Dublin Zoo has launched its ambitious conservation "master plan" which it hopes will establish the zoo as one of the best in the world for caring for endangered animals
The zoo is currently home to over 400 animals from around the world. In October 2021, they launched an ambitious 10-year strategic plan under “Dublin Zoo 200”, which aims to position Dublin Zoo as a global conservation leader.
The zoo has identified 42 actions across seven areas that they will take over the next decade. The next steps for the zoo will include increasing the number of animal species that are part of conservation breeding programmes and to set up Ireland’s first National Wildlife Biobanking Hub that will collect and preserve samples from the Irish zoos and native Irish wildlife.
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Dublin Zoo will also create a new IUCN National Centre for Species Survival that will allow for conservation assessment and planning. There will also be an increase in funding that will allow them field conservation projects in the wild through the Dublin Zoo Fund, and they'll also work with local universities to develop third-level programmes in conservation sciences.
Director of Dublin Zoo Dr Christoph Schwitzer described the new conservation master plan as a "bold and ambitious" statement that shows zoo's commitment to wildlife conservation. He said: "Working with the global zoo and aquarium community, we have a duty to use our collective social, political and financial resources to become an integral force for the conservation of global biodiversity.
"The actions outlined in this plan will help us achieve significant conservation impact, and will position Dublin Zoo as a global conservation leader, with the help of our partners and supporters."
Conservation and Research Officer Dr. Andrew Mooney noted that the world is facing a "biodiversity crisis" and that urgent action is needed. He said: "We need to take action for wildlife, and become a global leader in biodiversity conservation.
"We can do more, and this Conservation Master Plan is the first step on that journey."
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