San Diego Zoo Global is a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the science of saving endangered species worldwide. San Diego Zoo Global operates three world-class facilities: the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. Our conservation work takes place locally at these three campuses and reaches beyond to more than 100 conservation field projects in 35 countries. Our unique and focused approach brings people and groups together to collaborate on solutions, and we take an innovative and multidisciplinary approach to some of the most daunting conservation challenges of our time.
Our field researchers work with local people, fellow conservation scientists, partner organizations, and government agencies to achieve wildlife conservation goals. An important goal is to support and train local scientists and conservation managers to enhance stewardship of threatened species and their habitats.
Mission
San Diego Zoo Global is committed to saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in animal care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for nature.
Vision
We will lead the fight against extinction.
The San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research has as its mission to gather, share and apply scientific knowledge vital to the conservation of animals, plants, and habitats worldwide. The ICR is the world’s largest zoo-based, multi-disciplinary research team, with more than 150 scientists, researchers, technicians, post-doctoral fellows, and support staff, and more than 100 field conservation programs in over 35 countries. Programs address the biological requirements of the target species, conservation and restoration of critical habitats, and training opportunities for range-country scientists and resource managers:
Administration and Operations
Under the leadership of Institute Director Allison Alberts, Ph.D., staff in Administration and Operations provide critical support to the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research team in the areas of facilities, finance, human resources, development, and public relations.
Applied Animal Ecology
The Applied Animal Ecology Division focuses on large-scale conservation programs that assist in the recovery of endangered and threatened populations. They apply scientifically acquired behavioral and ecological knowledge to solve conservation problems.
Applied Plant Ecology
The focus of the Applied Plant Ecology Division is on sustainability and restoration of native ecosystems, seed science, habitat monitoring and management, plant-animal interactions, and recovery programs for rare and endangered plant species.
Behavioral Biology
The Behavioral Biology Division documents factors responsible for variation in reproductive success among animals. They incorporate a multidisciplinary perspective designed to contribute to improved management and conservation of animals and their habitats.
Conservation Education
Education and outreach form the essential cornerstones of any successful conservation endeavor. At the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, the Beckman Center for Conservation Research is the only dedicated conservation education lab in the world.
Genetics
The Genetics Division develops and utilizes technologies to provide important new insights relevant to the assessment, monitoring, and management of endangered species in zoos and in the wild.
Reproductive Physiology
The Reproductive Physiology Division applies innovative science and technology to the conservation of genetic diversity through enhanced reproduction of endangered species. Four major areas of investigation support this mission.
Wildlife Disease Laboratories
The Wildlife Disease Laboratories are the diagnostic specialty group for San Diego Zoo Global. Their goal is to help ensure the health and well being of captive and wild populations through multidisciplinary disease investigations and innovative studies.
Regional Conservation Programs
San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research works in more than 35 countries around the word. Programs address the biological requirements of the target species, conservation and restoration of critical habitats, and training opportunities for range country scientists and resource managers.
Conservation Partnership Development
Conservation Partnership Development identifies, cultivates, and coordinates new collaborative opportunities to advance the Institute’s conservation science mission. Current programs include innovative applications of the Institute’s multidisciplinary expertise to species recovery, large-scale grants management, technology transfer, and biomimicry.