Zoos, aquariums, and wildlife facilities are frequently encouraged to participate in the American Zoo and Aquarium Associations (AZA) Species Survival Plans (SSPs), either directly by holding animals, or indirectly by incorporating the program in educational or interpretive presentations. Institutions, especially those with limited resources of staff, facilities or dollars, often inquire of AZA SSPs, searching for ways to participate, given these limited resources. Two questions invariably result from these inquiries. Why should I participate in the SSP Program? and, once answered, How can I become involved in SSP work? Depending on the particular SSP and its coordinator, as well as SSP identified needs, the response may be variable and not well defined.
Since the inception of the SSP concept and program, concern has been expressed, in one form or another about various facets of the program. There have been individual as well as institutional concerns about questions of ownership, how SSP participation may infringe on local sovereignty, the impact on institutional animal collection planning, and the perceived potential conflict between individual or institutional needs and national or SSP needs . It is not my intention to focus or dwell on these perceptions or, in some cases, realities .
In my view there are any number of reasons for institutions, regardless of size or resources, to become involved with AZA SSPs. Foremost, these captive management programs provide some insurance against species extinction. Not all SSPs lend themselves to species reintroduction, nor is this appropriate in many cases. Nevertheless, these management plans provide a genetic pool which is safeguarded into the future. SSPs also provide an opportunity and allow us to tell zoo and aquarium visitors about wildlife, and our individual as well as collective cooperative efforts to insure their survival in captivity, and in nature. SSPs actually demonstrate how well zoos work together. Professionally, we have a unique