Conservation and Research
at the Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo has a three-pronged attack in its conservation and research efforts. On the national front, the Zoo has supported and encouraged its staff for many years to participate in the conservation programs of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), our national zoo membership organization. Multiple staff, from keepers to the General Curator, are involved in a range of activities, including serving as representatives to AZA steering committees for each species that the Zoo maintains for which an AZA conservation program has been initiated. These steering committees manage the captive populations of AZA member organizations, making decisions from husbandry programs to breeding designations. Steering committees are lead by a Species Coordinator. The Indianapolis Zoo sponsors Forests and Deserts Curator Lynne Villers’ role as Species Coordinator of the ring-tailed lemur. In addition, the Zoo has committed the resources to maintain four North American regional studbooks – the African elephant, ring-tailed lemur, collared lemur and Guinea baboon.
The Zoo’s second prong of attack is the participation in three conservation and research foundations – the International Elephant Foundation (IEF), International Iguana Foundation (IIF) and the International Rhino Foundation (IRF). Each of this organizations are 501(c)3 tax exempt groups founded to seek funds to support conservation and research efforts of the particular species they represent. The Zoo is a contributing partner to IRF and supports staff as founding board members of the IEF and IIF. Just some of the projects in which IEF is involved are improving the health and care of the elephants in the Elephant Conservation Centers of Indonesia, supporting the field research of mating strategies of wild male African elephants in Kenya, funding ultrasound workshops for elephant veterinarians and wildlife scientists in Nepal and India, supporting a habitat survey of radio-collared Sri Lankan elephants, developing elephant semen freezing protocols to increase the success of artificial insemination in elephants, and providing three scholarships annually for elephant handlers and veterinarians.
The Zoo’s third method of contributing to conservation and research is the development of an in-house program for scientific investigation. The Zoo has identified six species in the collection to which resources are applied, including African elephants, ring-tailed lemurs, penguins, dolphins, walrus, and rock iguanas as Conservation and Research Project initiatives. Steering committees made up of staff members and outside advisors oversee and guide the efforts. An advisory Research Sub-Committee consisting of professionals from the veterinary, medical and education communities provides guidance and instruction.
The Polly H. Hix Institute for Conservation and Research is an initiative that supports the Society’s current and future research and conservation programs. Learn More.
The Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens do not receive any direct public support and are dependent on the generosity of individual, corporate, foundation and estate gifts. Consider an opportunity to partner with us in the vital conservation, research, exhibition and education efforts of the Zoological Society.
