Conservation

Second Chances: Protecting Arctic Icons

channah — Mon, 05 May 2025 21:33:14 +0000

Second Chances: Protecting Arctic Icons channah Mon, 05/05/2025 - 14:33

Caitlin Hannah Communications Manager for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Across a cold, desolate stretch of the Arctic, two tiny polar bear cubs huddle, alone and unprotected, their cries carrying on the biting wind. Their mother, the heart of their world, was lost to the unforgiving challenges polar bears face across this landscape. Hungry and vulnerable, the cubs’ chances of survival were bleak without a mother to protect them and teach them how to hunt for their main food source, seals.

Fortunately, their story didn’t end there. The little ones’ mother was being monitored as part of a conservation program, and teams worked tirelessly to locate and rescue the orphaned cubs when they learned of her passing. As a global nonprofit conservation organization, we partner with organizations around the world to protect their species and we’ve cared for polar bears since 1917. U.S. Fish and Wildlife chose the San Diego Zoo to rehabilitate and care for the pair, now called Kalluk and Tatqiq, along with another orphan named Chinook, and to be their forever home.

Here, with expert teams of veterinarians, nutritionists, behaviorists, biologists, and conservation scientists, as well as more than a century of polar bear care experience, all three bears have found safety, nourishment, and a new home where they have been able to thrive against all odds. Each soft pawstep they take today is a poignant reminder of the fragility of their species and the critical importance of protecting our planet’s wildlife.

Polar bear moms teach their young essential survival skills, including hunting.

Raising Orphans

Without mothers to nurture them or teach them essential survival skills, the three rescued polar bear orphans, Tatqiq, Kalluk, and Chinook, could not be reintroduced into their native habitat. Now in their 20s, the bears have been cared for at the San Diego Zoo for decades, becoming incredible ambassadors for their species. Each year, they inspire countless wildlife allies while contributing to conservationists' understanding of polar bears' needs amidst a rapidly changing Arctic environment. Our expert teams collaborate with global partners on these vital conservation initiatives to help ensure a future for polar bears in native habitats.

Orphaned polar bear cubs are thriving with the expert care of veterinarians, nutritionists, behaviorists, biologists, and conservation scientists, as well as more than a century of polar bear care experience.

At the Zoo’s Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge, the bears thrive in the summer version of their native tundra ecosystem. Surprisingly, summer temperatures in the Arctic can climb into the high 70s. So in their dynamic environment here, our expert nutritionists create a healthy and balanced diet to ensure optimal body condition. This is different than polar bears needing an extra thick layer of blubber necessary to survive frozen Arctic winters.

Even so, the polar bears choose where they spend their time, with temperature-controlled climates including frigid areas of their habitats, daily snow, and an chilled aquatic environment. Wildlife care teams note, however, that if the water gets too chilly, they won’t go in! Instead, the bears often choose to forego the many cold options they have in order to lounge in the sun. This preference reflects natural behaviors, as polar bears comfortably adjust to varied climates, including that of summer on the tundra.

The bear trio experiences a variety of chilly experiences to choose from every day.

One of a Kind

Polar bears, with their unmistakable white coats, are unique in more ways than one. As Earth’s largest bear, they can weigh up to 1,600 pounds and reach an astounding 12 feet in height when standing on their hind legs. They’re so interconnected to their unique sea ice ocean ecosystems that their scientific name ursus maritimus means “sea bear”.

While Tatqiq, Kalluk, and Chinook are fortunately safe and thriving, polar bears across the Arctic face significant challenges that continue to threaten the future of their species. Classified as Vulnerable to extinction, their survival is increasingly at risk due to rising temperatures brought on by climate instability. The Arctic is currently warming twice as fast as the rest of the planet, drastically reducing the sea ice polar bears rely on to hunt, mate, and raise their young.

As the ice disappears, bears are forced to travel longer distances in search of food, often leading to malnutrition and reduced reproductive success. Human activities exacerbate the issue, contributing to habitat degradation and environmental contamination. The increasing interaction between polar bears and human populations can also create conflict as bears are forced to seek out alternate food sources, further jeopardizing their safety. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring long-term sustainable populations of the species, which is the work we do through our Oceans Conservation Hub.

Innovative technology, including Mini DenCam cameras, is providing new insights as mother polar bears emerge from dens with their cubs. Some of these technologies are perfected with the help of polar bears at the San Diego Zoo.

Securing the Future

Kalluk, Tatqiq, and Chinook not only found a second chance at the Zoo—they’re helping give their species a second chance, too. Through innovative conservation science, the bears have contributed to the understanding of polar bear energetics and hearing sensitivity, which informs strategies to protect them in native habitat. Studies of their hearing range have informed guidelines to mitigate human-made noise disruptions near critical denning sites in the Arctic, while other efforts have provided crucial data for evaluating how polar bears adapt to a changing climate marked by reduced sea ice.

The bears are also able to try out new noninvasive conservation tracking methods before they’re used to help bears in the Arctic, including "Burr on Fur". This lightweight, non-invasive tracking device attaches to a polar bear's fur, almost like a barrette. It’s intended to provide researchers with critical data without disrupting the animal's natural behavior, including movement patterns, hunting, and habitat use, all of which are essential for understanding how polar bears adapt to rapidly changing environmental conditions, including improving coexistence techniques for communities living near polar bear habitats. Conservationists are able to perfect the use of noninvasive methods like this with a little help from the bear trio at the Zoo.

Interestingly, the Arctic experiences seasons and can reach temps into the high 70s in the summer.

Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall

Just as the Arctic undergoes seasonal changes, so too do polar bears. If you follow along closely, whether in person at the Zoo or through Polar Bear Cam, you might notice various behaviors at different times. For example, during breeding season, male polar bears like Kalluk have one thing on their minds: impressing the ladies. You may see him paying more attention to Chinook, the bear who is not his sister, than to eating, and that’s completely normal. Food takes a backseat during this time, but his care team is always there to ensure he stays healthy and strong, even when his behavior might seem unusual. And if you notice him salivating a bit more, that’s just part of the effort he puts in. Male polar bears naturally burn more energy and eat less during this time, so he might look a bit slimmer—all natural parts of the process.

As a global nonprofit conservation organization, we work with partners to secure the future for vulnerable species including polar bears.

Hope on the Horizon

Tatqiq, Chinook, and Kalluk are no longer the shivering, vulnerable, tiny cubs they were when they were orphaned in the Arctic. Today, they continue to thrive at the Zoo, reminding us all of the resilience and hope that is possible when people come together to make a difference.

