ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION: PARTNERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Loretta Lynch once said, “We all have a responsibility to protect endangered species, both for their sake and for the sake of our own future generations.” Conservation of these species is an ongoing challenge that requires the help of many people working toward a common goal.
Mazuri® is a brand that stands for conservation. Whether they are someone’s pets or an endangered species in the wild, we want to help make exotic animals’ lives better no matter where they are in the world.
One of the ways Mazuri® supports endangered species conservation is through sponsored partnerships of organizations with similar goals.
SPECIES360: GLOBAL INFORMATION SERVING CONSERVATION
Species360 is an international non-profit organization that maintains the ZIMS online knowledgebase of wildlife in human care.
“Our database helps more than 1,050 institutions in 90 countries give the best care possible to their unique animals,” explains Peter Donlon, director of Global Member Development. “We take great care in managing the knowledge and experience provided by our zoological members to advance global wildlife conservation.”
The ZIMS database contains information on 22,000 different wildlife species and 6.8 million individual animals. The system gathers best practice information from members on husbandry, breeding, pedigree, health care, diet requirements, training, enrichment, species management and more.
“To sustain wildlife populations in healthy managed care environments, our members need a clear understanding of science-based nutrition,” explains Donlon. “Access to nutritional best practices is key to maintaining endangered populations.”
“Species360 is fortunate to work with a variety of corporate sponsors, including Mazuri®, who are passionate about advancing our understanding of endangered wildlife,” continues Donlon. “The insights learned in supporting wildlife in managed environments help us better understand how to protect and safeguard animals in their native habitats, as well.”
TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE: INDIVIDUAL SPECIES SUPPORT
The Turtle Survival Alliance is focused on supporting the survival of endangered turtle species across the globe with a targeted approach.
“We review all the critically endangered turtles in the world and figure out what we can do to help that species,” says Rick Hudson, president. “Depending on the species’ needs, this may mean developing a managed population or working in the native country.”
Alliance members perform surveys of populations to note increases or decreases. Gathering insights about wild populations better informs the work being done for turtles in managed care.
“We are currently caring for a pair of Yangtze giant softshell turtles, which are the largest freshwater turtles in the world,” explains Hudson. “There is only one pair left in China. Since the male is over 100 years old, facilitating reproduction to save this species has become a great challenge.”
“We know improved nutrition can make the difference between a turtle reproducing in or out of captivity,” continues Hudson. “We use Mazuri® food products extensively in North America. By providing the turtles with a complete and balanced diet, we notice improvements in reproduction.”
Supporting endangered species requires many hands, which means partnerships are especially important. Mazuri supports groups actively trying to move species off the endangered species list.
Organizations such as Species360 and the Turtle Survival Alliance are just two of the many efforts underway in endangered species conservation. If it weren't for these groups and partnerships, some of the critically endangered species would be extinct.
The more Mazuri works with endangered species, the more we understand their environment. Mazuri is here to support that in any way we can, to improve their lives, whether through nutrition or other forms of partnership.
To learn more about the endangered species conservation efforts of Species 360 or the Turtle Survival Alliance, visit Species360.org or turtlesurvival.org.