Dedicated to Advancing Endangered Species Conservation
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (FRWC). Located near Glen Rose, Texas, FRWC manages 50 species that roam freely in expansive areas that comprise more than 1,700 acres. This free-ranging management method provides unique opportunities for the training of conservation professionals, public education and scientific research in a near- natural environment. FRWC collaborates in important species survival and recovery programs, as well as in habitat restoration and the conservation of native species that occupy these habitats. By operating a public scenic wildlife drive, offering guided tours, an up-scale lodging facility and educational camp programming for children, FRWC generates funds needed for its award winning conservation work.
San Diego Zoo Global (SDZG). With more than 250,000 household members, the San Diego Zoo has the world’s largest zoological membership that supports three state-of-the-art conservation facilities – the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Collectively, these three operations are managing more than 800 animal species, with research activities ongoing in field sites worldwide. The 1,800 acre Safari Park near Escondido, California serves as an impressive sanctuary for hundreds of species, including those being recovered from near extinction.
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI). The SCBI, an arm of the National Zoological Park, serves as an umbrella for the Smithsonian Institution’s global leadership in conserving species and training the next generations of conservationists. Located on 3,200 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains (near Front Royal, Virginia), the SCBI is a research, training and education facility that manages more than 30 species in expansive areas closed to the public. The staff studies more than 50 species locally, regionally and on nearly every continent worldwide. SCBI scientists are well recognized leaders in understanding, protecting and restoring threatened species, ecological communities and entire ecosystems.
The Wilds (TW). Comprised of nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed mine-lands, TW is one of the largest zoological facilities in the world and a specialist organization in advancing conservation through science, education and personal experience. This integrated approach provides unique opportunities for large-scale captive breeding programs, innovative scientific investigations and unique life-learning opportunities. Located near Cumberland in Southeastern Ohio, TW works on site, regionally and globally on a host of species specific conservation programs. Additionally, TW is a leader in cutting edge studies to restore habitat and native species, including in rare plant conservation.
White Oak Conservation Center (WOCC). Located near Yulee in northeastern Florida along the St. Mary’s River, WOCC is found on the privately owned White Oak Plantation, an area of more than 7,300 acres. WOCC’s conservation breeding programs contribute to genetic diversity at the species level, preserving options for future conservation actions and producing suitable candidates for reintroduction into nature. WOCC initiates and coordinates research projects on site as well as in field sites nationally and internationally, including a wide array of staff, volunteers, students and visiting scientists. Developing training and educational opportunities for students and conservation professionals is one of WOCC’s highest priorities.