When you visit them, you not only witness their extraordinary care and dynamic natural behaviors but also contribute directly to conservation initiatives aimed at saving, protecting, and caring for the species. As a nonprofit organization, each visit supports our global conservation efforts, including through our Oceans Conservation Hub. Together with our partners, we’re committed to making an impact for all polar bear families that need us, wherever they are—now, and for generations to come.

Photo credits: Top Photo ea-4/iStock/Getty Images Plus; Dencam photo: Kt Miller/Polar Bears International; Last Photo; mlharing/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Expertise to the Rescue

emcmillan — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 12:07:00 +0000

Expertise to the Rescue emcmillan Thu, 04/24/2025 - 05:07

Ellie McMillan Writer for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

The vibrant tropical forests throughout the idyllic islands of Fiji and Tonga are home to an exceptional iguana. Using their vivid green and blue coloring to seamlessly disappear into the surrounding vegetation, critically endangered Fiji iguanas are suited for a life in the treetops. While this helps keep them safe from predators, they unfortunately can’t hide from increasing threats to their survival, including wildlife trafficking, deforestation, and competition from invasive species.

For over 60 years, we’ve worked with partners to save, protect, and care for this beautiful and intriguing species. You might have even encountered them at the San Diego Zoo’s Wildlife Explorers Basecamp—if you were lucky enough to spot one camouflaged in the treetops. And today, tucked away in a private area behind the scenes, there is an even larger group of Fiji iguanas, one which we just started caring for after a harrowing adventure. Tapping into our decades of experience, we collaborated to rescue them from illegal wildlife trafficking in Spain. Our conservation work, both at the Zoo and through our Pacific Islands Conservation Hub, has led us to pivotal moments like this, where we put our expertise into action to secure a brighter future for wildlife.

Fijian iguanas are only found throughout the tropical islands of Fiji and Tonga.

Rescuing Fiji’s Icons

Our long history of conserving these iguanas began when Fiji first entrusted us with them in 1965. Since then, we’ve become a haven for Fiji’s national treasure. In the 1990s, we pioneered an Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan Program for Fiji iguanas, focusing on long-term conservation solutions. Today, we care for the largest and most successful conservation breeding colony of this critically endangered species outside of Fiji, and each individual is crucial to their global population. Additionally, because of the trust we share with our Fijian partners, we manage every Fijian iguana cared for by our fellow AZA-accredited institutions across the United States. These successes prepared us to rise to the occasion and do our part when the call came for this rescue mission.

We've been entrusted with the care of Fiji iguanas since 1965.

In 2017, more than 600 illegally trafficked reptiles were seized in a confiscation by the Spanish authorities, including a group of Fiji iguanas. “Confiscations of trafficked wildlife happen a lot more frequently than people realize, and reptiles are especially susceptible due to their high demand in the illegal pet trade,” said Brett Baldwin, curator of herpetology and ichthyology at the San Diego Zoo.

After the eight Fiji iguanas were rescued, discussions arose about the best course of action for their future. Providing long-term care for the reptiles in Spain wasn’t feasible, and since little was known about their origins they couldn’t be returned to native habitats. Over the next eight years, we worked with our partners in both Fiji and Spain to bring the rescued iguanas to San Diego. As Brett puts it, when it comes to trafficked wildlife, “Whether it’s within our borders or across the world, we’re ready to answer the call for help.” We are honored to be able to give these trafficked iguanas a new home at the Zoo.

We're honored to provide 8 Fiji iguanas rescued from illegal wildlife trafficking a new home at the San Diego Zoo.

World-Class Care

Once it was finally time, our teams jumped into action to ensure the iguanas’ health and safety throughout the long journey to California. Moving endangered wildlife halfway across the world requires meticulous planning and coordination between countless collaborators. One of our experts even flew to Spain to prepare the iguanas for their journey and to make sure everything was in order.

“After years of collaboration with partners in Spain and the National Trust of Fiji, it’s incredibly rewarding to welcome these iguanas into our care,” said Brandon Scott, wildlife care manager of herpetology and ichthyology at the San Diego Zoo. Upon arrival, it was all hands on deck as our Wildlife Care, Wildlife Health, and Conservation Science teams came together to assess the iguanas. This multi-pronged approach included full health examinations to help ensure each individual can thrive.

After the iguanas' arrival, our teams across the organization came together to assess the rescued reptiles.

One unique challenge in welcoming rescued wildlife is that often, little is known about their history and the specific areas they are from. With the help of our Conservation Genetics team, we’ll be able to answer some of these questions. Routine genetic testing can fill in the blanks on information we’d otherwise never be able to discover, such as the iguanas’ species, the group’s genetic diversity, and their potential islands of origin—including whether they were likely trafficked directly from their native habitats in Fiji or illegally bred. Every clue our experts uncover about these iguanas’ mysterious past leads to increased understanding of the species as a whole, helping conservationists secure a more sustainable future so they can thrive long-term.

Part of our multi-pronged approach included each iguana receiving a full health examination.

A Promising Future

Wildlife trafficking is one of the biggest threats facing countless species around the world, including Fiji iguanas. This illegal trade in turn disrupts the ecosystems wildlife rely on, pushing many already vulnerable species closer to the edge of extinction. To address wildlife trafficking at its source, our teams collaborate with international conservation partners to safeguard healthy and delicately balanced ecosystems here in San Diego and around the world. At the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, we use education and advocacy to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of the illegal trade and inspire others to protect wildlife for generations to come.

This special group of Fijian iguanas is settling in at the Zoo.

After an incredible journey, this special group of Fiji iguanas is settling in at the Zoo. Their remarkable story is one of resilience, hope, and a fresh start—and it’s only just beginning. The iguanas’ rescue is a powerful reminder that when we come together with expertise, collaboration, and perseverance, we can achieve anything. With the help of wildlife allies like you, we’re making a difference for vulnerable and endangered species across the globe.

Discover how you’re making a difference for Fiji iguanas and other fascinating wildlife through our Pacific Islands Conservation Hub. Then test your skills on your next visit to Wildlife Explorers Basecamp and search among the treetops for these iconic iguanas.

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Hope Takes Flight

mhausberg — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 18:30:00 +0000

Hope Takes Flight mhausberg Wed, 12/04/2024 - 10:30

Aubrey Lloyd Writer for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Cutting through the deep green of a dense, tropical forest is the quick flash of a black, beaked figure. In synchrony, a familiar call floats down toward the landscape, declaring good news. It’s the ʻalalā (Hawaiian crow) soaring through the trees of the islands once again.

For more than 20 years, the species has been extinct in the wild. We’re honored to share that through a collaborative pilot program with our conservation partners in Hawaiʻi, we have successfully introduced five ʻalalā into the forests on Maui. This transformative conservation effort represents hope for the future of Hawaiʻi—for its wildlife, for its people, and for their shared ecosystems.

