Species Survival Plan
What is a Species Survival Plan (SSP)?
A Species Survival Plan (SSP) is a program for selected species in zoos and aquariums that manages the breeding of a species in order to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable. According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), most SSP species are endangered or threatened in the wild, and have the interest of qualified professionals with time to dedicate toward their conservation. Also, SSP species are often “flagship species,” well-known animals that arouse strong feelings in the public for their preservation and the protection of their habitat. Examples include the giant panda, California condor and Western lowland gorilla.
The Fort Worth Zoo currently holds 41 SSP species. Zoo staff members serve as species coordinators for two of these national conservation programs: Bongo, Puerto Rican crested toad and rock iguana. Additionally, Zoo staff members serve as small population management, nutrition and veterinary advisors to numerous SSPs.
SSP Species at the Zoo
| African penguin | Andean condor |
| Aruba Island rattlesnake | Asian elephant |
| Black-footed ferret | Black rhino |
| Bongo | Bonobo |
| Burmese star tortoise | Cheetah |
| Chimpanzee | Colobus monkey |
| Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake | Greater one-horned Asian rhino |
| Hippopotamus | Hornbill |
| Jaguar | Jamaican iguana |
| Komodo dragon | Kori bustard |
| Lake Victoria cichlids | Lion |
| Louisiana pine snake | Western lowland gorilla |
| Malayan tiger | Mandrill |
| Ocelot | Orangutan |
| Panamanian golden frog | Puerto Rican crested toad |
| Radiated tortoise | Red-crowned crane |
| Red wolf | Sun bear |
| Swift fox | Thick-billed parrot |
| Toucan | Virgin Islands boa |
| Wattled crane | White-cheeked gibbon |
| White-winged wood duck | |