The Species Survival Plan (SSP)
Species Survival Plans: Acting Today tu Protect Tomorrow's Wildlife
The Species Survival Plan (SSP) is an initiative implemented in accredited zoos and aquariums to support the long-term sustainability of various animal species, particularly those at risk of extinction. These programs are coordinated by professionals affiliated with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and are designed to manage the breeding and care of animals in zoological settings.
The primary goal of an SSP is to maintain genetically viable and sustainable populations in captivity. To achieve this, the programs rely on tools such as genetic analyses, demographic studies, and population modeling, all overseen by specialized experts. In essence, SSPs aim to reduce the risk of outright extinction for many vulnerable and/or endangered species in the wild.
The Studbook, a key tool in the SSP program
The management of species reproduction lies at the heart of the SSP’s objectives. Each species targeted by a survival plan is tracked through a studbook, a comprehensive registry that records every individual housed in accredited zoological institutions, including details about their genetic background and breeding history.
Based on this information, breeding recommendations can be made between specific individuals to optimize genetic diversity and reduce the risk of inbreeding-related diseases.
Through this coordinated approach to species management, SSPs play a tangible role in protecting global biodiversity.
Photo: Marc Dalpe
Zoo de Granby involved in more than thirty SSP programs
The AZA oversees nearly 300 SSP programs; for its part, Zoo de Granby participates in more than thirty of them, including those for the red panda, the Japanese crane, and the Amur tiger. Nearly 25% of the species under our care are classified as at-risk, which drives our commitment to take action and increase our impact in the coming years.
Among the notable births celebrated at the Zoo are those of the Andean condor, the Amur leopard, and the Panamanian golden frog, an amphibian that hasn’t been observed in the wild since 2009. Each birth is the result of deep species knowledge and the meticulous work of our animal care experts to create the right conditions for successful reproduction.
Mammals
Mantled guereza
Colobus guereza
Rock Hyrax
Procavia capensis
Dhole
Cuon alpinus
African elephant
Loxodonta africana
Rothschild's giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis rothschild
Western lowlands gorillas
Gorilla gorilla gorilla
Common hippopotamus
Hippopotamus amphibius
Jaguar
Panthera onca
Ring-tailed lemur
Lemur Catta
Black-and-white ruffed lemur
Varecia variegata
Amur leopard
Panthera pardus orientalis
Snow leopard
Panthera uncia
African lion
Panthera leo
Japanese macaque
Macaca fuscata
Mandrill
Mandrillus sphinx
Two-toed sloth
Choloepus didactylus
Red panda
Ailurus fulgens
Cape porcupine
Hystrix africaeaustralis
Red river hog
Potamochoerus porcus
White rhinoceros
Ceratotherium simum
Meerkat
Suricata suricatta
White-faced saki
Pithecia pithecia
Three-banded armadillo
Tolypeutes matacus
Amur tiger
Panthera tigris altaica
Bennett's wallaby
Macropus rufogriseus
Grant's zebra
Equus burchelli boehmi
Discover a unique, rich and precious array of wildlife from all corners of the globe!
