ZSL London Zoo VISION  to Achieve and Promote the World- Wide Conservation AS/A2 COURSEWORK SUP P O R T 2 0 1 5 / 1 6 of Animals and Their Habitats

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THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON ZSL MISSION AND ZSL London Zoo VISION  To achieve and promote the world- wide conservation AS/A2 COURSEWORK SUP P O R T 2 0 1 5 / 1 6 of animals and their habitats.

 A World where animals are valued and their conserva- Introducing the Zoological Society of London tion assured. The Zoological Society of and see the animals seemed the ZSL London Zoo Guiding principles: London was founded in 1826 by best way to generate funds. ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

 Respecting and Sir Stamford Raffles. Stamford www.zsl.org/about-us/ Conservation programmes valuing animals and Raffles had a vision of setting up landmarks-in-zsl-history Institute of Zoology the natural world. a society for the scientific study Today the Zoo still relies on its of animals. He wanted to ZSL London Zoo is an urban zoo  Inspiring conserva- visitors to generate funds to establish “a zoological society that houses around 16,000 tion action. support our biological and dedicated to the advancement animals from around 750 species.  Achieving excel- ecological research and of zoology and physiology and The site covers 36 acres in lence in our field. conservation projects. the introduction of new and Regent’s Park in London. The Zoo For a financial statement about  Acting ethically, curious subjects of the animal receives around 1,000,000 visitors responsibly and the Society see the Annual kingdom”. He also wanted “a each year. sustainably. Review. base and centre for research www.zsl.org/about-us/zsl- ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is situated  Valuing everyone and publications to share we work with. annual-reports near Dunstable in Bedfordshire. It zoological knowledge through- is set in a rural location and The Society now consists of four out the world”. houses the large species of animal major bodies: such as Asian elephants and both CONTENTS By 1828 the society was White and Asian rhinos. This site established and open to fellows houses more than 200 species of and scientists. Charles Darwin animal and covers over 600 acres. Introducing ZSL 1 was one such fellow of the society, joining in 1837. By ZSL now operates successfully in 1848 the gates were opened to the 21st century. The society is The role of good 2 the public at the cost of one still dedicated to the penny entrance fee. The Zoo enhancement of zoology but has Captive 4 needed money to support itself developed its goals to include and allowing visitors to come in The Zoo in the mid 19th century species and habitat conservation.

Conservation 6

Useful web links 8 The role of a modern zoo

A modern zoo must be involved Research Communications Support 10 in the following activities: Biological and ecological research Keeping and sharing accurate both in the zoo and in the field. Zoo records for zoo animals, Education research includes reproductive, contributing research papers to Both formal schools and nutrition, epidemiological, scientific journals and other informal visitor education behavioural, population biology and publications and being part of programmes. pathology research. the regional and international

zoo networks such as EAZA and Conservation Improvements WAZA. In-situ field work research, in- In husbandry and welfare.

situ field work active Maintaining biologically and www.zsl.org/education/the- conservation and ex-situ lab- genetically healthy animal modern-zoo based data analysis. populations as well as the well being of individual animals. P A G E 2

In 1926 Sir Stamford ZSL’s vision Raffles described the newly founded ZSL’s guiding principles: To achieve excellence in our field Acting ethically, responsibly and Building on our heritage and sustainably Respecting and valuing animals society as: reputation as a learned society, we We aim to operate in fair and and the natural world aim to be an authoritative source justifiable ways that do not conflict Our belief is that a diverse and of information and good practice with our mission/objectives, and “a base and centre healthy natural world is valuable for scientific study, conservation which respect the environment. in its own right and is essential for for research and and husbandry of animals; and to ensuring secure and healthy lives Valuing everyone we work with make efficient and effective use of for people. This motivates ZSL’s We support and value teamwork publications to share available resources to achieve the vision and mission, and our other and collaboration, strive for fair and highest possible standards in zoological core values follow from this. equitable treatment of everyone everything we do in the operation with whom we work and come into Inspiring conservation action of a successful and innovative knowledge contact with, and aim to act with We seek to motivate others to conservation organisation. respect and courtesy in all out throughout the take conservation action in their dealings. daily lives. World”.

21st century zoo

A large part of ZSL’s work is in new developments. Each year we undertake a new exhibit development project to re-build or modernise an animal enclosure. Profits, donations and legacies are used to help fund our development.

