World’s First Bird Park Celebrates 30 Years as a Species360 Member! 

Vogelpark Avifauna in the Netherlands is celebrating its 30th anniversary as a member of the non-profit Species360! As a member of the global Species360 community, the bird park records and shares data on 18,744 animals across 839 taxa in the Species360 Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS). 

The zoo opened its doors to the public in 1950, becoming the first dedicated bird park in the world. More than 60 years later, it expanded its colorful bird collection to welcome mammals. As a non-profit foundation, the zoo is committed to conservation and education and works to support species conservation locally in the Netherlands and abroad.

The zoo hosts spectacular bird shows, connecting visitors with the wonders of birds, the proceeds of which go to supporting conservation efforts worldwide. From conserving local avian species such as partridges, kingfishers, and storks; to vultures and hornbills further afield, as well as mammals such as red pandas and titis. As part of Avifauna’s commitment to conservation, the zoo foundation established a nature reserve in the Netherlands to support favorable conditions for kingfisher breeding as well as attract other bird species and biodiversity. 

As a Species360 member, the aggregated data collected and curated by Vogelpark Avifauna has contributed to global resources available in ZIMS, as well as to various scientific studies. Among those studies are two conducted by researchers from the Species360 Conservation Science Alliance (CSA) from earlier this year which examined the link between brain size and life expectancy in parrots, and another which challenged evolutionary theories of aging in turtles and tortoises. 

“ZIMS for Husbandry is used daily in Avifauna for animal management. From the registration and monitoring of weights to observational notes. ZIMS is also recognised by the Dutch legal authorities, so the information generated from ZIMS is regularly used to obtain Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) permits, and for other permit and governmental issues. This makes our lives so much easier,”

Joost Lammers, Curator at Vogelpark Avifauna.

“On top of that, ZIMS for Studbooks is used for the three studbooks that Vogelpark Avifauna is managing for the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) region. ZIMS is continually improving and the regular released new features will make ZIMS future proof, so Avifauna will be keen on working another 30 years with Species360,” says Joost Lammers.

Happy Anniversary to Vogelpark Avifauna! Thank you for being a valued member of the Species360 community!