Species Survival Plan Question

[USZOOfan42]

Why does the AZA give zoos like Detroit for example and young female sloth bear in a pretty bad habitat for the SSP? Wouldn’t it be more logical to send them to a zoo like Omaha, SDZ or other that have space? Unless it’s just to add more room for cubs at the origin zoo.

 

[JVM]

I'm not sure how much space Omaha actually has room for additional sloth bears, and my understanding is the existing exhibit hasn't been as successful as was hoped.

I don't know the circumstances of the bear in question but sometimes animals who are not an active part of the breeding program, such as members of well represented bloodlines, are sent to facilities that aren't capable of holding a breeding group.

If there are a limited number of holders and space is needed, the SSP isn't going to worry about which exhibits are the best.