A look at the different ways animals arrive at the Zoo Koki Foundation.
The Zoo Koki Foundation is a fascinating place where you can enjoy and learn about the diversity of animal species that live on our planet. But have you ever wondered where the animals that live at Zoo Koki come from? Join us on this journey and find out how these captivating living beings arrive at the foundation.
One of the main sources of animals for zoos is exchanges with other zoos around the world.
Zoo Koki takes part in numerous captive breeding programmes to conserve threatened species. These programmes aim to ensure the survival of endangered species and, eventually, to reintroduce the animals to their natural habitat. In these cases we follow the recommendations of each project's coordinators, managed by EAZA, AZA, etc.
Similar to the previous case, but with the difference that here zoos are free to make their own decisions and the species are not subject to a coordinator's movements. Zoos coordinate with each other on the transfer of animals with the aim of maintaining healthy and sustainable populations, avoiding trade in these species.
As well as with zoos, the Zoo Koki Foundation is an active member of many breeders' associations from which it obtains animals through exchanges. These breeders are people passionate about the conservation and care of exotic animals who keep private collections in compliance with the established standards and regulations. These private collections can collaborate with the foundation and with other zoos, allowing the transfer of animals that contribute to captive breeding and conservation programmes.
It is important to stress that exchanges with private collections are carried out under strict criteria and regulations to guarantee animal welfare. The foundation carefully assesses the conditions and care history of private collections before considering any exchange. This type of collaboration makes it possible to broaden the genetic diversity of species in zoos and strengthen conservation efforts.
Another way animals arrive at the zoo is through wildlife rescue centres. These centres are dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals that have been victims of mistreatment or accidents, or that have lost their natural habitat due to deforestation or other environmental disasters. When the animals cannot be reintroduced to their natural environment, zoos such as Zoo Koki offer a safe and suitable home for their care. We give them a second life.
Zoos such as Zoo Koki also work closely with the authorities responsible for protecting wildlife. In many cases, animals seized from illegal traffickers or from people keeping them in inappropriate conditions are taken to the zoo to receive the care they need. These collaborations make it possible to give these animals a dignified life and to raise awareness of the importance of protecting wildlife.
In some cases, zoos also receive animals through donations and acquisitions from individuals, companies or institutions that can no longer, or no longer wish to, keep them. These donations may come from people who have kept exotic animals as pets and are now looking for a new home for them.
The animals that live in zoos, and more specifically at the Zoo Koki Foundation, come from a variety of sources, each with its own purpose and approach to conservation and animal welfare. Exchanges with other zoos, wildlife rescue centres, collaboration with the authorities, captive breeding programmes, donations and acquisitions, and exchanges with private collections are the main ways in which zoos obtain new animals.
By understanding where zoo animals come from, we can appreciate the important role they play in species conservation, public education and scientific research. Zoo Koki not only provides a safe environment for animals, but also plays a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting the protection of wildlife.