ʻAlalā are an influential species—for both Hawaiian people and ecosystems.

Beyond the Bird

ʻAlalā are found nowhere else on Earth, and their existence is essential in Hawaiʻi. As they fly from tree to tree, these corvids disperse seeds that help grow new trees and restore native forests. In doing so, ʻalalā also help provide food and shelter for other indigenous wildlife that share their island. Their very presence supports and even propagates their ecosystem’s rich biodiversity.

Their significance spans the hearts of Hawaiians, too. Revered as ʻaumākua, or a kindred guardian, the ʻalalā are more than an endemic bird. Their cries are interpreted as warning signs by local communities and are even included in sacred chants. To Hawaiians, ʻalalā are family.

Until this recent introduction, ʻalalā had been extinct in the wild for decades. Habitat loss and disease introduced by mosquitos continue to threaten their future. Helping this unique bird required a unique plan.

Five ʻalalā were successfully introduced into the Kīpahulu Forest Reserve on Maui by our Hawaiian partners on November 11, 2024.

A Swoop in the Right Direction

Our experts worked collaboratively with partners on a pilot introduction program to help reestablish the birds throughout island forests.

Together with our partners, we increased populations from fewer than 20 individuals in the 1990s to more than 110 today, all of them cared for at our Hawaiian bird conservation centers on Maui and the island of Hawaiʻi. Of these ʻalalā, five were chosen for this reintroduction.

To prepare, experts raised the two females and three males in a social group to strengthen their relationship-building skills. This approach helped the ʻalalā practice how they’d depend on each other, giving them every opportunity to succeed in native habitats. Teams also worked closely on prerelease assessments, looking at how the birds were likely to respond to predators and how they’d seek native foods like insects and fruits.

Teams worked closely to prepare the ʻalalā for introduction and will continue to monitor them in native habitat.

Opportunity Calls

In early October 2024, the five ʻalalā were transferred from the Maui Bird Conservation Center to a temporary field aviary on the slopes of Haleakalā. Here, conservation teams carefully monitored the birds as they began adapting to the forest they would eventually call home—and a dynamic ecosystem they will help keep in balance.

On November 11, 2024, it was finally time. The ʻalalā were successfully introduced by our Hawaiian partners into the Kīpahulu Forest Reserve, spreading the good news of their return with each distinguished call.

This introduction is a hopeful step for the future of ʻalalā conservation.

Flying Toward the Future

Collaboration with our partners is the key to further progress, and as we celebrate this work, we’ll continue supporting and partnering with them for the long-term success of the species through our Pacific Islands Conservation Hub. Conservationists will next monitor the birds as they acclimate to the forest, applying critical information gained from this pilot program to future efforts.

This reintroduction is a success story for our teams and a hopeful step for the future of ʻalalā conservation. For the ʻalalā, it’s a future with the promise of increasing populations across their native habitat. For ecosystems, it’s a future where Hawaiian forests are thriving. And for local communities, it’s a future where a long-lost friend is finally returning home.

Support from allies like you makes trailblazing conservation work like this possible. Discover how you’re making a difference for Hawaiian birds and other vulnerable wildlife through our Pacific Islands Conservation Hub.

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Conserving Biodiversity: The Way Forward for All of Us

mhausberg — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 20:12:08 +0000

Conserving Biodiversity: The Way Forward for All of Us mhausberg Thu, 10/31/2024 - 13:12

Nadine Lamberski, D.V.M., Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ECZM (ZHM) Chief Conservation and Wildlife Health Officer for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

It only takes a moment to appreciate the wonder of nature. Every interaction we have with wildlife is a moment of discovery. And when we experience species like giant pandas, it opens up the world around us. We are all part of a vast, interconnected system that links us—and our future. This inherent bond illuminates a renewed understanding of how conservation protects the vital biodiversity we rely on to thrive.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is honored to celebrate One Health Day. It is an opportunity for us to draw attention to the global challenges that impact us in so many ways, and how we must act quickly to conserve the planet we all share. We need a sustainable approach, one that is holistic and inclusive and reimagines outdated models. As we look to the future of our conservation efforts, we look to an approach that values species diversity, traditional ecological knowledge, and the role they play in maintaining functioning ecosystems for all life on Earth.

The heart of this approach lies in the interconnection of the health of wildlife, people, and the ecosystems we share. Now more than ever, we need to change our relationship with nature and restore the balance that benefits us all. Clean water, air, medicine, food—nature provides us with assets that sustain and enrich our lives. All of us—plants, animals, and people—live in diverse, complex environments that create a network of life that inextricably links us together.

So a threat to nature is inherently a threat to us as well. Population growth, pollution, and habitat loss have forced species into more crowded and fragmented ranges, increasing the risk of an emerging disease that could cause the next pandemic. The loss of species that pollinate and fertilize crops impacts our access to food, and unsustainable deforestation has contributed to climate change that affects our very way of life. We must appreciate the connection between biodiversity loss and how it affects our well-being.

This requires an evolving perspective of what successful conservation truly entails. Our global conservation work to understand individual species and their needs started many years ago. And the more conservation scientists learned, the more they began to focus on endangered species and how they could help those that faced the greatest threat to survival. Preventing species from going extinct is still the key to protecting and restoring biodiversity, but we now know that it is not enough. Species need to be viewed in the context of entire ecosystems to ensure truly comprehensive and sustainable solutions. It’s a dynamic approach that benefits wildlife species and the human communities that live alongside.

A shining example has been the care and conservation of giant pandas, who were first welcomed to the San Diego Zoo 30 years ago. During this time, we and our global partners have learned so much about how we can protect and care for them and their vibrant ecosystems. In the beginning, we knew little about panda behavior, reproduction, and diet, and we began the long and crucial journey toward understanding. Our collaborative approaches have evolved over time, and we’ve paired our initial discoveries with scientific studies of native habitat, climate, and their interconnection with other species. As a result, we have seen heartening advances in their ability to thrive. Their recent downgrading from endangered to vulnerable is a sign that through our collective conservation efforts, we are on a path toward long-term success.

With the arrival of Xin Bao and Yun Chuan at the San Diego Zoo, our scientists and wildlife experts look forward to working alongside our Chinese conservation partners as they increase vulnerable panda populations and support sustainable solutions for their ecosystems. This includes advancements in biodiversity monitoring and environmental DNA analysis to better understand native habitats, leveraging trail cameras and acoustic sensors illustrating how pandas move and interact with their environment, and continuing reintroductions, which have already shown promising results in their recovery.

