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 In many countries historical and social perceptions of zoos as entertainment menageries still persist, and in some cases are justified. A sector frequently hostile to zoos is the growing animal-rights and animal-welfare lobby, which emphasizes the interests of individual animals, rather than the conservation of species or eco-systems; further opposition comes from that part of the conservation movement which doubts the justification for removing animals from the wild. If zoos and aquariums are to play an active part in conservation they must face opposition head-on, by understanding criticisms, adapting where necessary and explaining their actions in a way that gains public support. They must also make clear to the general public that their mission is one of conservation, which is conducted in tandem with the highest welfare standards.
Within these wider contexts and alongside major trends, zoos and aquariums have to achieve and promote a clearer view of their unique role and the contribution they can make as part of a global conservation coalition. More coordination of activities and focus of resources towards high priorities need to be coupled with a wider application of good management practices, in particular continuous evaluation of the impact of key projects.
Individual zoos and aquariums, and the zoo community, are pre-eminently suited to emphasize the global aspects of conservation. Scientific knowledge of the interconnections of all life systems and habitats has greatly increased in the last few years and it is becoming increasingly evident that conservation is not only a matter of saving species and habitats but, to be successful, also needs cooperation and a global approach. Zoos and aquariums, because they care for, and have expertise in collections of living animals from around the world, and because of their global network, can play a major role in promoting conservation cooperation on a global scale.
Only zoos, aquariums and botanic gardens can operate across the whole spectrum of conservation activities, from ex situ breeding of threatened species, research, public education, training and influencing and advocacy, through to in situ support of species, populations and their habitats; they uniquely have a massive ‘captive audience’ of visitors whose knowledge, understanding, attitude, behaviour and involvement can all be positively influenced and harnessed. They have a huge resource of technical skills and dedicated people. As habitats shrink and collection-managed populations grow, the definition of what is a zoo, what is a botanic garden, what is a reserve, and who is a collection-based conservationist, who is a field-based conservationist, will inevitably blur. Zoos, aquariums and botanic gardens have an opportunity to establish themselves as models of ‘ integrated conservation’ and the means of achieving this in a collective fashion for zoos and aquariums is through the WZACS. Other bodies, such as conservation bodies and governmental departments, can use the WZACS and the integrated conservation approach, and this will bring benefits to all concerned with conservation.
Perhaps most important, not only do zoos and aquariums have the ability to become models of ‘ integrated conservation’ , but the fact is, they must. They must change; to be useful, to be proactive, and to be radical in their approach. The world around us has changed immeasurably in the last 10 years, and so must zoos and aquariums and their staff. They can be conservators, educators, scientists and powerful tools for political change if they wish to be. They therefore have a choice – to forge a new identity and purpose or to be left behind by the conservation movement. The WZACS gives zoos and aquariums the map with which to begin this journey, and although some may be further along the way than others, it is time for them all to change from a walk to a run.
 Profile of Zoo and Aquarium Association member zoos and aquariums
The World Zoo and Aquarium Strategy
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