The Species Survival Program

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) made species conservation its highest priority. The Species Survival Plan(SSP) was initiated to cooperatively manage and insure the survival of captive populations on endangered and threatened species lists for future reintroduction to stable habitats. The SSP works to produce a captive population capable of strong genetic diversity for a projected 200 years. Its mission is to ensure the survival of selected wildlife species through:

• Scientifically-managed captive breeding programs for selected wildlife as a hedge against extinction.
• Cooperation with other institutions and agencies to ensure integrated conservation strategies.
• Increased public awareness of wildlife conservation issues, including development and implementation of education strategies at its member institutions and in the field.
• Conducting basic and applied research to contribute to our knowledge of various species.
• Training wildlife and zoo professionals.
• Developing and testing various technologies relevant to field conservation.
• Reintroducing captive-bred wildlife into restored or secure habitat.

The snow leopard is a strikingly beautiful black and white cat about the size of a cougar. However, the snow leopard is a severely endangered species with a captive population of about 500 animals. Here is an animal disappearing before our eyes.

The Moonridge Animal Park, being at the alpine altitude of 7,000 feet, is much like the leopard's natural habitat. Snow leopards are found mainly in the highest ranges of the Himalayas in central Asia at heights of 6,000 to 18,000 feet living in coniferous scrub.