Taronga Conservation Society Australia’s Post

🐸 It's #AmphibianWeek! Discover how Zoológico de Cali is helping to #ReverseTheRed for Lehmann’s Poison Frog, a critically endangered species endemic to Valle del Cauca, Colombia. This rare frog faces significant threats due to habitat loss from agriculture and livestock expansion, and the illegal wildlife trade. These pressures have caused severe population declines, making Lehmann’s Poison Frog one of the rarest frogs in the pet trade. Zoológico de Cali is fighting back by establishing a breeding center, reintroducing frogs into the wild, and conducting population analysis and monitoring. Their efforts have shown great results, with high survival rates and successful reintroductions in areas where the species was previously locally extinct. Local communities are part of the solution and help monitor frog populations and dedicate private land for forest regeneration, creating a brighter future for these unique amphibians. Zoológico de Cali plans to continue reintroducing frogs until stable populations are achieved and promote species management and reintroduction in other zoos to ensure a long-term viable population. Find out more https://ow.ly/cKh650RyuCc

It is not just the illegal wildlife trade that threatens biodiversity conservation, and human and animal health. The massive scale of legal wildlife trade to the US, coupled with insufficient monitoring by underfunded agencies, poses a significant threat to conservation efforts and increases the risk of introducing zoonotic and agricultural pathogens that can have devastating consequences for public health, animal health, and our economy.

🌿 Zoos are a way to get your steps in on your weight loss journey and help with conservation! 🌿 Many people don't like zoos as they find it upsetting to see animals in cages. But here is why zoos like the Tampa Zoo are so critical for species survival. 🦁🌍 Here is a numbered list of all the ways they help: 1. *Species Survival Programs:* The Tampa Zoo, like many zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), participates in Species Survival Plans (SSPs). These programs carefully manage breeding of endangered animals to ensure healthy, genetically diverse populations that can be reintroduced to the wild or act as a safety net if wild populations dwindle further. 🐾🌿 2. *Protecting Animals from Threats:* Zoos provide a safe haven for animals threatened by habitat loss, poaching, or other dangers. This gives them a chance to thrive and reproduce without the pressures they face in the wild. 🦒🏞 3. *Funding Conservation Efforts:* Revenue from zoo admissions and donations supports conservation projects around the world. This helps protect wild animals and their habitats directly. 💰🌳 4. *Research and Education:* Zoos conduct vital research on animal behavior, health, and breeding. This knowledge is used to improve the lives of animals in human care and inform conservation efforts in the wild. 📚🔬 5. *Inspiring Action:* By fostering a connection with wildlife, zoos can inspire visitors to become advocates for conservation. Educational programs and experiences can spark a passion for protecting animals and their natural world in people of all ages, including you! 🌟🌍 #Conservation #SaveWildlife #ZooLife #TampaZoo #AnimalLovers #ProtectOurPlanet #WildlifeConservation #EndangeredSpecies #EducationForAll #InspireChange

This list of the top zoos in Asia gives a clear indication of the good quality zoos iin the region and some of my favourite places to have either worked at or visited. I hope to be working more in Asia over the next couple of years as well. What would be good is to have. a list of the poorest/struggling/worst zoos to establish where the good zoos and other zoo professionals and animal wlefare organisations can pull together and support. There are many already supporting similar facilities, but I am sure there are some are not getting the support required and there is more that can be done. https://lnkd.in/d2zZp9fn

Today (December 4th) is International Cheetah Day! 🐆 Did you know the cheetah is the fastest land animal, accelerating from 0 to 70 mph (110 kph) in just 3 seconds? Incredible! 🏎️ Cheetahs also have fascinating features, like their iconic tear marks, which aren’t just for show. These markings help reduce sun glare and enhance their focus when hunting during the day. 😿 😎 Yet, this majestic big cat faces an uncertain future. Over the past century, we’ve lost 90% of the cheetah population, leaving fewer than 7,100 in the wild today. This makes the cheetah Africa’s most endangered big cat. 💔 Thankfully, organisations like Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) are working tirelessly to save this species with holistic strategies that protect both cheetahs and the ecosystems they rely on. 💛 🌿 Let’s celebrate these magnificent cats today and commit to their protection for generations to come. 💪 Learn more about cheetahs and how you can get involved here: https://lnkd.in/gjKb6wK  #IntlCheetahDay #SaveTheCheetah #Cheetah #WildlifeConservation #CheetahDay #BigCats #Africa #wildlifeheritageareas Cheetah Conservation Fund UK World Animal Protection World Cetacean Alliance

In 2023, South Africa took a progressive step with the National Environmental Management Laws Amendment Act, mandating animal wellbeing be considered in conservation decisions. This holistic view of welfare now extends to CapeNature’s bag limit assessments, yet without scientific monitoring, it’s difficult to gauge fair limits for species like caracals and jackals. Humane Society International’s recommendations and commitment to observing these developments from a global perspective are essential for ensuring ethical and data-driven wildlife management. Here's hoping this act represents a meaningful step towards responsible stewardship of South Africa's wildlife. https://lnkd.in/ekY_DAbB