Recent areas that have been developed include: Upcoming projects: Blackburn Pavilion - 2008 In with the Lemurs - 2015 Animal Adventure - 2009 Asiatic Lions - 2016 (major redevelopment) London Zoo must Penguin Beach - 2011 Tiger Territory - 2013

retain its identity London Zoo contains many listed buildings which cannot be altered due to their architectural significance. For example: and highlight its The East Tunnel - 1829 Giraffe House - 1837 significant history Reptile House - 1926 Lubetkin Penguin Pool - 1934 whilst developing zsl.org/education/the-modern-zoo/ and modernising for

the benefit of both Collection planning

its visitors and Collection planning is used to decide which animals should be kept in each zoo. The type of animal, with its size and husbandry requirements, dictates if and where an animal can be kept. ZSL London Zoo houses smaller animals. species, for example, reptiles, fish, invertebrates and a range of smaller primates, while ZSL Whipsnade Zoo houses large species and herd species such as elephant, rhino, zebra, antelope and cheetah.

Each zoo must evaluate whether is has the appropriate housing conditions for a species before it can be kept. The Collection Planning process looks at the value of keeping each animal in terms of its:  Education value  Conservation breeding value and  Conservation or general research value. Some animals are kept for public attraction value but must also meet one of the other criteria. AS/A2 COURSEWORK SUP P O R T P A G E 3

Zoo networks

The following zoo associations EAZA WAZA are networks that work European Association of Zoos World Association of Zoos and Aquaria. together to share knowledge, and Aquaria. The World Association of Zoos and Aquaria is the expertise, best practice and Aims to: Promote cooperation umbrella organisation for the world zoo and animals. These networks are for furthering regional collection aquarium community. Its members include leading vital for the success of animal planning and wildlife zoos and aquariums, and regional and national welfare and husbandry and the conservation, particularly associations of zoos and aquariums, as well as some successful breeding of captive through internationally affiliate organisations, such as zoo veterinarians or animals. coordinated breeding zoo educators, from all around the world. BIAZA programmes of wild animals British and Irish Association of such as the European Zoos and Aquaria. Endangered Species Programme (EEP). Promote education, in BIAZA are the professional particular environmental body representing the best education. Contribute to zoos and aquariums in Britain relevant meetings and and Ireland. Their Member discussions of the supra- Collections pride themselves international organisations, such on their excellent animal as the United Nations, The welfare, education and World Conservation Union - conservation work. BIAZA IUCN , European Union, the supports them in their work Convention of International and helps promote the work of Trade in Endangered Plant and good zoos and aquariums. Animal Species (CITES) etc.

ZSL Case study - Western lowland gorillas A zoo can be described as:

This case study draws in all the animal health “A professionally elements of the work of a good modern zoo. As this species is now categorised  Enrichment activity provision managed as critically endangered, it is zoological ZSL London Zoo houses a breeding important that we maintain  Managing breeding groups group of Western lowland gorillas. genetically healthy captive and programmes institution, having At present there are three adult populations. female gorillas, one juvenile  Enclosure maintenance and a collection of female and one male silverback Keeping gorillas development living animals gorilla. A zoo keeper must undertake the following:  Behavioural observations used for

 Food selection, preparation  Communicating with other zoo conservation, and delivery staff within the Zoo, the UK scientific studies, and abroad  Cleaning indoor and outdoor public education , enclosures.  Writing daily reports

and public  Health monitoring.  Keeping up to date with displays” conservation issues.  Medical intervention with the help of veterinary staff

 Training animals to maintain P A G E 4 Caring for captive populations

The ZSL London Zoo troop Silverback) controls a number privacy and location choice. “The need to prevent currently consists of three of breeding females. In the Proximity to visitors can be inbreeding and adult females - Zaire, Effie captive environment at decided by the gorillas. and Mjukuu. They are part of London Zoo the enclosure maintain genetic a breeding group and share provides enough space for The lives of the gorillas are their enclosure with one Silverback territory. The enriched through feeding diversity among our Kumbuka, our 17 year old enclosure provides a three- activities and a training captive populations is male gorilla. In December dimensional outdoor programme. A balanced diet 2014 Mjukuu gave birth to paddock, indoor day gym and is produced and scattered central to how we our youngest female, Alika. night time ’bedrooms’ for within the enclosure, allowing This combination of animals is sleeping in at night or to have the gorillas to forage for their currently manage zoo decided by a stud-book co- ‘time-out’ in during the day. food as they would in the

wild. The programme allows populations” ordinator (see below). The enclosure offers both the keeping team to do daily Gorillas live in a social group indoor and outdoor shelter, health checks on the gorillas known as a harem, where climbing and exercise whilst allowing the animals one dominant adult male (the facilities, foraging space, some mental stimulation.

