The CSS Wilhelma was founded in 2025 through a partnership between Stuttgart Zoological-Botanical Garden and the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The centre focuses on reptiles and orchids, reflecting Wilhelma's commitment to species conservation for both animal and plant species.

CSS Wilhelma plays a central role in strengthening species conservation efforts for these two taxonomic groups. In accordance with the principle of ‘Assess, Plan, Act’, the two Species Survival Officers identify taxa in need of priority protection, plan species conservation measures and initiate these on site.

Affiliated with the Species Conservation Unit, which coordinates support for around 40 projects worldwide, the two Species Survival Officer positions are fully funded by Wilhelma. In addition to its annual contribution of around €1 million for local projects, Wilhelma also supports the work of the IUCN in Stuttgart with personnel.

IUCN CSS Orchid Officer since June 2026, Dr. Jacopo Calevo is a plant conservation scientist specialized in orchid ecology, mycorrhizal associations, and ex-situ and in-situ conservation. Through postdoctoral research, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Global Fellowship, and collaborations with institutions in Italy, United Kingdom, and Australia, Jacopo has contributed to both the scientific understanding and practical conservation of threatened orchids. He is currently an Honorary Research Associate at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and an Adjunct Research Associate at Curtin University. 

Dr. Tobias Machts has been holding the position as IUCN CSS Officer for Reptiles since April 2026. He is a biologist with many years of practical and scientific experience in the field of reptile husbandry and research. He began working intensively with reptiles at an early stage, including practical work with venomous snakes and crocodiles in South Africa, as well as at various zoological institutions in Germany. Furthermore, he has been involved in in situ conservation projects and has extensive experience in the implementation of nature conservation measures. He is an active member of the German Society for Herpetology and Terrarium Science and is committed to the further development of standards for the husbandry and management of reptiles.

Head of Conservation at Wilhelma since 2016, from 2007 until 2024 also Head of Education and current member of the EAZA Conservation Education Committee (CEC). A biologist by training, she is the supervisor of the two Species Survival officers at the CSS Wilhelma and manages the global conservation engagement of Wilhelma, the cooperation with Reverse the Red and with more than 30 in situ partners worldwide.

Dr Thomas Kölpin has been Director of Wilhelma since 2014. He is a biologist, ethologist and expert on venomous snakes. He is a member of the EAZA Council, Chair of the EAZA Membership and Ethics Committee and Chair of the Elephant TAG. He is strongly committed to developing Wilhelma's conservation work, both by supporting in situ projects and through close cooperation with the IUCN SSC and Reverse the Red.

The reptile species officer will support the work of the various Reptile Specialist Groups through red listing and conservation planning, and establish links to on site implementation. Active in over 15 countries around the world, Wilhelma supports several projects focusing on the conservation of endangered reptile species and habitat protection in extremely species-rich areas and will work as a facilitator between the different stakeholders.

Wilhelma boasts a substantial scientific collection of orchid species from around the world. Particular focus is given to the conservation and propagation of endemic Palau orchid species that are under threat from climate change. Through its close ties with NGOs around the world dedicated to safeguarding biodiversity hotspot habitats Wilhelma is able to connect the efforts of the Orchid Specialist Group and the Species Survival Officers responsible for assessing and planning the conservation of orchid species, and help species conservationists in the field implement necessary action.

Wilhelma places a strong focus on the ever-growing role of modern zoos and botanical gardens in species conservation. This is communicated via social media, the press, and environmental education at Wilhelma itself. Another of the CSS Wilhelma's tasks is therefore to raise public awareness of the work of Reverse the Red and the IUCN's One Plan Approach, thereby facilitating public funding and informed support for conservation efforts.