Conservation Efforts

The Phoenix Zoo is proud to receive the Conservation Organization of the Year Award presented by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission through excellence in conservation. The Phoenix Zoo has been an indispensable partner in the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s (AZGFD) efforts to conserve, enhance and restore Arizona’s diverse wildlife resources. The Zoo has participated in recovery efforts for many threatened and endangered species through captive propagation efforts. Our staff and volunteers have also participated in the development of scientific and conservation documents, habitat improvement projects, and conservation outreach to the community. We participate in numerous local regional and international efforts on behalf of endangered species, including many Arizona natives:

Over the past decade, the Zoo has played a critical role in the survival of Ramsey Canyon leopard frogs and federally threatened Chiricahua leopard frogs, and has remained an integral part of conservation activities through captive propagation of thousands of frogs for release into the wild.  As an active member of the Gartersnake Conservation Working Group, the Zoo has begun testing new techniques for the captive maintenance and propagation of increasingly rare narrow-headed gartersnakes.

In July 2008, the Zoo worked with the Department and federal partners to establish and maintain captive refugia for the Three Forks springsnail, a rare aquatic mollusk found only in the White Mountains. Also, in a cooperative effort with the Zoo, AGFD staff have participated in efforts to reduce the numbers of non-native turtles from waters on the Zoo grounds.  In fulfilling the Phoenix Zoo’s mission; “To inspire people to live in ways that promote the well-being of the natural world, ” the Zoo has emerged at the forefront of zoo-based conservation through its  native species recovery center, the hard work of its employees, and the creative use of its highly motivated any skilled volunteer pool.