Bearing
our Responsibility - Zoo programs for bears, in the
USA and beyond |
American
Black Bear: As this genus is one of two considered
stable, no captive breeding is recommended at this time. As
current American black bear space is vacated, this space should
go to other species involved in SSP unless it is used for a
specific American black bear educational and zoogeographical
exhibit. Some contraceptive work is being done with American
black bears to benefit all bear species.
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Andean
Bear: Approximately 71 bears are managed under the
Andean Bear SSP. The SSP works closely with the European EEP
program. The SSP is also working closely with zoos in Venezuela
and Peru on management of bears in zoos and importing and exporting
of new bloodlines. Preliminary studies on the relationship between
mother and cub have been completed in some zoos while ongoing
research works on improving zoo diets.
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Asiatic
Black Bear: The existing North American captive Asiatic
black bear population is an unknown, with few animals, many
of varying subspecies, and is considered unsuitable to manage
for genetic success. It is the recommendation of the Bear TAG
that these animals not be bred and the space left by these animals
be used for SSP bears. CBSG has recommended that Japan concentrate
their conservation efforts on this highly endangered bear species.
Asiatic black bears now in North American zoo collections should
be used for contraceptive trials to benefit all bear species.
Woodland Park Zoo and the USFWS forensic are working together
on a genetic analysis of the North American population. Zoos
holding Asiatic black bears should stress the educational message
of the impact of illegal hunting and the trade of bear parts
to the Asian medicinal market.
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Brown
Bear: Since Brown bears in large population groups
are considered fairly stable, it is the Bear TAG recommendation
that no captive breeding be done with this species. Brown bears
currently being held should be used for their educational value
and the grizzly bear should be maintained over other brown bear
types. Captive Brown bears are currently being used for contraceptive
studies to benefit all bear species.
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Giant
Panda: Giant pandas do not breed well in captivity.
There are currently about 110- 112 giant pandas in captivity
with the majority of those in China. In North America only two
zoos, San Diego and the National Zoo in Washington, currently
have giant pandas but AZA is hoping to contribute to captive
breeding through the development of a North American satellite
population. The AZA hopes to assist in fund-raising to aid the
Chinese government in a 10 year plan to enhance existing giant
panda reserves, build new reserves and create habitat corridors
between reserves. The giant pandas are 'the' recognized international
symbol of endangered species. However, there is limited public
education about panda biology and conservation at this time.
AZA is developing a plan to enhance education about pandas and
conservation, both in North America and in communities within
panda habitats.
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Polar Bear:
A regional studbook is maintained on these animals. Zoos are
being encouraged to emphasize the importance of the polar pear's
delicately balanced ecosystem in their conservation message.
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Sloth
Bear: A Sloth Bear SSP has been granted by the AZA
in 1994. The CBSG has recommended that North American zoos take
the lead in as international studbook. This is currently being
petitioned for the two subspecies. Research programs currently
under way in zoos include fecal steroid work being done at the
Woodland Park Zoo. Woodland Park Zoo and the USFWS forensics
laboratory are working together on genetic analysis of the North
American population. This species has been recognized as one
of the most threatened with extinction by the IUCN-CBSG and
therefore the Bear TAG will place high priority on initiating
efforts to develop an in situ conservation program.
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Sun Bear:
An SSP for sun bears was formed in late 1994. Due to genetic
and demographic deterioration of the current North American
captive population, new founder animals must soon be imported.
This needs to be done with an active conservation linkage program
in the range country where the animals will be obtained in order
to protect and preserve as much remaining habitat as possible
while at the same time carrying out intensive field studies
on the sun bear itself. This is vitally important as so very
little is known about these animals in the wild.
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Regional Collection
Plan: Every AZA Taxon
Advisory Group (TAG) is required to assemble and manage a Regional
Collection Plan (RCP). These are revised every five years. An
RCP addresses program needs and changes. It evaluates the number
and species of animals managed in zoos, too. To view the Bear
TAG RCP, click here.
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| Standardized Guidelines
for Animal Care: In 2004,
the AZA mandated that each TAG create guidelines for zoo management
of all species in its area of expertise. An enormous
task, these documents are still being written. To
view them you need access to the Members Only section of the
AZA website. |
BearDen.org
