Captive-Breeding Programs

Zoos and wild-animal parks can increase the population of an endangered or threatened species by establishing captive-breeding programs. Such programs involve breeding animals under carefully managed circumstances.

One well-known example of a captive-breeding program involves the California condor. Condors feed mainly on dead animals and need vast areas in which to search for food. Habitat loss and poaching almost brought about the extinction of the species. In 1986, when there were only nine California condors left in the wild, a captive-breeding program was established. Early results have been promising. By 1998, there were 39 condors in the wild and 93 in zoos and specialized captive-breeding centers. If all goes well, many more will be released in the next 10 years.