Our work is always evolving, which makes collaboration essential. Xin Bao and Yun Chuan mark the beginning of a new chapter with our partners as we share decades-long expertise in panda science, health, behavior, and habitat recovery. These partnerships are at the core of our Alliance and key to the relationships we build worldwide with local communities, Indigenous peoples, and partner organizations across our eight Conservation Hubs. When everyone has equity in these spaces, everyone benefits, and biodiversity loss can be halted.

Each of us is part of the solution. When people connect with wildlife like Xin Bao and Yun Chuan, they become allies in conservation and the crucial work we do each and every day. It’s a reminder this One Health Day that we all play a vital role in protecting the world’s biodiversity, and that by working together, continued hope for wildlife, people, and our planet is possible.

The Frozen Zoo: 50 Years in the Making

mhausberg — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 20:13:43 +0000

The Frozen Zoo: 50 Years in the Making mhausberg Mon, 09/29/2025 - 13:13

Mike Hausberg Senior Editor for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

The Frozen Zoo® is nothing short of a treasury of life on Earth. This indispensable resource, part of our Wildlife Biodiversity Bank, holds frozen living cells from more than 11,500 individual animals of 1,300 species or subspecies, many of them endangered or even extinct. Within these microscopic samples lies the extraordinary potential to reintroduce valuable genetic diversity into wildlife populations, safeguarding species for generations to come.

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Frozen Zoo, we reflect on its remarkable history and the groundbreaking achievements it has made possible. It is and always has been an unparalleled tool for shaping the future of wildlife conservation and inspiring hope for species everywhere—and it will continue to pave the way in its next 50 years and beyond.

It all started with a visionary idea from Dr. Kurt Benirschke, one that would change conservation science forever.

1975: A New Way Forward

It all started with a visionary idea. Dr. Kurt Benirschke, part of the San Diego Zoo’s research department, began freezing living cells from various animals with liquid nitrogen. Though the uses of these samples were unknown at the time, he often repeated his guiding principle: “You must collect things for reasons you don’t yet understand.” His simple yet profound foresight became the foundation of a revolutionary approach to species conservation.

Highlights:

The first samples were saved to the Frozen Zoo.
Dr. Benirschke brought on board Dr. Oliver Ryder, who is now our Kleberg Endowed Director of Conservation Genetics and a pivotal force in saving endangered species.

Arlene Kumamoto served as the Frozen Zoo’s first curator, helping shape the direction of this exciting new resource.

1976–1992: Growth and Innovation

The Frozen Zoo team wasted no time in broadening their operations. By embracing cutting-edge technology and hiring talented new staff, they capitalized on Dr. Benirschke’s dream of what wildlife conservation could achieve.

Highlights:

Scientists first used polymerase chain reactions (PCR) to amplify DNA, creating millions of copies from a single sample and thus exponentially increasing each one’s potential.
Marlys Houck took a temporary position to research rhino chromosomes. Almost 40 years later, she’s now Elizabeth J.F. Williams Endowed Curator of the Frozen Zoo.
The Frozen Zoo’s collection expanded rapidly, banking its 100th sample (from a lesser kudu), 500th sample (from a brown hyena), and 1,000th sample (from an Eastern bongo).

The inclusion of cells from a painted stork ushered in a new era of global bird conservation.

1993–2003: Furthering Their Reach

Different kinds of cells require different cryopreservation techniques. In its first two decades, the Frozen Zoo had the tools to bank cells from mammals. Scientific breakthroughs, however, soon unlocked new methods for preserving a wider range of wildlife. These advancements significantly increased the Frozen Zoo’s ability to protect species from around the world.

Highlights:

The first avian cells were collected (from a painted stork), as were the first reptile cells (from a Pacific coast rattlesnake).
A gaur, a wild bovine species, became the first endangered species cloned from cells preserved in the Frozen Zoo, demonstrating the technique’s capacity as a viable conservation tool.
The Native Plant Gene Bank was established to preserve seeds and plant tissue, which couldn’t yet be frozen like animal samples. This new arm of the Wildlife Biodiversity Bank enabled teams to collect materials from the full spectrum of life on Earth.
The 5,000th sample was banked (from a black-and-white lemur).

The 50,000-square-foot Beckman Center for Conservation Research has provided the Frozen Zoo a fertile homebase for its transformative operations.

2004–2018: A New Home

As the Frozen Zoo’s collection and capabilities grew, so did the need for a large, state-of-the-art facility to support them. Thanks to a landmark gift from the Beckman Foundation, the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for Conservation Research opened at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and provided an advanced new headquarters for the team’s efforts.

Highlights:

The Conservation Education Lab was established, increasing the ability to share expertise with partners and student conservationists.
The first amphibian cells (from an African clawed frog) and the first fish cells (from a rainbow trout) were banked.
We established a cell line from the last living po‘ouli, a Hawaiian honeycreeper. It was the first viable material from an extinct species to be cryopreserved. Though the applications of this sample are still not yet known, it may one day provide valuable information about species conservation.

Through cloning, genetic diversity can be returned to populations, giving endangered species like Przewalski’s horses a promising future.

2019–2024: A Succession of Firsts

While innovations and milestones came often, each of them required hard work, dedication, and time. The investment was always worth it, however, and moments long in the making finally came to fruition.

Highlights:

The first successfully cloned Przewalski’s horse was born, from cells preserved 40 years prior. Three years later, the second cloned Przewalski’s horse was born, the first time cloning successfully produced more than one individual of an endangered species. In a fitting tribute, the foals were named Kurt and Ollie, after Dr. Kurt Benirschke and Dr. Oliver Ryder.
A cloned black-footed ferret successfully gave birth to two kits, the first instance of a cloned U.S. endangered species producing offspring.
Teams devised a new way to cryopreserve embryos from Nuttall’s scrub oaks, an "exceptional species" that can't be banked like other plants. In the process, it became the first plant added to the Frozen Zoo.
The 10,000th sample was banked (from a San Clemente loggerhead shrike).

In our next chapter, conservation leaders like Marlys Houck can collaborate with global scientists to help endangered species everywhere.

2025 and Beyond: The Next 50 Years

The Frozen Zoo has continually proven itself as an investment in the future of our planet. We are always looking toward biobanking’s next chapter, envisioning steps that will allow this irreplaceable repository to continue protecting and strengthening biodiversity everywhere.

Highlights:

We will build on our decades of expertise and collaboration to lead the biobanking of all endangered species worldwide by 2075.
The Beckman Center will grow in its role as an unprecedented hub of global biobanking and a unique venue of education and teamwork.
In collaboration with partners in Hawaiʻi, Kenya, Peru, and Vietnam, we will help establish four new biobanks, empowering global scientists to protect an incredible array of native species.

