Citizen Conservation

The biodiversity crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Species are being wiped out irretrievably every day. Decisive action is needed to stop this catastrophe. For this reason, Citizen Conservation was founded by zoo staff, scientists and private animal keepers to pool resources, knowledge and efforts for a common purpose: To keep and conserve endangered species that we are currently unable to adequately protect and preserve in the wild.

Joining forces for species conservation

For many species, coordinated breeding under human care is the only chance of survival over the next few decades. Schönbrunn Zoo and other modern zoos have been working on conservation breeding programs with great success for a long time, but their capacities and resources are limited. Numerous private keepers have the space and time, but above all the commitment and knowledge to keep and breed endangered species in their homes and thus contribute to their survival.

Conservation breeding saves species

Conscientiously caring for and breeding animals is a great responsibility. You too can take an endangered species into your home and, through your commitment, ensure that it lives to see the next century. Citizen Conservation is open to anyone who wants to participate as an active species conservationist. 

Expertise is the top priority

All private pet owners, who are knowledgeable and have the necessary equipment to keep the respective species, can take part. The animals remain the property of Citizen Conservation. Provided husbandry recommendations assist the correct species-specific care as well as the welfare of the animals. Citizen Conservation puts together suitable breeding groups, manages animal data according to best practice in zoos and passes on offspring within the program. This provides additional support for private keepers and preserves the genetic diversity of endangered species. 
Schönbrunn Zoo is represented by its experts on the Supervisory Board and the Scientific Advisory Board and keeps and breeds the following species for Citizen Conservation:

• Charco Palma Pupfish (Cyprinodon veronicae)
• Loiselle‘s Ptycho (Ptychochromis loisellei)
• Mangarahara Cichlid (Ptychochromis insolitus)
• Madagascar Rainbowfish (Bedotia madagascariensis)
• Lake Pátzcuaro Salamander (Ambystoma dumerilii)
• Titicaca Water Frog (Telmatobius culeus)
• Lesser Rock Skipper (Staurois parvus)
• Nguru Dwarf Chameleon (Rhampholeon acuminatus)

Toni Weissenbacher (Zoological Curator, Tiergarten Schönbrunn and Member of the Scientific Advisory Board of Citizen Conservation):“Knowledgeable, committed private keepers are indispensable partners for the protection of endangered species and complement and expand the species conservation programs in zoos.”

Further Information: 

https://citizen-conservation.org/en/participation/becoming-a-breeder/
https://citizen-conservation.org/en/cc-species/