other Portuguese parks, Zoo Santo Inácio founded in 2005 APZA – Portuguese Association of Zoos and Aquariums – which aims to bring national zoological parks closer by developing a single Conservation strategy together with national authorities.
Over the last two years Zoo Santo Inácio has donated around 16.000 Euros to several animal preservation institutions
For the different Associations, this financial support translates into several achievements such as:
- Hiring park rangers
- Acquiring technical equipment for observing animals and habitats
- Education and awareness raising of local communities for the preservation of the species in question
- Laboratory studies to better understand the species
For 2025, Zoo Santo Inácio is committed to the in-situ conservation of animal species nationally and internationally. Halting extinction requires collaboration between the companies and associations we support and every individual who visits us.
The willingness to support these nature conservation causes has increased in recent years, which suggests that people are increasingly concerned about preserving natural fauna and flora.
All the support that Zoo Santo Inácio provides to these institutions is achieved thanks to the contribution of our visitors, whether through daily visits, the purchase of items in the Zoo Shop, participation in VIP Tours, involvement in Sponsorship programs, or even donations.
