About DENVER ZOO
Denver Zoo has been recognized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for its long-term conservation work in Mongolia with the receipt of an AZA International Conservation Significant Achievement Award. his award is given to institutions that have shown outstanding commitment to one or more species outside of North America. Denver Zoo has been – more... involved in conservation projects with multiple species in Mongolia since 1996 and will continue its work there indefinitely.
Denver Zoo's Mongolian Wildlife Conservation Program was established in 1996 to assist the zoo's Mongolian colleagues with developing sustainable conservation programs for the multiple threatened species native to the area. In the past 11 years Denver Zoo has been supporting this program through direct funding and the participation of multiple zoo staff members on these research projects.
Denver Zoo's research has led to changes such as influencing management plans; establishing protected areas; delineating conservation zones in protected areas; and incorporating local concerns in conservation initiatives.
The initial project focused on argali sheep, but has slowly expanded to include work with several other native species. Argali are classified as vulnerable by The World Conservation Union (IUCN) due to poaching and conflicts with domestic livestock production. So far, researchers have radio collared 115 argali to track their movements and establish home ranges. Additionally, behavioral observations, genetic analyses, collection of biological samples, necropsies (animal autopsies) of animals that died, and fecal analyses also have been conducted. The results of this work are helping to better conserve these magnificent animals.
In addition to the conservation work for cinereous vultures that takes place on zoo grounds, Denver Zoo has been involved with this species in Mongolia since 2003. Researchers are trying to determine the breeding success of the population in the area by counting nests, monitoring growth of chicks and tagging young birds.
Denver Zoo's work in Mongolia has expanded to include work with various other species in the area, including critically-endangered wild Bactrian camels, snow leopards, ibex, Pallas' cats, corsac and red foxes, Asian wild asses, gazelle, Eurasian badgers, hedgehogs, dwarf hamsters, lesser kestrels and various other raptor species.
The overall goal of the program is to ensure that Mongolia develops the capacity and methods of resource generation to independently conserve the country's natural resources in a way that enjoys enduring public support. In addition to research, Denver Zoo maintains a multifaceted education component focused on training conservation practitioners and developing education and outreach programs for local people.
In addition to the valuable conservation work in Mongolia, Denver Zoo is currently involved in projects on four other continents, including work with endangered species such as Asian elephants and Sumatran tigers in Asia, Grevy's zebras and African wild dogs in Africa, golden frogs from South America, and prairie dogs in North America. More information about Denver Zoo's Conservation Biology program can be found on the Conservation page.
Between 1996 and 2006, Denver Zoo was involved in 390 field conservation and research projects in 47 countries. In 2006 alone, Denver Zoo was involved in70 projects in more than20 countries on five continents (Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America). In 2006, within the United States, the zoo was involved in conservation and research projects in seven states, includingsix projects in Colorado. – less – More from ZoomInfo »
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