Zoological Park | Conservation Programs
Conservation ProgramsTopeka Zoo is involved in a number of conservation management programs and our staff serves on a variety of Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) animal management groups. Check them out below!
Species Survival Plans (SSPs)
SSPs are a cooperative population management and conservation program administered by the AZA. The program focuses on select species within Zoos and Aquariums that are typically classified as threatened or endangered. Topeka Zoological Park participates in 13 SSPs including: Asian small clawed otters, bail mynahs, Dumerils’s ground boa, gorillas, Ruffed lemurs, orangutans, giraffes, elephants, Sumatran tigers, Lions, pallas cats.
Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs)
TAGs manage the conservation needs of entire taxa, or groups of related species. Example taxonomic groups include: amphibians, penguins and marine fish. Zoo staff members serve on several TAG groups: Insectivore/Rodent, Small Carnivore(otters), Peccary/Hippo(hippos), PAX (armadillos, anteaters, sloths), New World Primate, Raptor(eagles, vultures, hawks, owls).
Population Management Programs (PMPs)
PMPs provide recommendations on basic population management decisions for Zoo and Aquarium species that are not managed through SSPs. These animals typically require less intensive management and conservation efforts. Several members of the Topeka Zoo staff are institutional representatives on PMP's including: hippos, Chilean flamingos, Nene geese, Large Malayan chevortains, Prehensile-tailed skinks, Mexican beaded lizards, Blue crowned motmots,North American porcupines, Crested porcupines, South American prehensile-tailed porcupines, Nicobar pigeons, Trumpeter swans,Hammerkop stork, Lesser hedgehog tenrecs, Crested wood partridges, Roseate spoonbills, Hoffmans two toed sloth, Lesser tamamdua, Mexican red kneed tarantula, Scarlet ibis.
Captive Breeding Specialist Group (CBSGs)
Topeka Zoo's has been a member of the CBSG. The CBSG is a global network of conservation professionals dedicated to saving threatened species by increasing the effectiveness of conservation efforts worldwide.
Conservation Programs
coming soon
