BLANK PARK ZOO FOUNDATION, INC.

AZA, TAG’S, SSP’S, PMP’S AND THE BPZ?
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
RETICULATED GIRAFFE
As an accredited member of the Association
of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Blank Park
Zoo (BPZ) has an ethical duty to cooperatively
manage our animal collection for exhibition
needs and to join worldwide efforts to ensure
the survival of wildlife. With thousands of animal
species at AZA facilities around the world
how do institutions like the BPZ work together
to manage their animal collections?
It starts with a Taxonomic Advisory Group
(TAG)—a committee of expert advisors who
examine the conservation needs of groups of
related species. Through collection planning,
the TAG establishes priorities for research
and conservation, develops animal care and
husbandry guidelines and recommends species
for different levels of management.
The highest level of management the TAG
can recommend is a Species Survival Plan
(SSP). The mission of an SSP is to ensure the
survival of a selected species. There are 112
different species of animals covered by an SSP.
Any zoo that exhibits
these species must participate
fully by transferring
animals when requested,
reproducing or not based
upon TAG recommendations
and keeping the
committee informed of
the status of individual animals.
Population Management Plans (PMPs)
are similar to SSPs but require less intensive
management and conservation action. There
are currently 313 species with a PMP.
Collection management is key in helping
the Blank Park Zoo fulfill its mission for the
conservation of animal species and ensure the
survival of wildlife.
EAST AFRICAN CRESTED CRANE
BLANK PARK ZOO 10