North Carolina Zoo Joins the Conservation Centers for Species Survival; Looks to Expand its Conservation Program
Asheboro, August 28, 2018 - The North Carolina Zoo announces it has joined as a full member of the Conservation Centers for Special Survival (known in conservation circles as C2S2), a cooperative group of large conservation facilities in North America dedicated to the preservation of wildlife. Specifically, the C2S2 focuses on species which require large habitats, natural group sizes and minimal public disturbance.
Established in 2005, the C2S2 began as a partnership between several zoos which had large areas of non-public land that could be used to provide habitat and breed species that don’t typically breed well in traditional zoo habitats in front of the public (examples include the American red wolf and cheetahs). They also work with landowners who have large tracts of land and are interested in contributing to species conservation in strategic partnerships.
The Zoo, located in central North Carolina, has 2,600 acres of land, with 500 of the acres currently developed, making it an excellent C2S2 partner facility. Joining the organization will enable the Zoo to expand its programs, such as the American red wolf breeding program.
“As the largest natural habitat zoo in the world, we see many opportunities to expand our conservation and species management programs through greater engagement with other C2S2 partner organizations,” said Director of Animal Management and Welfare Roger Sweeney, who is also on the Board of Directors for C2S2.
North Carolina Zoo’s Director and CEO Pat Simmons and Director of Animal Health Dr. Jb Minter will serve as Board Observers for C2S2.
C2S2 currently has several programs that complement the current work at the Zoo including programs for the American red wolf, addra gazelle and other African hoof stock, and a new program that focuses on North American songbirds.