With five decades of experience, passion, and unwavering commitment to protecting life on our planet, our Frozen Zoo team is more prepared than ever to tackle the conservation challenges of tomorrow. And together with partners around the world, the potential of our cryopreservation efforts is nearly limitless. 50 years in, the Frozen Zoo is just getting started.

Painted stork photo credit: Anastasia Korchagina/iStock/Getty Images Plus

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Three Cubs, Two Years, One Legacy

emcmillan — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 17:07:48 +0000

Three Cubs, Two Years, One Legacy emcmillan Wed, 09/03/2025 - 10:07

From left to right: Pehkaay, Te'Oyee, Hemuk

Ellie McMillan Writer for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Nearly two years ago, a trio of orphaned mountain lion cubs made headlines when they were heroically rescued. Their mother had passed away and the little ones likely wouldn’t have survived more than a week on their own due to their young, vulnerable age.

Once our expert teams and close partners got word of the situation, they quickly jumped into action to find the cubs and bring them to safety. To do so, they had to scour the rocky, mountainous, vegetation-covered landscape of the San Pasqual Valley in Escondido, California. Locating three tiny little cubs that weighed no more than a few pounds each was truly a three-needles-in-a-haystack rescue mission.

The mountain lion trio shortly after they were rescued.

Miracle Mission

The cubs’ mom, named F307, was well-known to our wildlife care and conservation teams. She was being monitored as part of a collaborative conservation effort to foster human-wildlife coexistence and help protect her species. When it became clear she’d lost her life, our experts and partners used tracking technology to locate and rescue her cubs before it was too late. These teams were determined and committed. It took them about a week of dedicated searching through tough terrain, but miraculously, all three cubs were found and brought to safety in time.

Mountain lions seamlessly blend into their surroundings, which was part of the challenge in locating the three cubs.

To honor their mother’s legacy and their connection to the land, the cubs were named in the native local Kumeyaay language, given in the order they were found: Hemuk (meaning 3), Te'Oyee (meaning 0), and Pehkaay (meaning 7).

Their journey since has been as remarkable as their rescue. All three were dehydrated and were brought the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to recover. Because they weren’t old enough to have learned any survival skills from mom, it was determined by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Service that they couldn’t be reintroduced into their native habitats. They were given a forever home with expert care at the Safari Park. And over the last two years, Hemuk, Te'Oyee, and Pehkaay have grown from vulnerable cubs to thriving near-adults.

Growl-ing Up

Mountain lions are naturally nocturnal, so our overnight wildlife care team works with the cubs from dusk until dawn. This team has been there every step of the way to witness their development. As wildlife care supervisor Ollie Zirbel says, “It’s been an honor getting to watch them grow and learn from each other. From six-week-old cubs whose lives drastically changed overnight, to resilient and beautiful two-year-old ambassadors for their species.”

The cubs' personalities have remained remarkably consistent since their rescue, although their distinguishing physical features have changed. Until mountain lions are about four to six months old, their coats are spotted. This helps them blend into the grass, brush, and dappled sunlight of their native habitat. As the trio aged and their unique marks faded, our team discovered other ways to tell them apart.

Te'Oyee's personality hasn't changed much as he's grown. He's always eager to investigate new things.

Hemuk, the first male found, has a quiet confidence. Te'Oyee is a powerful presence and is always eager to explore or to investigate new things. The males have some visible differences in their facial markings, as Hemuk has more prominent markings above and below his eyes while Te'Oyee sports two small dots on the bridge of his nose—and if you’re still not quite sure based on their appearances alone, the one purring will be him!

Pehkaay is 20-30 pounds lighter than her brothers, and she stands out with a darker red coat and distinctive dots on her nose. Zirbel describes her as intentional and the most cautious of the trio. These behaviors are natural for mountain lions: males establish new territory when they leave their family, and females tend to keep a more watchful eye on their surroundings.

The cubs have a strong bond and regularly play together.

It’s All in the Family

The three rambunctious cubs thrive in each other’s company. Without needing to compete for resources like they would in native habitats, the cubs have formed a strong social dynamic. They regularly engage in play stalking, chasing, climbing, mutual grooming, and what their wildlife care team calls “cuddle puddles”, when they’re all curled up together.

Mountain lions are ambush hunters, meaning they take advantage of the element of surprise by launching themselves unexpectedly at their prey, gaining the upper hand and increasing the likelihood of a successful hunt. One of Hemuk, Te'Oyee, and Pehkaay’s favorite activities is fishing for their dinner as a group. They problem-solve both individually and with each other, strengthening their relationships while working towards the shared goal of a delicious, satisfying meal.

Pehkaay is smaller than her brothers and acts with intention.

Pounce on Tomorrow

The trio’s story is a stark reminder of the threats these iconic cats face in native habitats. They’re a keystone species with the largest range of any land animal in the Americas. Mountain lions are incredibly adaptable, thriving in high mountains, deserts, and coastal areas. However, in Southern California, habitat loss and fragmentation, in addition to increasing challenges to human-wildlife coexistence, are putting their populations at risk.

Mountain lions have the largest range of any land animal in the Americas. Above, Pehkaay (left) and Hemuk (right) prowl atop a rock.

We’re working to save, protect, and care for the mountain lions we live alongside through our Southwest Conservation Hub. Together with our partners, we’re using trail cameras and GPS technology to track mountain lion movement and better understand how they use their habitat. We also work to assess effective ways to support healthy coexistence. For instance, testing small, well-placed devices that make noise or light that’s neutral to domestic animals and people, but deters mountain lions. The goal is to find ways to ensure all who share these landscapes can stay safe and thrive.

The cubs’ second birthday is a celebration of their resilience and a beacon of hope for what lies ahead for their future. Like so many other rescued animals and plants, Hemuk, Te'Oyee, and Pehkaay’s journey is only just beginning. We’re honored to be a part of it as they continue to grow into adult mountain lions.

Discover how your support is making a difference for mountain lions and more wildlife through our Southwest Conservation Hub. Plus, when you reserve certain seasonal special experiences at the Safari Park, you might be able to connect with these three yourself.

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Standing Tall for Conservation

eellis — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 17:49:38 +0000

Standing Tall for Conservation eellis Mon, 08/04/2025 - 10:49

Against the vast, golden plains of the African savanna, a group of giraffes—called a tower—stands out like a cluster of living skyscrapers. As they wander in search of water and vegetation, one of them stops to feed on tender leaves at the top of a gnarled and twisted acacia tree. Because she stands at around 18 feet tall, even the highest branches are within her reach.

With a surprisingly nimble blue-black tongue that is more than 15 inches long, she delicately plucks leaves from the thorny branches, skillfully avoiding the sharp defenses of the tree. It’s a delicate dance between the tree’s natural adaptations and those of the giraffe, highlighting the intricate balance of life in this remarkable ecosystem.

