Sourcing animals outside of the AZA.

[elefante]

Out of curiosity, is it common for the AZA to source animals from outside of the organization? For example, "pet shop" type parrots amd reptiles or "livestock " type birds like jungle fowl or other pheasants? Is the AZA only allowed to source from accredited zoos? If not, how often are animals sourced outside the organization? I imagine these animals are not bred in this case?

 

[Aardwolf]

AZA zoos and aquariums can and frequently do obtain animals from non-AZA sources, be they breeders, dealers, or private owners. AZA accreditation standards require institutions to have a written policy (Responsible Population Management) for how these decisions are made and to show that non-AZA transaction partners are properly vetted in-house

 

[15399]

Non-SSP species especially are often acquired from outside the AZA. I'm aware of zoos getting animals from a number of different non-AZA sources, such as:
- Reputable breeders, especially for various herps
- Surrendered pets, both illegal and legal exotic pets sometimes find their ways to zoos. Both in terms of legal species commonly used as ambassadors (e.g. ball pythons, bearded dragons, etc.) and also more exotic species (e.g. alligators, armadillos, tigers, etc.) that may or may not always be legal.
- Wildlife placements, plenty of native species make their way to zoos as non-releasable reintroductions. Almost, if not, the entire AZA populations of black bears, grizzly bears, bald eagles, and cougars are sourced this way- along with skunks, opossums, native owls and hawks, etc.
- Local colleges and universities, especially in terms of farm animals raised in college animal science programs (e.g. goats, alpacas, rabbits, etc.)
- Non-AZA sustainability partners that participate in SSPs. Non-AZA zoos can apply to be an SSP sustainability partner and participate in an SSP. Alaska Zoo does this, along with some recently accredited zoos (e.g. Columbus), probably some others I'm not aware of.
- Captures from the wild, for aquarium fish (unfortunately).

With the new SSP designations, I wouldn't be surprised if it becomes more common for AZA zoos to work with places outside the AZA, as less species are going to be formally managed and subject to the rules related to SSPs.

 

[NAIB Volunteer]

Aquariums frequently collect specimens utilizing harvesting quotas/ collection permits to stock exhibits or utilize reputable companies to purchase specimens. Pretty much most fish in AZA are from collection trips, as there are very few breeding programs, especially for sharks, that can sustain institutional needs. There are some aquariums that have partnered together for in house breeding, but they include just a handful of species overall.

 

[SwampDonkey]

Sure, but they are not going to Petco to buy them. They go to breeders that are (hopefully) reputable. There are a number of non-AZA breeders that commonly sell to AZA and non-AZA facilities. Some breeders explicitly avoid being AZA accredited so that they can sell to a broader client base, take that for what you will on their business model. Some really good places sell to private and larger institutions as well as work with AZA zoos, Iguanaland comes to mind. I am pretty sure Rum Creek isn't AZA right now and they sell quite a few rhinoceros and other ungulates to both AZA and non-AZA zoos.

Of course that leaves fresh and marine animals out of the equation, which are still very much sourced from the wild in both AZA and non-AZA facilities. Similarity, inverts are still wild sourced in many cases.

Some birds, mammals, and herps are imported wild as well. I believe Wildlife World and Animal Adventure Park both do imports of mammals and birds for sale, among other places. Herps are imported in a number of ways and by a number of companies as well.

 

[evedv]

Thank you all for providing such great information. I was wondering if anyone could direct me to sources for the info provided? It would be greatly appreciated

 

[SwampDonkey]

Thank you all for providing such great information. I was wondering if anyone could direct me to sources for the info provided? It would be greatly appreciated

A lot of my "resources" are just from experience and taking mental notes about things happening in "zoo world". For example, following Iguanaland and Ty Park's socials where he talks about working with zoos like San Antonio. Some information can be gleaned from the USDA.

Other resources are knowing about certain institutions that sell, places like Brights Zoo, Wildlife World in Arizona, Rum Creek, International Animal Exchange, The Reptarium, etc.

Following zoo socials is a good way to distill the information as well - but it isn't like there is a repository of the data outside of SSP programs, and even those are generally close vested.

 

[evedv]

Thank you! I appreciate your reply and the good info.