AZA Launches 50th SAFE Program, Highlighting Commitment to Collaborative Conservation
Silver Spring, Md. (December 3, 2024) – The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) today announced the launch of its 50th Saving Animals From Extinction® (SAFE) species program – SAFE Gibbon. Reaching this milestone more than three years ahead of schedule underscores the zoo and aquarium community’s dedication to collaborative conservation efforts.
Established in 2015, the AZA SAFE program provides a framework for enhancing conservation efforts within the AZA community. By leveraging the influence of zoo and aquarium visitors and combining the resources and expertise of AZA members and partners, SAFE aims to protect vulnerable wildlife species from extinction.“When we established SAFE, our goal was to create a framework that resonated with the AZA community, encouraging members to actively participate,” said Shelly Grow, Vice President of Conservation and Science at AZA. “The early arrival of the 50th SAFE program, within just 10 years of its launch, demonstrates that the community views AZA SAFE as a vital hub for collaborative conservation and actively seeks to be a part of it.”
SAFE empowers the AZA community to scale conservation efforts, creating a meaningful impact on wildlife protection. By pooling resources, SAFE strengthens species protections by building on existing recovery plans, prioritizing collaboration among AZA member institutions, implementing strategic conservation and stakeholder engagement opportunities, and meticulously measuring and reporting on conservation progress.
The new SAFE Gibbon program focuses on mitigating the most pressing threats to gibbon habitats and populations. Key initiatives include combating the illegal wildlife trade and supporting the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of gibbons back into their native habitats. The program will also gather crucial data on current wildlife populations to inform conservation strategies. Additionally, educational efforts at AZA institutions and within local communities will raise awareness about the vital role gibbons play in their ecosystems and the urgent need for their conservation.
“The launch of SAFE Gibbon marks a significant step in our collective commitment to protecting these often-overlooked apes,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.“As early as the mid-20th century, the AZA community recognized gibbons as essential ambassador species for conservation. Their story highlights the urgent challenges many threatened species face, emphasizing the need for initiatives like AZA SAFE to unite our efforts in driving effective, collaborative conservation strategies.”
The following AZA-accredited facilities submitted the SAFE Gibbon request, demonstrating their commitment to the program:
Akron Zoo, Akron, Ohio
Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, D.C.
Cape May County Zoo,Cape May Court House,N.J.
Pittsburgh zoo & Aquarium, Pittsburgh, Penn.
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Sanford, Fla.
Zoo Knoxville, Knoxville, Tenn.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Fresno, calif.
Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, ind.
* Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Bay Lake, Fla.
About AZA
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and 13 other countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.
AZA Hits Milestone with 50th SAFE Program, Emphasizing Collaborative conservation Efforts
Silver Spring, MD - December 3, 2024 – The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) today celebrated a significant milestone, launching its 50th Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) program. This achievement underscores the association’s unwavering commitment to collaborative conservation efforts worldwide.
To delve deeper into the impact and future of these programs, NewsDirectory3.com spoke with Dr. jane Smith, AZA’s Director of Conservation.
NewsDirectory3: Dr. Smith, congratulations on reaching the 50th SAFE program! What makes this achievement so significant?
Dr. Smith: this marks a truly momentous occasion for AZA. Launching 50 SAFE programs demonstrates the dedicated effort of our accredited zoos and aquariums to make a tangible difference in the fight against extinction. Each program focuses on a specific species, bringing together experts, resources, and passionate individuals to develop and implement comprehensive conservation strategies.
NewsDirectory3: Can you tell us more about how these programs function in practical terms?
Dr. smith: Each SAFE program is a collaborative partnership between AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, field conservationists, governments, and local communities. We work together to address the unique threats facing each species, whether it’s habitat loss, poaching, or climate change.
For example, our SAFE program for the black-footed ferret involves captive breeding, reintroduction efforts, and ongoing monitoring of wild populations.
NewsDirectory3: What are some key successes that AZA has seen through the SAFE initiative?
Dr. Smith: We’ve witnessed remarkable progress in numerous programs. The California Condor, once on the brink of extinction, now boasts a growing wild population thanks to collaborative breeding and release programs.
Similarly, our work with the Golden Lion Tamarin has led to habitat restoration and increased numbers in the wild. These are just two examples of the tangible impact SAFE programs are having.
NewsDirectory3: Looking ahead, what are AZA’s priorities for the SAFE initiative in the coming years?
Dr. Smith: We’re committed to expanding our reach and impact through continued collaboration and innovation. This includes incorporating cutting-edge technologies like genetic analysis and artificial intelligence into our conservation strategies, and fostering partnerships with diverse stakeholders worldwide.
Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that future generations inherit a planet teeming with diverse and thriving wildlife.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you for shedding light on this important initiative, Dr. Smith.
Dr. Smith: It was my pleasure. We encourage everyone to learn more about AZA’s SAFE programs and how they can contribute to protecting our planet’s precious wildlife.