Conservation Programmes

Saving species through breeding programmes

Colchester Zoological Society has over 150 different species; many of these are classified as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered in the wild. Establishing and managing sustainable breeding populations is core to Colchester Zoological Society’s role in conservation – but we don’t do it alone.

Breeding programmes in zoos are managed collaboratively at a European, or sometimes global, level. EAZA Ex situ Programmes or EEPs (previously known as European Endangered Species Programmes) are coordinated breeding programmes for over 500 animal species designed to manage and conserve endangered species in European zoos; they are a collaboration between zoos, conservation organisations, and governmental bodies to ensure the long-term survival of threatened species with the goal of maintaining healthy and genetically diverse populations.

Each EEP is overseen by a Coordinator and a Species Committee working at European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) zoos and aquariums or at partner organisations. Our zoological management team are committee members for a number of these breeding programmes.

Clive Barwick, Curator:

EEP coordinator for Malayan Sun Bear
Committee member for the African elephant EEP
Committee member for the Amur leopard EEP
Committee member for the Common squirrel monkey EEP
Committee member of the Coppery titi monkey EEP
Committee member of the Yellow-breasted capuchin EEP
Committee member for the Radiated tortoise EEP

Angela Matthews, Head Keeper:

EEP Coordinator for Smooth-coated Otter
EAZA monitor for Spotted-necked, North American River and Sea Otter

Andy Moore, Director of Science, Education and Training:

STEM Ambassador
BIAZA Conservation Education Committee Member
Education Advisor for the Canid and Hyena Tag

Jemma Dias, Senior Conservation Educator and Research Coordinator:

Education advisor for Amphibian TAG
BIAZA Research Committee Member
BIAZA Sound Focus Group Member and ManyZoos
Communication and Outreach Committee Member

Jody Bedford, Team Leader:

EAZA Species Committee Member for Smooth-coated Otter EEP

A Studbook is produced for each EEP containing historical and present data on individual species, such as dates of birth, parentage and zoo location. The Coordinator then makes recommendations or “matches” between individual animals according to genetic diversity and other suitability criteria. It means if Colchester Zoological Society (or any zoo) is asked to send an animal to another zoo for breeding, we cooperate to ensure the overall zoo population is as strong and healthy as possible. Conservation and breeding programmes play a pivotal role in the management and welfare of animal populations in zoos. Here at Colchester Zoological Society, we are involved in over 60 EEPs.