About Species360
Species360 is a non-profit organization that brings together a global community of zoos, aquariums, and wildlife organizations to collect, share, and use vital data on wildlife in human care. Through our animal record-keeping software, we support our members in their efforts to advance animal welfare, drive conservation efforts, and support groundbreaking research with the world’s most comprehensive zoological information system.
Our extensive network, comprising over 1,400 members across six continents and over 100 countries, unites aquariums, zoos, universities, research institutions, and governmental bodies. Together, we tackle pressing wildlife challenges, establishing best practices in husbandry, enrichment, medical care, welfare, reproduction, population management, and biodiversity.
The Zoological Information
Management System
Central to our efforts is the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), the world’s leading software platform for the collection and sharing of data on animals in human care, enabling institutions to manage their animal collections effectively and contribute valuable information to global conservation initiatives.
For 50 years, Species360 members have collected and curated data in ZIMS, the most comprehensive knowledge database on more than 22,000 species. ZIMS vastly increases what is known about thousands of species and is instrumental in identifying sustainability strategies for many species assessed as vulnerable, endangered, and extinct in the wild.
From data to applied conservation with the Species360 Conservation Science Alliance
Collaboration is central to Species360’s mission, and the Species360 Conservation Science Alliance exemplifies this commitment. This collaborative global network brings together scientists, researchers, and conservationists to share knowledge, insights, and best practices for the betterment of species worldwide.
Species360 provides conservationists with evidence-based findings integrating the full scope of global data, including the IUCN Red List, CITES, TRAFFIC, EDGE, and more. The Species360 Conservation Science Alliance research led in collaboration with Species360 members, regional and national associations, and the IUCN Species Survival Commission, CITES, and others, drives insightful decisions on many levels, from developing national and international policy to enforcing illegal wildlife trade laws to calculating the viability of insurance populations.
Species Conservation
Toolkit Initiative
In 2023, Species360 brought in the Species Conservation Toolkit Initiative (SCTI), which embodies our dedication to providing practical solutions for conservation challenges. This community funded initiative develops and disseminates tools, resources, and guidelines to empower conservation practitioners and institutions in their mission to protect species. The initiative leverages expertise in population biology, computer programming, and species conservation planning to: build and support modeling tools that are essential to guiding conservation actions for thousands of threatened species in the wild; facilitate the intensive management of hundreds of species that are being protected within ex situ programs; and integrate conservation efforts across the spectrum of management approaches.
Managing a
Global Resource
Established in 1974, Species360 is an international non-profit governed by a volunteer board of trustees, primarily comprised of experts from our membership and partner organizations. Our approximately 50 staff provide member support, lead the development of new software solutions, spearhead research efforts, and more. Our team includes aquarists, population and animal management experts, veterinarians, software experts, and conservation scientists. We work alongside members to impact animal care and conservation efforts within their institutions and across peer organizations worldwide.
Trusted by Leading Organizations
Species360 is trusted by over 1,300 zoos and aquariums, associations, the IUCN, CITES, United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), TRAFFIC, over 40 associations, more than 50 conservation organizations, over 20 universities, and has contributed to over 80 scientific studies.
Join us in our mission to advance global wildlife care and conservation.
Get in touch with us to learn more about Species360
If you are interested in learning more about ZIMS, please contact us through the form.