Species Survival Plan® Programs
The mission of an AZA Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program is to manage and conserve a select and typically threatened or endangered, ex situ species population with the required cooperation of AZA-Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, Certified Related Facilities, and Approved Non-Member Participants.
SSP species are often "flagship species," well-known animals which arouse strong feelings in the public for the preservation and protection of the in situ population and their habitat, including the giant panda, California condor, and lowland gorilla. There are currently more than 115 AZA SSP Programs, each of which is responsible for developing a Master Plan that identifies population management goals and recommendations to ensure the sustainability of a healthy, genetically diverse, and demographically varied population.
Each SSP Program is managed by its corresponding Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) and is in turn responsible for maintaining excellent communication with Program Leaders and Institutional Representatives (IRs) and managing its specified Studbook.
AZA Policy for Full Participation in the Species Survival Plan® Program
AZA recognizes that collaborative management is critical to the long-term survival of the species represented in its SSP Programs. The Policy for Full Participation in the SSP Program ensures that AZA-accredited institutions and Certified Related Facilities have input into the SSP Master Planning process and that they fully comprehend, agree to, and follow the final SSP recommendations. Read more about the AZA Policy for Full Participation in the SSP Program.
AZA Animal Management Reconciliation Policy
The success of cooperative breeding programs depends on all institutions supporting SSP recommendations. If differences regarding SSP recommendations occur between the SSP and an AZA-accredited institution, AZA’s Animal Management Reconciliation Policy articulates the processes that both parties must utilize to resolve them. Read more about the AZA Animal Management Reconciliation Policy.
Functions
Each SSP Program is supervised by an SSP Coordinator and composed of a Management Group, appointed from AZA members, and several expert advisors. All SSP Program functional and management processes are specified in the Species Survival Plan® Pogram Coordinator Handbook, however primary functions include:
- The development/oversight of a Studbook.
- Establishing management, research, and conservation priorities.
- The development of an SSP Master Plan.
- The development of breeding/transfer plans, developed in coordination with the Population Management Center.
- The development of non-breeding plans, developed in coordination with the Wildlife Contraception Center.
- Serving a specific role in conflict resolution issues that may arise.
- Collaborating with other institutions/agencies to ensure integrated conservation initiatives.
- Increasing public awareness of wildlife conservation issues.
- The development and implementation of ex situ and in situ education strategies.
- The development of an in situ reintroduction program if possible.
- Serving as an AZA expert and providing a discussion forum for topics applicable to the species.
- Providing species-specific information to the TAG in their development of a taxon-specific Animal Care Manual.
SSP Master Plans
SSPs collaborate with the PMC, WCC, Program Leaders, and IRs from each AZA-accredited institution to develop an SSP Master Plan. Each Master Plan summarizes the current demographic and genetic status of the population and identifies breeding or non-breeding recommendations with consideration given to each animal’s social and biological needs as well transfer feasibility. All recommendations designed to maintain or increase a healthy, genetically diverse and demographically stable population. AZA members may log in to the Animal Program Database to download SSP Master Plans.
SSP Coordinators
SSP Coordinators often serve as the Studbook Keeper for the same species, but this is not a requirement. Individuals interested in becoming an SSP Coordinator must be a current AZA member, be employed by and receive support from an AZA-accredited institution, Certified Related Facility, or by an Approved Non-Member, and must complete the Population Management 1 and 2 Professional Training courses within three years of appointment.
New SSP Coordinators will work closely with their corresponding TAG Chair to become accustomed to their responsibilities. Becoming an SSP Coordinator is an excellent opportunity to enhance their knowledge about a particular species and population planning, develop professional relationships with Program Leaders from each AZA-accredited institution, and become familiar with the management structure of TAGs and the Wildlife Conservation and Management Committee.
Interested in Becoming an SSP Program Coordinator?
Search the Animal Program Database to find out which Animal Programs have vacancies. The Program Leader Handbooks include a description of the scope of responsibilities and include an application.