U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE AND SAN DIEGO ZOO SIGN COLLABORATIVE AGREEMENT TO SAVE SPECIES

Today, Thursday, November 11, officials representing the San Diego Zoo and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service formalized a partnership to work together to save endangered species.  In a small ceremony near the Zoo’s famous giant panda exhibit, key representatives signed a memorandum of understanding designed to set the stage for expanded efforts in the future.

“Our two organizations have worked together for many years to preserve and recover endangered species populations,” said Douglas Myers, CEO for San Diego Zoo.  “Today we are recognizing this history of collaboration and pledging our joint efforts to halt extinction in the future.”

By working together cooperatively, the two conservation organizations hope to combine resources and expertise in a way that will leverage the strengths of both organizations.

"There is little we can do in the field of conservation without partnering," said Benjamin N. Tuggle, regional director for the Southwest region of the Fish and Wildife Service. "Agreements such as the one signed today set the stage for big strides in conservation of species throughout the Southwest."

In a study recently published in Science magazine, conservation programs are credited with helping to recover 64 endangered species, including the California condor.   San Diego Zoo and U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials point to the recovery program for this critically endangered bird species as a model for successful programs in the future.

“Although extinction continues to be a serious threat for many species, we believe we can save many of these species through proactive efforts at preservation and recovery,” said Allison Alberts, chief conservation and research officer for San Diego Zoo Global.  “We hope that this collaborative initiative will set the stage for more successful programs such as those we have been involved with for the mountain yellow-legged frog, Hawaiian forest birds, and the desert tortoise.”

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service is both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.