Nature Protection

Yes, Eindhoven Zoo participates in breeding programs. The purpose of a breeding program is to maintain an animal population in the zoo. This takes into account various facets and obligations, such as avoiding inbreeding and preserving the natural characteristics of the species.

There are animal species that are becoming increasingly scarce in Europe. To ensure that no animals become extinct, special breeding programs have been established. These programs are called EEPs (European Endangered species Program). There is one coordinator responsible for each breeding program. The person in charge determines which animals will reproduce sight to sight in order to keep the species in a responsible manner. European stud books (ESBs) are also kept for various animal species.

For a number of endangered species, an EEP has led to them being released back into the wild after some time. An example from Eindhoven Zoo: several griffon vultures born in Eindhoven Zoo were released into the wild in Bulgaria.

Yes, Eindhoven Zoo is committed to protecting nature and is affiliated with various agencies:

• Stichting Wildlife

  Animal parks Safaripark Beekse Bergen, Eindhoven Zoo, ZooParc Overloon and AquaZoo Friesland have a large number of volunteers who work within these parks for conservation projects around the world. The volunteers are united in Stichting Wildlife. In recent years, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised for endangered species, such as Asian elephants, cheetahs, chimpanzees and griffon vultures. Since 2009, it has also been possible to "adopt" animals from these parks through Stichting Wildlife. The proceeds from these adoptions also support various projects.

Want to know more? Check out www.stichtingwildlife.nl.

• EAZA Campaigns

  EAZA stands for European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. It is the largest zoo and aquarium organization in the world. Its membership has grown from 79 (at the end of 1988) to more than 300 bodies in 34 countries.

Want to know more? Check out www.eaza.net.