Species Survival Plans

The Species Survival Plan (SSP) is a cooperative animal management program between AZA Accredited Zoos. The SSP program began in 1981 as a cooperative population management and conservation program for selected species in zoos and aquariums in North America. Each SSP manages the breeding of a species in order to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable.

Beyond this, SSP’s participate in a variety of other cooperative conservation activities, such as research, public education, reintroduction and field projects. Currently there are 107 SSP’s covering 161 individual species are administered by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, whose membership includes accredited zoos and aquariums throughout North America.

Right now, the Little Rock Zoo is home to a number of species on the SSP list. So when you are visiting the Zoo you will see several of our SSP animals such as the gorillas, chimpanzees, rhinos, and other animals. Look for the SSP symbol at exhibits throughout the zoo.

Supporting the Little Rock Zoo helps support the SSP programs at work to help keep these animals in our world now and in the future.

Threatened or endangered species are animals that have been identified as being in danger of becoming extinct because of harmful human activity or environmental factors. They are also the subject of protective regulations and conservation measures. So unless a swift and positive action is taken soon, these animals are destined to become extinct in the wild and may only survive only in zoological institutions and wildlife parks! By supporting the zoo and its programs, you can help save these animals and hundreds of others from vanishing forever.

Scientific Advisory Groups (SAGs):

SAG’s were established in 1991 to help coordinate, facilitate, and monitor the relevant research activities of AZA's member institutions and conservation programs. These groups serve as a clearinghouse of technical advice for our institutional members. Most importantly, the SAG’s outline future research priorities to the other AZA Conservation Programs. SAG members include member institution staff as well as university, government, and other outside scientists.

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Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs):

Taxon Advisory Groups (TAG’s) are groups of experts responsible for making recommendations for AZA institutions regarding similar groups of animals (taxa). TAG’s include groups for terrestrial invertebrates, bats, marine fishes, penguins, and more. TAG recommendations are published in Regional Collection Plans (RCP’s). TAG’s evaluate the need for captive rearing of species and helps define the holding space available for species held in AZA institutions. RCP’s include recommendations for which species should be maintained in captivity, and how much space should be allocated to each species. TAG’s also develop Action Plans with specific priorities for conservation projects designed to help species in the wild and in zoos and aquariums.

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AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction

The Little Rock Zoo is a proud member of the AZA SAFE Program. AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction focuses the collective expertise within accredited zoos and aquariums and leverages their massive audiences to save species. At the same time, SAFE builds capacity to increase direct conservation spending, as well as our members’ impact on saving species through work in the field, in our zoos and aquariums, and through public engagement. We have done it before. Some species exist only because of the efforts of aquariums and zoos and our partners.

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The Wildest Value in Town!

Little Rock Zoo Memberships

Family Fun at the Zoo!

Memberships support the Zoo's efforts to promote conservation and education. It is the perfect way to benefit humans and animals, alike!