Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums will use simulation modeling to systematically study the sustainability of Species Survival Plans (SSPs). SSPs are used to manage and conserve the populations of endangered and threatened species, and are used by 220 zoos to manage 500 species, including tens of thousands of individual animals. As a result of this work, the zoo and aquarium community will have new tools to use in the revision of the SSP system. The project will facilitate decision making about which species get access to professional scientific management advice and which SSPs should be eliminated because their prospects for sustainability in captivity are so limited.