Global Growth: 54 Aquarium, Zoo, and Wildlife Centers Join Species360 in Early 2019

Himalayan, Houston, and Sorocaba Zoos Expand Species360 Community //

We are pleased to welcome 54 aquarium, zoo, wildlife refuge, and research institutions as Species360 members in early 2019. These institutions are improving animal welfare and helping to inform species conservation in regions around the world, from Asia to Latin America.

Here are a few of the most recent additions to the Species360 community, including Himalayan Zoological Park in West Bengal, India, Houston Zoo in the United States, and the Parque Zoologico Quinzinho de Barros in Sorocaba, Brazil.

Himalayan Zoological Park uses ZIMS to manage critical populations and breeding programs for many of the region’s endangered species.

The Himalayan Zoological Park in West Bengal is the largest high altitude zoo in India, and is the sixth member of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to join Species360 since concluding a ten-year MOU in 2018. The park was established in Darjeeling in 1958 to preserve and study Himalayan fauna and now spans more than 67 acres of mountain habitat.

A member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the park is a key participant in species conservation programs for the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Wolf, and the Himalayan Tahir. Staff also lead conservation breeding programs to sustain populations of Blue Sheep and Blood Pheasant species.

Houston Zoo, the second-most visited zoo in the United States, will help inform conservation programs through Species360.

Houston Zoo, a leader in species conservation, rejoined Species360 earlier this year. The zoo welcomes more than 2 million visitors every year, is home to 6,000 animals from 900 species, and provides a critical community and educational link to conservation programs around the world.

Parque Zoologico Quinzinho de Barros, or Sorocaba Zoo, will use ZIMs to manage the care and welfare of 1,200 animals in large natural enclosures.

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Non-profit Sorocaba Zoo, located just an hour from the protected Ipanema Natural Forest, welcomes 400,000 visitors annually. Staff will use the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) to record, support and manage the care and welfare of its 1,200 animals, including spider monkeys, reptiles, hippos, and more, residing in large natural enclosures.

Species360 members use the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) to improve animal welfare and inform species conservation worldwide. In addition to benefiting from the knowledge and best practices shared among our nearly 1,200 members, each of these new member institutions helps to expand what we can achieve together.

Watch here to learn more about the growing Species360 community worldwide!