Giraffes are well adapted to feed on savanna vegetation, with height that allows them to reach leaves at the very top of tall acacia trees and a tongue that can skillfully pluck leaves from thorny branches.

Picturing the African savanna without roaming towers of giraffes would be unthinkable. However, over the past 35 years, their numbers have dropped by more than 30%. Masai and reticulated giraffes are endangered and two other subspecies, Kordofan and Nubian giraffes, are categorized as critically endangered.

These graceful giants are experiencing what conservationists call a "silent extinction," as many people aren’t aware that the species is at risk. Habitat loss and mounting challenges to human-wildlife coexistence are contributing to these decreasing numbers. Illegal hunting and changing weather patterns are making it harder for giraffes to survive, and to find the food, water, and safe spaces they need.

Adult giraffes can be up to 18 feet tall, so it's no wonder that groups of giraffes are often called "towers."

Focusing on the Future

While giraffes face many challenges, we’re working on solutions. Through our Savanna Conservation Hub, we collaborate on community-led initiatives to secure a thriving future for the planet’s tallest land animal.

In northern Kenya, a dedicated group known as Twiga Walinzi (“giraffe guards” in Swahili) has become a beacon of hope as they work to prevent poaching and improve coexistence. Day after day, Twiga Walinzi patrol key hotspots, surveying giraffe populations and monitoring their movement. Their vital work is helping empower local communities to make informed decisions that protect giraffes.

Twiga Walinzi monitor giraffe movements and work to improve human-giraffe coexistence in northern Kenya.

Meanwhile, the Chui Mamas (“Leopard Mothers” in Swahili) is a group of over 600 women in northern Kenya who are transforming their communities through conservation and empowerment. Together, they find solutions to human-wildlife coexistence while creating sustainable livelihoods. Their efforts include rangeland restoration, water retention projects, and the establishment of the Chui Mamas Centre—a hub for education, conservation meetings, and income-generating activities including beekeeping, soap making, tailoring, and organic farming. By uniting women and amplifying their voices, the Chui Mamas are not only safeguarding wildlife but also fostering coexistence and resilience in their communities.

Eye-catching objects called "flashers" are being installed on fences in Kenya's Sera Conservancy to prevent giraffes from getting entangled in fence wire.

Ensuring healthy coexistence between wildlife and communities requires innovative solutions to shared challenges. Fences, meant to protect livestock, can turn deadly if a giraffe becomes entangled in stretches of wire. Recognizing this threat, a new partnership took root with Kenya’s Sera Conservancy to install “flashers”—eye-catching deterrents strung along stretches of fencing that pose the greatest risks, keeping giraffes away from potential harm. Conservation teams are tracking the success rates of each type of flasher used and working with local communities to raise awareness, making a brighter and safer future possible for giraffes.

Two endangered Masai giraffe calves were born this year at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, including a male born to Mara (pictured), and one calf was welcomed at the San Diego Zoo. These births increase the global population and strengthen the species' genetic diversity.

Towers of Hope

Closer to home, there’s new hope at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and at the San Diego Zoo. Two Masai giraffe calves were born into the Safari Park herd this spring, and one was born at the Zoo this summer, increasing the global population and bringing much-needed attention to this endangered species.

With so few Masai giraffes remaining in their native ecosystems, every new addition strengthens the species’ genetic diversity, building a healthier population for future generations. More than that, these new arrivals are important steps forward in the race to reverse the decline of giraffe populations worldwide.

Wildlife allies like you make it all possible. With you by our side, we’re saving, protecting, and caring for giraffes through our Savanna Conservation Hub. Together, we can stand tall for giraffes, ensuring they continue to be part of their savanna ecosystems and inspire wonder for generations to come.

Bee-ing Allies

emcmillan — Tue, 20 May 2025 16:55:35 +0000

Bee-ing Allies emcmillan Tue, 05/20/2025 - 09:55

Ellie McMillan Writer for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

The next time you bite into a juicy apple, eat a cracker, put together a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or sprinkle fresh berries over your breakfast, take a moment to thank a pollinator. Pollination is essential for most of the world’s flowering plant species and crops, including many food sources that we depend on. It’s estimated that these hardworking busybodies of the natural world affect one out of every three bites you eat!

So here in San Diego, we’re rolling out the red carpet for some of the planet’s VIPS: very important pollinators. These little heroes are getting the spotlight they so rightly deserve through Bee City USA, an initiative focused on conserving native pollinators by thinking globally and acting locally. It’s led by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. We’re proud to share that the San Diego Zoo is now a Bee City USA affiliate as part of a city-wide initiative to secure the future for this vital wildlife that we all depend on.

When you think of pollinators, you might think of bees and butterflies. But more surprising species including bats, mice, mosquitos, and countless others are equally as important. | Photo Credit: RebeccaBloomPhoto/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Buzz-Worthy Abilities

The soft, rhythmic humming of bees as they dance between bright and fragrant flowers is a familiar sound. But it’s far more than just background noise. It’s the melody of nature thriving. While all pollinators may not be as well-known or make quite the same noises as bees, they’re equally as important to protect. Lively hummingbirds, graceful butterflies, dynamic beetles, in addition to surprising species such as bats, mice, and mosquitos, play a crucial role in sustaining balanced ecosystems.

Unfortunately, even with their VIP status, pollinators face a range of threats, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and environmental instability. As human populations grow, less space remains for native wildlife to thrive. Naturally overgrown spaces that are home to wildflowers, weeds, and nesting sites are disappearing in favor of manicured lawns and urban development that eliminate key nectar and pollen sources and encourage pesticide use.

Pollinators lay the foundation for healthy ecosystems. Over millions of years, plants and animals have coevolved to form mutually beneficial relationships. As they eat and go about their business, pollinators help plants grow and reproduce. And when plants thrive, ecosystems flourish as entire food webs receive the resources they need to survive. Without pollinators, this delicate balance begins to crumble, initiating a chain reaction of ecological consequences. The good news is that, through committed conservation efforts and the help of allies like you, there’s hope for pollinators.

Pollinators and plants have coevolved over millions of years to form mutually beneficial relationships.

Raising Our Voices

As a conservation organization and now a Bee City USA partner, we’re taking measures to protect these VIPs, starting right here in the Southwest where we’re headquartered. At the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, we plant native flora in order to provide year-round food sources for bees and other pollinators while reducing pesticide use. Our teams also work tirelessly to foster awareness about these vital species and pollinator-friendly practices to protect them. We connect with guests on-grounds as well as with future generations of conservationists through hands-on education programs, including the Native Biodiversity Corps which helps local students plant native pollinator gardens on their campuses. Maintaining these efforts while collaborating with Bee City USA strengthens our local ecosystems by helping pollinators thrive while cultivating a community effort to ensure they remain part of our environment for generations to come.