Why Namibia plans to kill hundreds of its majestic wild animals for meat? A total 723 animals, including 30 hippopotamuses, 60 buffaloes, 50 impalas, 100 blue wildebeest, 300 zebras, 83 elephants, and 100 elands, a type of antelope, are on the kill list. Namibia plans to cull hundreds of its most majestic wild animals, including dozens of elephants and hippopotamuses, to provide meat for its 1.4 million people nearly half the southern African nation’s population who are reeling under the worst drought in a century. “This exercise is necessary and is in line with our constitutional mandate where our natural resources are used for the benefit of Namibian citizens,” the country’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism said in a press statement on August 26. The situation is so bad mainly because of El Niño, a weather pattern associated with extreme heat and dry spells in many parts of the world and the ocean. An El Niño event returned after seven years in 2023, leading to above-average temperatures and minimal precipitation across the region. Severe soil moisture deficits and vegetation stress followed, resulting in drought. Namibia’s decision to kill wild animals, especially species like elephants and hippos, has sparked international controversy. Animal rights groups and conservationists have criticised the move, arguing that it could harm the country’s biodiversity and reputation as a leader in wildlife conservation. #DefendNamibiaWildlife #ProtectOurWildlife #WildlifeConservation

In the Republic of Congo, the beauty of natural ecosystems is undermined by the scourge of poaching. Every day, protected animal species fall victim to illegal practices, and those responsible seem unaware of the devastating consequences of their actions. Against this backdrop, we need to take a closer look at double poaching, a painful reality affecting our biodiversity, and examine the measures taken by the authorities to combat this crime. Double poaching is not limited to the illegal slaughter of wild animals. It also encompasses the trade-in by-products, often made from endangered animal parts. This illicit sector thrives on the growing demand from certain markets, often abroad, for items such as rhinoceros horns or pangolin scales. As a result, local species find themselves in a precarious situation, making their survival more difficult every day. Faced with this threat, the Congolese authorities are taking strict measures to protect their natural heritage. In the application of strict laws, legal proceedings are regularly brought against those who violate wildlife laws. These court cases attract attention not only for their criminal nature but also for the severe penalties that follow. Convictions often include prison sentences and hefty fines, setting a precedent that could deter future crimes. Beyond judicial sanctions, raising public awareness is crucial in the fight against poaching. Information campaigns are run to raise awareness of the importance of protected animal species and ecosystems. Schools, non-governmental organizations, and local communities are encouraged to take an active part in this fight. Only collective mobilization can truly curb this scourge. The fight against double poaching in the Republic of Congo is a far-reaching one, requiring the support of all citizens. As long as individuals continue to build their happiness on the misfortune of animal species, biodiversity will be in peril. It is imperative that we act now, by strengthening laws, raising awareness, and preserving our environment for future generations. Together, we can build a future where flora and fauna thrive in harmony with human activities.

Statement from former Durrell director, Prof. Julia E. Fa   It is with a heavy heart that I express my profound concerns regarding the recent developments at Jersey Zoo, as eloquently articulated by Quentin, a respected and long-serving member of our community.   Having devoted 23 years of my life to Durrell, first as a Training Officer and later as Conservation Science Director, I have had the privilege of witnessing the tireless dedication of our staff and volunteers towards the noble cause of conserving species facing extinction. It deeply saddens me to acknowledge the distressing situation as detailed by Quentin; one which I have heard from the staff themselves, all of them good honest people and excellent professionals.   The issues raised regarding animal welfare, staff mistreatment, and the alarming turnover of exceptional talent cannot be understated. This highlights a troubling trend of mismanagement and disregard for the values that Durrell stands for. The loss of invaluable expertise and the alienation of dedicated volunteers is a testament to the erosion of the very foundation upon which this organization was built.   The animal welfare concerns are inexcusable, particularly regarding the sloths and aardvarks, and demand urgent attention. The dismissive response from the States Vet and the lack of action from the Board only serve to exacerbate these issues further. It is imperative that we uphold the highest standards of care for the animals under our stewardship; any deviation from this commitment is unacceptable.   Furthermore, the disregard for the comprehensive collection plan put forth by the zoo staff in 2014 is deeply troubling. The Zoo and Trust was always based on an atmosphere of inclusivity and not Ignoring the expertise and dedication of our team in favour of unilateral decisions. The zoo has been run with a cabal mentality of no transparency and accountability within the organization.   I completely agree with Quentin's critique of the Scottish rewilding project. The Trust's dismissal of new projects in the Global South, which has always been our focus, demonstrates a lazy and unintelligent approach to identifying the true conservation challenges, particularly in a world where biodiversity loss is widespread. Our mission has always been to advocate for critically endangered species on a global level; deviating from this principle is concerning and requires immediate and thoughtful revaluation. Allocating conservation funds to Scotland from our organization is a waste!   In conclusion, I wholeheartedly endorse the call for accountability and support the change within the Board. The erosion of trust and the departure from our core values cannot be ignored. As custodians of this extraordinary organization, it is incumbent upon us to heed the concerns of our dedicated staff and volunteers and take decisive action to rectify the course we are on.   Sincerely   Prof. Julia E. Fa Professor of Biodiversity and Human Development