OAKLAND ZOO
CONSERVATION EFFORTS
Conservation is a primary concern at the Oakland Zoo. We are actively involved with many researchers and organizations, dedicated to various conservation projects around the world. With help from our members and sponsors, we are able to address a wide range of conservation issues such as promoting research in conservation biology, supporting conservation education, aiding in rehabilitation of endangered species, fighting the illegal wildlife trade, and saving rain forests. We are successfully supporting local communities and biologists to protect wildlife, create awareness about biodiversity and the ecosystems that sustain it. Some of the projects we support locally and worldwide are as follows.
Chimpanzoo
We train and supervise observers to contribute data to the behavioral research program of the Jane Goodall Institute. The JGI maintains a national database accessible to chimpanzee researchers worldwide.
DNA Research on Giraffes
In collaboration with Hayward State University, we examined giraffe DNA for subspecies markers which impact AZA breeding recommendations.
Seismic Communication Research
Using respectful protected contact training, keepers research the sensitivity to seismic vibrations that wild elephants use to communicate over long distances.
AZA's Conservation Endowment Fund
CEF supports regional and international field conservation programs and other key programs related to the Association's mission.
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Seafood Watch
The Oakland Zoo, working in partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, is committed to raising public awareness of marine conservation issues. Read more...
Predator Conservation Alliance
Works to protect wolves, bears and other predators through education, advocacy and scientific monitoring. Read more...
Butterfly Conservation Initiative
Support for conservation of federally listed threatened and endangered species of butterflies and moths in the U.S. Read more...
American Bird Conservancy
The American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to conserve wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. Read more...
PAWS
The Performing Animal Welfare Society is a place where abandoned or abused performing animals and victims of the exotic animal trade can live in peace and contentment.
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CWAPC
The Captive Wild Animal Protection Coalition, a new and innovative consortium of zoo professionals, sanctuary operators, and animal protection groups, is turning the spotlight on the issue of keeping dangerous wild animals as pets.
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The Elephant Sanctuary
The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, founded in 1995, is the nation's single natural habitat refuge developed specifically for endangered African and Asian elephants.
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Thailand Hornbill Project
Funding sent to this project helps the foundation collect data on the biological and ecological aspects of these birds, including their important ecological role in dispersing seeds throughout the forest. It is said that the forests need the hornbill as much as the hornbills need the forests! Read more...
Indonesia Orangutan Project
The Oakland Zoo supports the efforts of the Balikpapan Orangutan Society BOS-USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of orangutans and their habitat in Indonesia. Protecting the habitat of orangutans helps to protect all of the other species threatened with extinction in Indonesia. Read more...
Sri Lanka Elephant Management
The Oakland Zoo Conservation Fund partially funded a proposal from Dr. Jayantha Jayewarden of the Biodiversity and Elphant Conservation Trust to radio collar two elephants frequenting the Handapanagala reservoir. Radio collaring these two female elephants from distinct herds will allow a research team to closely monitor their seasonal movement patterns for a period of two years. The results will have important implications for managing human-elephant conflict in the area. Read more...
Sri Lanka Turtle Conservation Project
Five of the world's seven marine turtle species come ashore to breed each year on the beaches of Sri Lanka. All five of these species are listed as endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), and threats to their future are building despite protective legislation introduced more than 30 years ago. Read more...
Animals Asia Foundation- China Bear Rescue
The Oakland Zoo supports the Animals Asia Foundation by raising money for their rehabilitation center and bamboo forest sanctuary. Read more...
Center for Ecosystem Survival
Change collected from conservation parking meters is sent to purchase rainforest land to create migration corridors between national parks in Costa Rica. Read more...
ARCAS
Support for Asociación Rescate y Conservación de Vida Silvestre, a Guatemalan NGO which rescues wildlife and provides environmental education. Read more...
Zoo Conservation Outreach Group
Grant for the community education component of Proyecto Conservación Condor Andino. Read more...
Shade Grown Fair Trade Coffee
We support sustainable farming by serving only shade grown fair trade organic coffee at the Zoo Cafó and at special events. Read more...
Project Tamarin
Project Tamarin is a multidisciplinary conservation program that combines field research, education programs, and community programs to make the conservation of natural resources economically feasible for local communities in Colombia. Read more...
Amboseli Elephant Research Project
We raise both awareness and significant funds to support Cynthia Moss in her critical long-term research in Amboseli National Park, Kenya. Read more...
Bushmeat Crisis Task Force
We are helping to spearhead the movement to protect African wildlife from its largest threat: illegal commercial hunting. The Oakland Zoo is implementing the Bushmeat Promise, is a Supporting Member of the BCTF and serves on the steering committee. Read more...
Pan AfricanSanctuaries Alliance
Support for annual workshop and individual sanctuaries that care for wildlife orphaned by the bushmeat the trade. Read more...
Budongo Snare Removal Project - Uganda
The Oakland Zoo has adopted the Snare Removal Program in the Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda. In January 2000, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) in collaboration with the Budongo Forest Project (BFP) initiated this program in the Budongo Forest Reserve. Read more...
Lukuru
Through fundraising efforts of the AAZK Chapter and the Bushmeat Crisis Action Group and member support, the Oakland Zoo sent enough funds to outfit 103 of the 1600 rangers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Along with basic medicine, clothing, household goods, anti-poaching equipment, office and school supplies, soap, blankets, and other humanitarian aid, all the rangers will have complete uniforms including a hat, shirt trousers, belt, ankle-boots, and four insignia patches. Read more...
Langoue - Ivindo National Park
The Oakland Zoo sent funds raised by the Bushmeat Crisis Action Group to help buy back this unique forest land from timber concessions and create a new national park in Gabon. Read more...
Cameroon Wildlife Aid Fund (CWAF)
The Oakland Zoo's support of CWAF includes one time funding for the salary for an educator, Angelica Agwara, who teaches primary and high school students about Cameroon's incredible forest resources, remarkable native wildlife, and the dangers of the bushmeat trade. This project is organized by the Bristol Zoo, England and takes place at the Yaounde Zoo, Cameroon. Our Conservation and Education Director serves on the CWAF Education Advisory Panel. Read more...
Painted Dog Conservation Project
The Painted Dog, also called the African Wild Dog, was once quite common in Africa, with as many as 500,000 dogs found in the countries of Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. The various negative effects of human encroachment have taken their toll on these beautiful carnivores, and the current total population is estimated to be a mere 3,ooo dogs. Read more...
The Lola Ya Bonobo Project
Bonobos, sometimes called pygmy chimpanzees, were one of the last great apes to be discovered and named, but could very well be the first to disappear. Bonobos exist in the wild solely in the Democratic republic of Congo (DRC), and are currently under the threat of extinction due to deforestation, poaching, hunting, and civil unrest. While there was a viable wild population estimated at 100,000 in 1980, their current numbers are thought to be below 10,000. Read more...
