Ecobreves – BRAZIL: Zoos Preserve Threatened Species

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Jun 3 2006 (IPS) - Experts called for strengthening the role of zoos in the preservation of biodiversity, during the 30th Congress of the Brazilian Society of Zoos, which concluded in Brasilia on May 2. Zoos are crucial for the reproduction of species that are extinct in their original habitats. One stand-out case is that of the zoo in Brasilia, where a group of antelopes (Tragelaphus buxtoni) that is no longer found in nature is being reproduced, with sights on future reintroduction in its African habitat.

“Zoos, whose first Latin American prototype was created by the Aztecs more than 2,000 years ago, were sites for contemplative entertainment. Twenty years ago their objectives were expanded to conservation, research and education, Raúl González, director of the Brasilia zoo and organizer of the Congress, explained to Tierramérica.

Brazil has 127 zoos, more than all the rest of Latin America, and the number is rising despite the scarcity of resources, he said.