Captive management tools

Captive populations can be breeding rates. of individuals from each species managed using computer and their global captive  Avoid inbreeding and packages. These packages distribution. hybridisation. allow keeping staff and curators to input information about  Maintain as much wild ZIMS: This system is under each individual animal. The genetic variability as development and will replace system can record the entire possible. ISIS. It will be web-based and ancestry and life history of each  Make decisions about animal show populations in real time, individual. This helps to moves within EAZA and so zoo staff can see births and prevent in-breeding and other zoo associations. deaths and animal transfers unsuccessful social groupings. across the globe. Around

ISIS: this system is the global 2,000,000 animals will be SPARKS: the SPARKS system is database, recording the number recorded on this system. the ‘Single Population Analysis and Record Keeping System’ tool. This is used regionally within the UK. It acts as a stud Managing captive species book, allowing zoo staff to 1 Stud number: GR1420 identify appropriate individuals KV 0.02 Location: Bristol Zoo for transfer to new enclosures Notes: too old to breed and new zoos in order to join breeding groups. Stud number: GR1561 The stud-book co-ordinator KV 0.12 ? 2 should undertake the following Location: Berlin Zoo Notes: has a brother role: GR1287 Stud number: GR1245  To ensure successful KV 0.001 Stud number: GR1892 KV 0.009 breeding of a species by Location: Bristol Zoo 3 Location: Washington Zoo Notes: wild born orphan increasing or decreasing Notes: Successfully reared 1 baby to GR1284 AS/A2 COURSEWORK SUP P O R T P A G E 5

Other management options

Where some animals are unable to breed Techniques include: produce a ‘test-tube’ embryo which can naturally, other management tools are then be implanted into the female.  Artificial insemination (AI) employed.  In vitro fertilization (IVF) For example: Embryo transfer  Embryo transfer. Embryos are produced and are then carried  Male and female live together by a surrogate female. Very rare species but refuse to mate. AI (Artificial insemination) embryos can be carried by domestic  Zoos are unable to transfer In some cases a genetically valuable male equivalents e.g. domestic cattle carry animals. may be able to provide sperm that can be embryos for the Gaur.

 Zoos are unable to house a used to artificially inseminate a number of Transferring sperm and embryos is cheaper, breeding pair of animals. captive females. easier and safer then moving live animals  There is risk of aggressive IVF (In vitro fertilisation) and has welfare benefits, in avoiding the behaviour between mates. If a male animal has a low sperm count or need for sedation, capture, and transport of low sperm motility, IVF can be used to live animals.

“The roles and How zoos support conservation in the wild priorities of zoos have Western lowland gorillas are now Active conservation action They act as ‘loud speakers’ for changed considered a critically endangered Zoos can provide scientists and conservation issues and can raise species in the wild. They inhabit field workers to undertake field national awareness. This in turn can substantially in countries in western Africa research in-situ as well as lead to increased support for including Cameroon, Gabon, undertaking local education conservation through local and the past 200 Nigeria and Congo. They have programmes and data collection. community action and fundraising. shown a population reduction of years, but most

80% over the last three What about re-introductions? accredited zoos generations. They have been Education and Awareness exposed to exceptionally high By exhibiting gorillas in the zoo A zoo’s contribution to re-introducing now cite levels of hunting and disease- and providing the visiting public animals to the wild is minimal due to conservation induced mortality (e.g. ebola). This with interpretation (signage and the fact that most wild populations is compounded by the fact that are still under threat and in decline. live speakers), we can raise as their gorilla reproductive rates are awareness and educate visitors The aim of a zoos breeding extremely low. about the threats to wildlife. programme is to maintain 90% of genetic diversity of those species for Organisations like ZSL can support at least 100 years. The assumption is in-situ conservation in a number of Campaigning and Fundraising that most re-introduction ways, including: By running active campaigns on programmes will not be feasible for

zoo grounds they can raise vital most species until well into the future. Co-ordinating conservation funds needed to support However, some recent successes research conservation research and include: Good zoos often have a practical conservation action.  Golden lion tamarin conservation division, dedicated to the initialization and control of in-  Arabian oryx A communication tool situ conservation projects. Zoos  Californian condor can provide a base for collaborative The PR department of a zoo can conservation research and a staff help to get important and high  Field Cricket team equipped for active field profile conservation stories into research. local and national newspapers. P A G E 6 P A G E 6 How ZSL supports in-situ conservation

