The survival of endangered species like elephants, rhinos, tigers, leopards and Mexican wolves, depends less upon what these animals do;  it’s more about our willingness to be accommodating by letting them live in their habitats. 

A December 10th, 2020 IUCN report paints an alarming picture with just a glimmer of hope for one species, the European bison (Bison bonasus). The status of Europe’s largest land mammal has moved from Vulnerable to Near Threatened thanks to continued conservation efforts.  Unfortunately for our planet, the IUCN report also states that 31 species that have moved into the Extinct category and all of the world’s freshwater dolphin species are now threatened with extinction.

The El Paso Zoo is one of thousands of organizations around the world working to save endangered species. We have blogged often about our efforts and need to continue to remind everyone that we are not in this fight alone, our Zoo can help, but more people need to be involved if we are going to have any real impact in stopping what many scientists are calling, the Sixth Extinction.  

The Sixth Extinction is a term used to describe the ongoing destruction of habitat and species that are going extinct as you read this blog post.  Also called the Holocene extinction or Anthropocene extinction, most of the extinctions that are happening right now are happening because of human activities.  According to the World Wildlife Fund the global wildlife population has shrunk by 60% over the past 50 years. That number is incredible and if our society does not dramatically increase our collective impact in working together to save endangered species, it will be simply too late for many animals and plants as the ecosystem becomes much weaker as a result of a rapid decline in biodiversity. According to the National Science Foundation the loss of biodiversity appears to affect ecosystems as much as climate change, pollution and other major forms of environmental stress. 

At the Zoo our greatest impact in helping to save biodiversity is how we are giving our guests opportunities to connect with many species from around the world and the region where we live.  It is our hope that when people see endangered species up close they will want to get involved in helping our world save them.

If you would like to get involved in being a part of a new virtual conservation ambassador program, contact us today and we will get you started. Overtime as you get involved with the zoo from your home you also may want to become a volunteer when the zoo reopens.  

Watch Rhinos in the Freezer

Photos credits
Cover – Products made from rhino horn
Top – Willem v Strien, Wikimedia Creative Commons
Bottom – Pan African Sanctuary Alliance