ZOO and nature conservation
ZOO's nature conservation projects
Get an overview of ZOO's nature conservation projects in Denmark and around the world here
A World in Change
The world is changing. We are in the midst of a global biodiversity crisis that affects nature wherever we look.
The balance between the Earth's many life forms has become increasingly strained over recent decades by a range of challenges. The crisis threatens the ecosystems that provide our air, water, food, and health. In other words: all life on Earth – both humans and animals – is at stake.
The biodiversity crisis is driven by five main threats:
1. Loss of habitats: Animal habitats disappear as nature is converted into cities, infrastructure, agriculture, and other production
2. Overexploitation: Wild species are exploited for food, decoration, medicine, or pets, reducing populations
3. Pollution: The release of harmful substances and waste affects natural processes
4. Climate change: Climate change driven by CO2 emissions is happening faster than many species can adapt
5. Invasive species: Species introduced by humans outcompete native flora and fauna
Often it is the interaction between these threats that pushes species closer to extinction. And perhaps you have noticed a pattern? The common factor in these threats is that they are human-made – and therefore only we can reverse the trend.
ZOO is also changing. There is a long way from the zoological gardens of the 1850s to the global nature conservation actor ZOO is today. Especially in recent decades, ZOO has developed into an institution that takes responsibility and actively contributes to nature conservation. This is evident, among other things, in our role in the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), where we are among the founding members.
This also means that at ZOO we do not just follow developments – we help drive them. Because together we can and must take care of the world's animals.
ZOO's research plan
ZOO is a scientifically based institution where research is a natural and integrated tool to create knowledge and develop solutions that support ZOO's ex-situ and in-situ programmes – that is, both programmes we run in the Park and out in nature.
ZOO aims to be known and respected for a targeted effort in research relevant to zoo management and nature conservation. We conduct original research of high quality and actively work to translate the acquired knowledge into practice. This helps ensure effective management of small populations of wild animals as well as optimal welfare and health for ex-situ animal populations.
The research should also contribute to the conservation of wild animals and their natural habitats in situ.
Publications
Working with animals in the ZOO
Caring for the world's animals is a huge responsibility – but how do we actually live up to it? Part of the answer lies in enrichment and training that supports the animals' natural behaviour.
