Programs

We Are Saving Species

In a broad sense, each program’s activities grow populations and space, optimize reproduction and genetic diversity, and return species to the wild when possible, with different priorities based on each population’s unique needs. Each program is designed to leverage a key stakeholder’s unique assets, Conservation Centers, private landowners, and zoos, respectively. Using these species assurance models will maximize the utilization of existing resources to prevent extinction of a wide spectrum of species.

​In all cases, C2S2 is taking a ‘One Plan’[1] approach, linking ex situ breeding/management populations to in situ populations to improve the sustainability of the species wherever they exist. C2S2 defines sustainability as ‘saving species ex situ and, whenever possible, in situ on a scale where there is no need to remove living animals from nature’.​

​​[1] As defined by the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG) of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Species Survival Commission (IUCN SSC).

Grow

C2S2 begins its approach by growing the numbers of healthy at-risk species, the amount of land dedicated to at-risk species, and growing our partnership network to improve collaboration and data collection.

Optimize

C2S2 is addressing some of the biggest challenges in conservation biology through applied research across a variety of species at conservation centers, on wildlife ranches, in zoos, and in the wild. This research adds to the body of knowledge necessary to best manage endangered species for long-term survival.

Return

Through C2S2's network collaborations we can grow populations of species, optimize research, and return animals to their natural wild habitats to return balance to ecosystems across the globe. This may seem like a far-fetched idea, but conservationists are already succeeding and refining our approaches -such as the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park and the return of loggerhead shrikes in Canada.

Our programs

Sustainability Programs

Maintaining assurance populations for endangered species.

North American Species

Saving North American species and sustaining a legacy of biodiversity in our backyards.

Source population Alliance

A private/public sector alliance creating meaningful, secured populations of herd species​.

PArtnership for species

Building large, sustainable ex situ populations in North America for hoofstock species that have been recently downgraded from AZA Species Survival Plans.