Home > Our Research > Species Survival Plans

What is an SSP?
Zoos and wildlife centers around the country, and the world, cooperate to manage and breed endangered animals in captivity. When a species has dwindled down to a few individuals, this is often the only way to save it from extinction.

Under the auspices of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, Fossil Rim participates in SSPs for over a dozen threatened and endangered species. Over the past decade we've had phenomenal success in breeding cheetah, Attwater's prairie chicken, black and white rhinos, and the Mexican gray wolf.

It takes organization
Members of our staff serve as Species Coordinators, keeping studbooks and participating in a variety of species management groups. We also work with the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group of the World Conservation Union (IUCN). And we oversee the actual animals breeding here. Rebuilding endangered populations takes a lot of coordination and communication.

New discoveries
Our research in species propagation has significantly advanced the science of wildlife conservation. For example, we've pioneered the use of ultra-sonography in rhinos, and have modeled management strategies for large herds of addax.

Because we maintain large numbers of a variety of species, we can gather behavioral data benefitting researchers at many other facilities. In many ways, Fossil Rim is leading the way for wildlife preserves worldwide.