Lion Country Safari works with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to help Save Animals From Extinction (SAFE). One of these ways is involvement in the AZA Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program, which is a long-term, collective management plan that seeks to maintain genetic diversity in threatened and endangered species. By working cooperatively with other facilities in the SSP, Lion Country Safari helps to contribute to field conservation, species recovery, veterinary care for wildlife disease issues, establishment of assurance populations, and many other species-focused conservation efforts.
Several Lion Country Safari staff members sit on AZA committees for SSP programs:
- Tina, Primate Curator- Chimpanzee SSP Steering Committee
- Dr. Beth, Senior Veterinarian – Maned Wolf Veterinarian Advisor
- Ashleigh, Wildlife Curator- Wild Equid TAG (Taxon Advisory Group) Steering Committee (Vice Chair); Rhinoceros TAG (Taxon Advisory Group) Steering Committee
For more information, please go to the AZA’s website: www.aza.org/species-survival-plan-program
Here is a list of SSP animals that you can see on your visit to Lion Country Safari:
