More Wilds Type Facilities.

[tschandler71]

With the simplification of most hoofstock collections (to where basically every zoo has Reticulated Giraffe, Grant's Zebra, and Grant's Gazelle) it seems most species have two choices Private breeding or Death.

Anyone know of any successful private breeders with the land, capital, experience, and reputation to become the next facility like the Wilds.

Or do you think that eventually few Zoo's in the South (cheap land workable climate) will eventually set up their own facilities?

I would hate to permanently lose diversity for the short term financial gain (and long term financial ruin).

 

[gerenuk]

There are dozens of private hoofstock facilities across the country. A fair amount of internet research will offer you what you are looking for.

 

[tschandler71]

There are dozens of private hoofstock facilities across the country. A fair amount of internet research will offer you what you are looking for.

I know there are, but there is a different in a private breeder and something along the lines of the Wilds. Im asking if you will see these evolve and improve to the point they become AZA facilities?

 

[DavidBrown]

I know there are, but there is a different in a private breeder and something along the lines of the Wilds. Im asking if you will see these evolve and improve to the point they become AZA facilities?

Check out the Safari West and B Bryan Preserve galleries and webpages. These places are AZA and I think somewhat like what you are thinking about.

 

[gerenuk]

No - for a private individual being a member of the AZA requires additional capital in membership fees, unnecessary politics, and requirements dealing with finances that many are not willing to delve into. These things would take away from the efficient management and financial models that private facilities have become.

AZA accreditation is no longer a requirement to join most SSP programs, if that is the intentions of your inquiry. Also, I highly doubt that you wish to use the Wilds as an example. The facility itself is a poor financial model for a large-scale breeding center. Currently it is on life support from the Columbus Zoo and it is not self-sustainable. Also, for most of its history it did not have a whole lot of conservation successes like those you hear about from National Zoo's Front Royal facilities or others like it.

 

[elefante]

I haven't been to The Wilds, but I do think there should be more facilities similar to this one. I think these large facilities are necessary for the breeding of endangered species as well as a spot for "overflow" of the common species in zoos. I also think that these types of places could become good tourist attractions. I find it strange more drive-through attractions aren't AZA accredited.

 

[Arizona Docent]

Reid Park Zoo, where I volunteer (in Tucson, Arizona), was gifted a 500 acre ranch a couple years ago in Sahuarita, which is just south of Tucson. Plan is to use it as a non-public breeding center for desert adapted hoofstock. So far we only have bolson tortoises there and I am not sure what the status of the project is.

 

[elefante]

Reid Park Zoo, where I volunteer (in Tucson, Arizona), was gifted a 500 acre ranch a couple years ago in Sahuarita, which is just south of Tucson. Plan is to use it as a non-public breeding center for desert adapted hoofstock. So far we only have bolson tortoises there and I am not sure what the status of the project is.

That would be a great place to breed species like Mhorr gazelles, Dama gazelles, and African asses. That is interesting they have bolson tortoises. You don't see those around much in zoos.