Keep an eye out for local pollinators as you roam around Elephant Odyssey at the Zoo.

When we prioritize the well-being of pollinators, we create a ripple effect that inspires action. Do you want to know the best part? Everyone can help local species! By making small changes such as avoiding pesticides, growing native nectar-providing plants, and transforming your garden or outdoor spaces with regionally appropriate native habitat for wildlife, you’re giving pollinators a chance.

Next time you buzz around the Zoo, keep your antennae out for areas where native plants and pollinators are flourishing. Pause to spot which pollinators are fluttering around and know that with every visit, you’re making a powerful difference for them worldwide!

Explore more how allies like you are helping protect wildlife here in San Diego and across the globe through our eight Conservation Hubs.

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Milestones for Mother Nature

emcmillan — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 20:02:01 +0000

Milestones for Mother Nature emcmillan Mon, 04/14/2025 - 13:02

Ellie McMillan Writer for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Peaceful scenes unfold as frogs leap across babbling streams, black feathered birds soar through lush forest, and desert dwellers burrow deep underneath our feet. These are the sights and sounds that ground us to our surrounding world. When we immerse ourselves in nature, we’re reminded of an undeniable truth: people, wildlife, and the planet we all share are inextricability connected. Healthy, thriving ecosystems rely on balance. When that balance is disrupted, those ecosystems are at risk. Today, many species unfortunately face growing challenges that inch them closer to disappearing altogether, creating devastating ripple effects for the habitats they share.

With wildlife allies like you by our side, we work to restore this necessary and delicate balance. Since our founding over a century ago, we’ve honed our expertise in wildlife care and conservation to reintroduce over 44 species back into their native landscapes across the globe. Each reintroduction milestone is a step toward a brighter and more sustainable future for wildlife everywhere.

In 1982 there were only 22 California Condors remaining on Earth. Today, there are over 560 condors with more than half soaring over the Southwest.

Reintroductions at Home

Our two leading wildlife parks, the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, are nestled into the heart of the American Southwest. This cross-border region spans from coast to desert across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It incorporates widely varied ecosystems, including lush wetlands, rugged forests, rolling grasslands, and towering mountains. Here, in the place we call home, we work with countless species to restore populations of vulnerable and endangered wildlife through our Southwest Conservation Hub.

In 1982, there were only 22 California condors remaining on Earth. Their future was uncertain until an extraordinary effort kicked off their remarkable comeback story. Together with our partners, we founded the groundbreaking California Condor Recovery Program to help restore flourishing condor populations across the region. Since the early days of the program, we’ve continued to incubate, hatch, and raise condors at the Safari Park for reintroduction at six release sites across California, Arizona, and Baja California, Mexico. The recovery these vultures have since made is nothing short of astonishing. Today, there are over 560 California condors, with more than half soaring over Southwest coastlines, mountains, and deserts, reconnected to the landscapes from which they once almost disappeared entirely.

Pacific pocket mice are “ecosystem gardeners,” enriching the soil and stabilizing the sandy coastal scrublands of Southern California.

The Safari Park also serves as the headquarters for conservation breeding programs focused on two other threatened species—burrowing owls and Pacific pocket mice. While they indeed have wings, petite burrowing owls spend most of their lives underground. They’re integral to their open grassland habitats and help control populations of insects and small rodents. But due to widespread development and urban sprawl in Southern California, burrowing owls have become endangered. We’re working to establish self-sustaining breeding populations by reintroducing these little locals into protected native habitats, giving them the bright future they deserve.

Likewise, the Pacific pocket mouse is making a mighty comeback. They’re endemic to Southern California and were thought for decades to be extinct. These “ecosystem gardeners” enrich the soil and stabilize the sandy coastal scrublands they call home. Since 2012, we’ve been reintroducing them into protected areas to establish new populations, bringing this tiny, endangered mouse is one step closer to recovery.

We use "headstarting" to give Mojave desert tortoises a helping hand to succeed in native habitats.

Reintroduction often requires specialized methods such as “headstarting.” This innovative approach prepares wildlife to succeed in native habitats by giving them a helping hand, tailored to address each species’ unique needs. For young and vulnerable Mojave desert tortoises, they’re protected and cared for after hatching and until they’re large and strong enough to survive in native habitats on their own. Adult female tortoises can also be brought into a protected facility, where they’re offered private burrows for safe egg laying or protection from devastating heat waves. Yes, with increasing global temperatures it can even get too hot for a tortoise native to the desert!

Over the last 15 years, we've reintroduced more than 11,000 mountain yellow-legged frogs into their historic range.

Endangered mountain yellow-legged frogs undergo a similar headstarting process as it’s no small challenge to live in their high elevation streams and lakes. At the Safari Park, tadpoles are raised while they gradually metamorphosize into larger, hardier froglets. As they grow bigger and stronger, they become better equipped to endure strong currents and evade predators in their native habitats. Over the last 15 years, we’ve translocated more than 11,000 mountain yellow-legged frogs, reestablishing sustainable populations in their historic range and helping secure their future.

Plant species need reintroduction efforts, too. The iconic but critically endangered Torrey pine is only found along a short stretch of central San Diego County coastline. They’re crucial to shaping this seaside environment, with their vast root systems stabilizing the soil and protecting the surrounding windswept cliffs. But due to increasing threats including drought and bark beetle infestation, this pine’s population has been drastically shrinking. To put down roots for their future, our Plant Conservation team has planted hundreds of seedlings throughout their coastal home.

Torrey pines are only found along a short stretch of coastline in San Diego County.

To Distant Shores

Stretching from the western coasts of the Americas, to the Arctic and Antarctic, and all the way to Asia and Australia, the Pacific Ocean is dotted with thousands of islands, each teeming with dynamic ecosystems. These islands are home to fascinating species, including birds and amphibians found nowhere else on Earth—many of which are critically endangered. Collaboration with partners in these faraway places is key to saving wildlife and restoring vital ecological balance.

Just like desert tortoises in the Mojave, juvenile aga (Mariana crows) on the island of Rota are brought into an on-island care facility for up to two years to help them succeed in native habitats. In this protected environment, they safely grow away from the reach of predators, while learning how to hunt and live in the forests. Through this crucial program led by partners in our Pacific Islands Conservation Hub, over 80 critically endangered aga have been reintroduced back into Rota’s lush island landscapes—slowly but surely stabilizing populations.

