Why Zoos Matter

Zoological parks, together with museums and libraries, advance culture and knowledge, providing the opportunity for visitors to step back and look in awe at the wonders of our natural world.

Zoos are uniquely capable of bringing families together and transmitting educational information between generations. Visitors become part of a conservation discussion that identifies environmental challenges while brainstorming potential solutions.

The world around us is changing fast. Species of wildlife are facing global extinction on a massive scale. About 21% of the world’s mammal species, about 12% of the bird species and about 33% of all amphibian species are threatened with extinction. Cranes and cheetahs, great apes and rhinos and so many more are in trouble. Zoos are in a unique position to make a difference.