ZSL Conservation
The conservation of wild animals and their natural habitats is fundamental to ZSL's mission.
ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the conservation of animals and their habitats, through a broad range of activities including:
- Identifying the main drivers of extinction including climate change, habitat loss, introduced species, exploitation, pollution and wildlife disease
- Developing and testing approaches and tools for conservation
- Working with governments, industry and communities on the ground to manage wildlife sustainably
- Developing conservation capacity
- Raising awareness and engaging people in conservation through education and inspiration
- Informing and advising policy-makers, conservation practitioners and the general public on the status and trends of biodiversity
We have a large team of researchers and conservationists worldwide. Activities range from genetic analyses estimating carnivore population size to health monitoring of wild gorillas to mangrove rehabilitation to the initiation of biodiversity-carbon markets to the development and production of global biodiversity indices.
ZSL is an objective scientific authority on conservation and zoology and provides impartial advice on biodiversity-related issues to a broad range of stakeholders.
We have two zoos (ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo), which are leaders in conservation breeding and reintroduction and, with over 1.7 million visitors a year, provide a unique opportunity to engage and inspire people of all ages.
We believe that conservation can only be effective in the context of human culture and development. We are committed to working with governments, civil society and the private sector to encourage responsible use of natural resources to underpin sustainable lifestyles and livelihoods, especially for poorer communities.
Our field programmes are listed under thirteen distinct headings:
- Marine and Freshwater
- Wildlife Health
- Business and Biodiversity
- EDGE
- Indicators and Assessments
- Field Conservation Education
- UK & Mainland Europe
- Conservation breeding and re-introduction
- South & central Asia
- East and Southeast Asia
- West and North Africa
- East and Central Africa
- Americas and Oceania