Headstarting is also used to help aga (Mariana crows) thrive in native habitats. Photo Credit: Phil Harmon

About 4,000 miles from Rota on the Hawaiian islands, ʻalalā are more than just an endemic bird. They support the islands’ rich biodiversity and are also significant to Hawaiian people, revered as ʻaumākua or a kindred guardian. Until recently, they’d also been extinct in the wild for more than 20 years. With our partners in Hawaiʻi, we’re swooping toward a more sustainable future with the recent milestone reintroduction of five ʻalalā. Now they’re soaring through the trees of the islands once again.

Until recently, ʻalalā had been extinct in the wild for more than 20 years.

Far-Reaching Hope

Decades ago, the last wild horse had disappeared from the sweeping grassland plains of its native habitat across the vast Asian steppe. This ignited a global movement to save the Przewalski’s horse. Since 1979, we’ve been collaborating with a team of international conservation partners to lead the way in breeding, conservation genetics programs, and the reintroduction of this critically endangered horse. These groundbreaking developments have helped restore crucial genetic diversity to the global population and strengthened the ability for future generations to thrive. Today, thanks to these collaborative efforts, herds once again roam these dynamic grasslands, showing us that anything is possible when we come together for wildlife.

Herds of Przewalski's horses are roaming the vast Asian steppe once again after being extinct in the wild for decades.

In the dense Amazon rainforest, conservationists face significant challenges in their fieldwork. One hurdle has been transporting samples collected from the field to distant labs, often requiring hundreds of miles of travel through remote, rugged landscapes. This delays the samples’ processing and risks their integrity while slowing conservation progress. Now there’s a one-of-a-kind laboratory in the heart of the Amazon that’s changing everything. This hyperlocal field station makes science more accessible and efficient, enabling researchers to preserve samples and gain insights faster without spending days trekking across rough terrain. Teams are now able to use DNA barcoding to easily and accurately identify primates rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, thus informing appropriate areas for their reintroduction through our Amazonia Conservation Hub.

Critically endangered black rhinos are now roaming an expansive, new 58,000-acre sanctuary in Laikipia County, Kenya.

On the Kenyan savanna, critically endangered black rhinos are making a triumphant return. Years of collaborative conservation efforts created a positive but perplexing problem. While the species remains critically endangered, populations have started to recover, leading all existing sanctuaries across Kenya to reach nearly full capacity. So our partners through our Savanna Conservation Hub established a new 58,000-acre sanctuary in Laikipia County, Kenya. For the first time in 50 years, black rhinos are grazing this area of their native rangelands once more, making an incredible comeback and restoring balance to a place where they once thrived.

This handful of success stories are only a small portion of the species we’ve helped reintroduce across the globe. Reflecting on this progress in wildlife conservation is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go. For over a century, we’ve taken action for vulnerable and endangered wildlife to renew hope and help ecosystems flourish. Every day, we’re working to restore balance to safeguard the future for people, wildlife, and the planet we all share. And the support of allies like you makes it all possible. Together we’re making a difference for wildlife, one day at a time.

Discover more about how we’re making a difference for wildlife worldwide through our eight Conservation Hubs.

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Protecting a One-of-a-Kind Species

alloyd — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Protecting a One-of-a-Kind Species alloyd Thu, 02/13/2025 - 12:00

Aubrey Lloyd Writer for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Swimming below the surface of freshwater rivers and streams is an iconic symbol of Australian wildlife. Upon first glance, they may seem unusual. With furry coats and webbed feet, these venomous, egg-laying mammals are famously one-of-a-kind. Often confused with beavers, ducks, and other wildlife, platypuses fit into a category all their own, and their place in the Australian ecosystem is equally unique.

Platypuses are also notoriously elusive, so there’s still much to learn about this mysterious species. As threats against them, including fires and climate change, continue to increase, gaining a better understanding of the species and how they use their ecosystems is more critical than ever.

With the support of allies like you, we’re collaborating with Taronga Conservation Society Australia and their on-the-ground efforts at the new Platypus Rescue HQ. Through this powerful partnership, we’re continuing to learn about the biology of this species and what they need to thrive in their native habitat.

Platypus Rescue HQ is the world’s largest and most advanced conservation facility of its kind. Photo Credit | Rick Stevens

The First of Its Kind

Climate change is one of the biggest threats to platypuses. It leads to increasingly severe and frequent weather events, including megafires, flooding, and storms. Platypus Rescue HQ is stepping in to lead revolutionary conservation efforts to protect them.

This center, located at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Australia, is the world’s largest and most advanced conservation facility of its kind. Teams adapt known practices to protect platypuses in their native ranges, learn when to intervene and rescue struggling animals, and develop ways to increase populations in the future. With room to rescue, rehabilitate, and release back into freshwater habitats, Platypus Rescue HQ plays a leading role in saving this species.

Paul Baribault, President and CEO of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and Cameron Kerr, CEO of Taronga Conservation Society Australia, visit one of the dozens of platypuses in the care of Platypus Rescue HQ. Photo Credit | Rick Stevens

A Safe Haven

Platypuses are semiaquatic. Following the devastating megafires that swept through Australia in 2019 and 2020, waterways were filled with ash and debris, which suffocated these freshwater ecosystems and made them uninhabitable.

During times of disaster, Platypus Rescue HQ offers emergency habitats for up to 65 temporarily relocated platypuses. They’ll be able to live safely and comfortably here until they can return to native ecosystems.

Veterinary teams use routine examinations and advanced diagnostic imaging to ensure platypuses are healthy and thriving.

Puggles Ahead

In an effort to increase populations and safeguard the future of this threatened species, conservation scientists are developing a conservation reproduction program. Veterinary teams use routine examinations and advanced diagnostic imaging to ensure platypuses are healthy and thriving. When ready, individuals are introduced to one another in hopes that nature will take its course, resulting in baby platypuses, called puggles.

At the Safari Park, we have the honor and responsibility of caring for the only two platypuses outside of Australia, Eve and Birra.

Partners in Protection

A secretive and nocturnal species, platypuses have traditionally been difficult to study in their native ranges. That makes it even more important for experts to work together and exchange what they know.

Conservation scientists at Platypus Rescue HQ are looking at how individuals react to fluctuations in their environments—with a little help from teams 7,500 miles away. At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, we have the honor and responsibility of caring for the only two platypuses outside of Australia, Eve and Birra. Wildlife care specialists from the Safari Park spent months training in Australia with teams from Taronga Zoo to prepare for the platypuses’ arrival in San Diego. Since then, they’ve held frequent “platty chatty” virtual meetings, and together they’re sharing knowledge that’s helping devise long-term, sustainable strategies for platypus conservation across Australia.

As we look ahead to the future of platypus conservation through our Australian Forest Conservation Hub, support from allies like you is helping find solutions and make discoveries that will save this special species during crises. With your help, platypuses—and the ways we can protect them—become a little less mysterious.

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