Do zoos have a role in preventing the extinction of polar bears?

Do zoos have a role in preventing the extinction of polar bears?
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This is a past event

An evening talk by Douglas Richardson, Head of Living Collections at the Highland Wildlife Park.

Part of The Far North exhibition programme.

Climate change is more acute in the Arctic than on any other part of the planet and the dramatic reduction in ice cover is already having a measurably negative effect on wild polar bear populations.  The modern zoo community has proven that conservation breeding can be a powerful tool that can allow for the reintroduction of species that have become extinct in the wild or augment small, fragmented populations.  Large carnivores present additional problems and complexities and it has been argued that captivity cannot meet the welfare needs of polar bears.  The Highland Wildlife Park has been at the forefront of advancements in polar bear husbandry and we are active within the coordinating group for the European breeding programme.  The talk will present a coherent way forward.

FREE event; booking essential. Contact scc.events@abdn.ac.uk to book a place.

Hosted by
Special Collections Centre
Venue
Seminar Room, Special Collections Centre, The Sir Duncan Rice Library
Contact

e: scc.events@abdn.ac.uk

t: 01224 273047