Conservation Programmes Institute of Zoology

ZSL Conservation Programmes are run in over 80 The Institute of Zoology is the research division of ZSL, countries world wide. We have a large team of specialising in scientific issues relevant to the researchers and conservationists working both in the conservation of animal species and their habitats. It is Research is field and within the Zoo. Conservation programmes a government-funded research institute. The funding work closely with the Institute of Zoology. comes from the same body that funds universities. defined as Research themes within the Institute include: 7 regions where we work  Behavioural and population ecology “original 1. UK and Europe 2. Americas  Biodiversity and macroecology  investigation 3. Oceania Evolution and molecular ecology 4. Africa  People, wildlife and ecology undertaken in 5. Asia  Wildlife epidemiology 6. UK and Overseas Territories www.zsl.org/science/research/ order to gain 7. Antarctica

Fundraising and campaigns knowledge and ZSL is focused on advancing the following large-scale conservation initiatives: Through various activities, ZSL raises much needed understanding” 1. Conservation Breeding funds to support conservation projects. One of our 2. Top Predators largest campaigns to date is for Asiatic Lions. We aim 3. Animals on the EDGE to raise £5.7m to protect and save the last 500 Asiatic 4. Conservation Technology lions left in the wild and create a state-of-the-art 5. Conservation for Communities Asiatic lion hub and exhibit at ZSL London Zoo. 6. Business and Nature Fundraising activities for the campaign have included: 7. Status of the Planet  £135,000 raised at a gala night 8. Inspiring the Next Generation  £80,000 from comedy night Roar with Laughter www.zsl.org/conservation/about-zsl-conservation www.zsl.org/support-us/zsls-asiatic-lions-campaign

Some examples of ZSL conservation and research work: Amphibian disease research Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is a chytridiomycete fungus which is causing declines of amphibian populations and species extinctions across the world. ZSL is using field work, population genetics and experiments to determine how infection occurs, what conditions lead to amphibian mortality and what conditions aid, or retard, transmission.

We also want to determine if the Rana virus is spreading, and if so, if disease dispersal is aided by frog movement. We also hope to assess the impact of viral reservoirs on the persistence of the disease in the U.K. Population genetics provides a means by which many of these questions can be answered.

www.zsl.org/users/trenton-w-j-garner www.zsl.org/conservation/species/reptiles-and-amphibians

Bushmeat research project

The Bushmeat Research Programme at the Institute of Zoology, the research arm of the Zoological Society of London, is involved in research to enhance our understanding of the bushmeat trade in West and Central Africa. A better understanding of the trade will assist both policy makers and project managers to develop effective methods of regulation and management for sustainability. This work is interdisciplinary in its design: it tackles the biological, economic and social aspects of the trade, using a variety of approaches including field research and mathematical modelling.

www.zsl.org/users/marcus-rowcliffe www.zsl.org/science/research/bushmeat AS/A2 COURSEWORK SUP P O R T P A G E 7

“The aim of the

EDGE of existence EDGE project is

The EDGE of Existence programme is an innovative ZSL research and conservation initiative that focuses on the to put these world’s most Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered EDGE species. species on the Using a scientific framework to identify the world’s most Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species, the EDGE of Existence programme highlights and protects some of the weirdest and most wonderful map and species on the planet. EDGE species have few close relatives on the tree of life and are often extremely unusual in the way they look, live and behave, as well as in their genetic make-up. They represent a unique and irreplacea- catalyse ble part of the world’s natural heritage, yet an alarming proportion are currently sliding silently towards extinction unnoticed. conservation www.edgeofexistence.org action to www.zsl.org/conservation-initiatives/animals-on-the-edge secure their Marine Mammal Stranding future”

This long-term research on UK-stranded cetaceans (whales and dolphins) enables specific causes of disease and mortality to be identified and permits the evaluation of spatial and temporal trends in indices such as causes of mortality and how they may be influenced by environmental factors such as exposure to chemical contaminants.

www.zsl.org/users/paul-jepson www.zsl.org/science/research/csip

Cheetah research project

The Tanzania Carnivore Conservation Project at the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) is funded by the Zoological Society of London and the British Government through their Darwin Initiative. It aims to build the capacity of the TAWIRI to monitor and conserve carnivores, with a special emphasis on Cheetahs and Wild Dogs, two threatened species of which Tanzania holds globally important populations.

www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/africa/tanzania-carnivore-conservation www.tanzaniacarnivores.org www.zsl.org/users/nathalie-pettorelli

Volunteering and work experience at ZSL

Jobs at ZSL, volunteering opportunities and intern positions are advertised online at www.zsl.org/about-us/jobs

Volunteer with our marine and freshwater team in London.

