History

Zoos and Species Recovery: Breeding Programs and Reintroduction Efforts

One of the most critical functions of modern zoos is species recovery, especially for animals at risk of extinction. Breeding programs in zoos carefully manage the reproduction of animals to ensure genetic diversity and population stability. For example, the Arabian oryx, which went extinct in the wild, was successfully bred in zoos and later reintroduced to its natural habitat. Similar efforts have been made for other animals, such as the Amur leopard and Przewalski's horse.

Zoos follow strict guidelines to ensure that animals selected for reintroduction are healthy and genetically diverse, giving them the best chance of survival in the wild. Through such initiatives, zoos are playing a pivotal role in reversing population declines and restoring species to their natural ecosystems.