Species Survival Plans


Zoo Boise participates in many conservation programs, including the Species Survival Plans (SSP's), for a number of the species within the zoo.


The SSP is one of the Association of Zoos & Aquarium’s many conservation programs and its primary role is to serve as a breeding program for selected endangered or threatened species – a special animal dating service, if you will. The goal is to maintain a healthy and genetically diverse population for these animals in order to increase their numbers and with the hope of ultimately reintroducing certain zoo-bred animals into their natural habitats.

Currently, zoo populations of 116 species are supervised by SSP’s, ranging from the well-known polar bear and elephant to the more obscure wyoming toad and partula snail. Zoo Boise participates in 14 SSP programs, including:

  • Amur Tiger
  • Amur Leopard
  • Andean Condor
  • Cotton-top Tamarin
  • De Brazza's Guenon
  • Desert Tortoise
  • Grevy's Zebra
  • Hyacinth Macaw
  • Komodo Dragon
  • Ocelot
  • Red Panda
  • Sloth Bear
  • Snow Leopard
  • White-handed Gibbon
For more information on SSP’s and other AZA conservation programs, go to www.aza.org/ConScience/.