Email [email protected] for more information or visit

www.zsl.org/conservation/habitats/marine-and-freshwater P A G E 8

ZSL Prince Philip Award and Marsh Prize

ZSL's annual programme of science and conservation awards recognises achievements in science.

Applicants for the Prince Philip Award and Marsh Prize should be under 19 years old and currently studying Enter to at a UK school/other place of education. The award is for the best zoological project involving some aspect of animal biology. win! The winner receives a monetary prize and the winner’s school or college receives a medal and a certificate

Further details about entry requirements can be found at: www.zsl.org/science/zsl-science-and-conservation-awards

Photo: Previous winner Carly Brown, Taunton School. Awarded for her project Can the common garden snail see in colour?

Useful web links

Operation Charm IUCN red list www.operationcharm.org www.iucnredlist.org Operation Charm was launched by the The IUCN Species Programme working with the Metropolitan Police in 1995. It is the only IUCN Species Survival commission (SSC) has current initiative against the illegal trade in spent the past fifty years assessing the endangered species in the UK and uses a conservation status of species, subspecies, combination of law enforcement and publicity in varieties, and even selected subpopulations on a London. global scale in order to highlight taxa threatened The illegal trade in wildlife is huge. Globally, it is with extinction, and therefore promote their estimated to be worth over £5 billion every year conservation. and is a major area of international crime. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ However, the illegal trade in endangered species provides taxonomic, conservation status and does not just happen in other countries; it distribution information on plants and animals thrives in the UK too and Operation Charm is that have been globally evaluated using the IUCN working to stop this trade in London. Red list Categories and Criteria.

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria International Zoo Yearbook www.biaza.org.uk www3.interscience.wiley.com/ journal/117997665/home European Association of Zoos and Aquaria The International Zoo Yearbook is an www.eaza.net international forum for the exchange of information on the role of zoos in the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria conservation of biodiversity, species and www.waza.org habitats. Investigative and data-collection work into the biology and behaviour of wild animals is increasingly dependant on co-ordinated effort and shared results between all institutions ARKive engaged in the study and preservation of www.arkive.org wildlife. Published by the Zoological Society of A unique collection of thousands of videos, London as a service to zoos around the world. images and fact-files illustrating the world’s species.

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ZSL quick fact file

Zoological Society of London

 is a registered charity that includes London Zoo, Whipsnade Zoo, Conservation Programmes and the Institute of Zoology.  runs conservation projects in Britain and over 50 countries, including Cameroon, Costa Rica, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia and parts of Asia and Russia.  has a research division called the Institute of Zoology.  produces publications such as the Journal of Zoology and has an annual awards ceremony for achievements in zoological research.  has a library that can be used by staff and visitors. The library houses a large book and journal collection including works from Charles Darwin and Captain Cook.  has over 100,000 members supporting its work

ZSL London Zoo

 has over 750 species of animal with around 16,000 individuals.  covers a 36 acre site.  opened the world's first Reptile House in 1849  opened the first ever public Aquarium in 1853  receives more than 1,000,000 visitors per year.  invests in the visitor and animal experience by generating funds for re-development and new animal exhibits, such as the Asiatic Lions Campaign www.zsl.org/support-us/zsls-asiatic-lions-campaign  works towards a more sustainable mode of operation through green assessment. Quick fact:

The White rhino ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

paddock at  opened in 1931 as Whipsnade Wild Animal Park - the world's first open zoological park Whipsnade Zoo  has over 200 species of animal and nearly 3,000 individuals is the same size  covers a 600 acre site as the whole of  bred the first cheetahs born in Europe in 1967  the White rhino paddock is the same size as London Zoo! London Zoo!  receives around 500,000 visitors per year  has an area of chalk grassland that is registered as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/uk-europe/zsl-site-biodiversity The Zoological Society of London

ZSL London Zoo London Zoo Regent’s Park London NW1 4RY

Institute of Zoology Outer Circle Regent’s Park London NW1 4RY

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo Dunstable Bedfordshire LU6 2LF