bs_bs_banner 232 THE DEVELOPING ZOO WORLD Int. Zoo Yb. (2012) 46: 232–238 DOI:10.1111/j.1748-1090.2011.00160.x Research in African zoos: stepping up to the plate? A. KOTZE1,2 & D. MORGAN3 1Manager, Research and Scientific Services, National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, PO Box 754, Pretoria 0001, South Africa, and 2Affiliate Professor, Genetics Department, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa, and 3Executive Director, African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZAB), PO Box 754, Pretoria 0001, South Africa E-mail:
[email protected],
[email protected] Following a membership-generated requirement, in The southern African Office of the Conser- 2009, the African Association of Zoos and Aquaria vation Breeding Specialist Group was com- (PAAZAB) initiated a Research Committee to coordi- nate and guide research activities at African member missioned to facilitate the workshop. zoos. The first step was to conduct a survey of research The workshop was implemented at the activities in PAAZAB member institutions. An analysis Annual Conference of PAAZAB in Oudt- of such research activities is provided. While the total shoorn, South Africa, during June 2003. With response was disappointingly low (20·8%), the survey limited time available and a large group of was nonetheless able to demonstrate that respondent zoos in the region actively contribute to and participate people participating, it was clear that produc- in relevant research. ing a comprehensive strategic plan was not a realistic expectation of the process. Instead, Key-words: Africa; African Association of Zoos and it was made clear that the process would Aquaria; PAAZAB; research; zoos.