Memberships and cooperations
Zoological associations
In the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, zoos and aquariums, regional and national associations have been working together since 1935 for the care and conservation of animals and their habitats around the world. Nearly 400 leading institutions and organizations are part of WAZA, which also works with wildlife experts, academies and universities. WAZA provides support for species‑conservation management and husbandry of animals in human care, while encouraging the highest standards in member institutions. All members are also committed to addressing global issues and taking action against illegal wildlife trade, marine pollution and climate change.
Formed in 1992, EAZA’s mission is to facilitate cooperation within the European zoo and aquarium community towards the goals of education, research and conservation. Members are committed to maintaining the highest standards for the care and breeding of the species they keep in order to educate their guests about global biodiversity conservation goals.
VdZ is the leading association of scientifically managed zoological gardens with a focus of activity in the German-speaking countries. The preservation of biological diversity is its social mission. This is implemented through the husbandry and breeding of endangered species, through commitment to species and animal protection, education for sustainable development, the promotion of research and the creation of near-natural recreational spaces.
Species360 is an international network of aquariums, zoos, universities, research institutions and governments. Species360 members maintain the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), the world's most comprehensive knowledge database of more than 22,000 species.
Thanks to ZIMS, sustainability strategies can be identified for many of the species that are considered endangered, threatened, or extinct in the wild. In this way, husbandry conditions and conservation strategies can be continuously developed further.
Botanical associations
The VBG is the association of botanic gardens in Germany and represents the interests of its institutional and personal members both nationally and internationally. Its mission is the preservation of biological diversity under orientation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and the National Strategy for Biological Diversity.
Botanic gardens from more than 100 countries around the world are represented in BGCI to secure plant diversity for the well-being of people and the planet. They want their knowledge and expertise to be applied to reversing the threat of extinction facing plants.
Conservation associations
With more than 1,400 member organisations in 170 countries, the IUCN, founded in 1948, continuously analyses the development of animal populations and classifies their conservation status. It monitors and categorises protected areas and coordinates a ‘knowledge network’ of approximately 16,000 experts who exchange information in commissions, regional committees and specialist groups on specific species.
It also plays a key role in the development of international standards in environmental protection and nature conservation, such as regulations on trade in endangered species. Previous members from Germany include the Federal Ministry for the Environment and Nature Conservation, the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, the German Society for International Cooperation, WWF Germany and the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP). Wilhelma is only the third zoo in Germany to be accepted into the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The primary goal of the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (Zoologische Gesellschaft für Arten- und Populationsschutz - ZGAP) is the conservation of unknown, but highly endangered species and their natural habitats. Thousands of species, often even unknown to experts, currently face the risk of extinction.
ZGAP is characterized by its international focus and a scientific and holistic approach to the funding of conservation projects.
Stiftung Artenschutz is a joint initiative of zoological gardens, animal parks and nature conservation organisations. Its aim is to preserve endangered species and protect their original habitats. The focus of the work is thus on the in-situ protection of species and their habitats.
