AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction focuses the collective expertise within AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums and leverages their massive audiences to save species.
AZA member organizations are working together and alongside their partners to help save animals from extinction. Learn more about our SAFE Species below. If your organization is interested in getting involved in one or more programs, please contact the program leader listed or reach out to AZA at SAFE@aza.org.
African Elephant
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African Lion
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African Painted Dog
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African Penguin
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African Vulture
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American Red Wolf
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American Turtle
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Andean Bear
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Andean Highland Flamingo
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Asian Elephant
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Asian Hornbill
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Black-Footed Ferret
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Black Rhinoceros
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Cheetah
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Chimpanzee
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Chinchilla
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Coral
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Cuban Crocodile
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Eastern Indigo Snake
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Giraffe
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Gorilla
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Jaguar
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Maned Wolf
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Mexican Wolf
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North American Bison
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North American Freshwater Mussel
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North American Monarch
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North American Songbird
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Ocelot
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Orangutan
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Perdido Key Beach Mouse
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Radiated Tortoise
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Red Panda
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Sea Turtle
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Shark and Ray
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Sloth Bear
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Sunflower Sea Star
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Tree Kangaroo of Papua New Guinea
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Vaquita
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Western Pond Turtle
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Whooping Crane
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African Elephant
Critically Endangered, Endangered (IUCN); Threatened (USFWS)The SAFE African Elephant program will connect and enhance collective efforts towards African savanna and African forest elephant conservation, research, and education.
Niki Kowalski, Indianapolis Zoo
Corey Neatrour, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
African Lion
Vulnerable (IUCN); Endangered (U.S. Endangered Species Act)SAFE African Lion's goal is to increase the number of African lions in the wild through public engagement and partnering with those working on the ground in Africa. The program will offer a menu of opportunities for AZA institutions to support lion conservation through both funding opportunities and public engagement.
Lily Maynard, PhD, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
African Painted Dog
Endangered (IUCN); Endangered (U.S. Endangered Species Act)SAFE African Painted Dog's goal is to increase the impact that AZA institutions have on African painted dog conservation in each of its three regions (West and Central Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa) by increasing conservation support, raising public awareness of African painted dogs in-situ and ex-situ, and building relationships between AZA institutions and key African painted dog field partners.
Michael Murray, Detroit Zoological Society
Vice Program Leader: Christina Gorsuch, Cincinnati Zoo
African Penguin
Endangered (IUCN); Endangered (US Endangered Species Act)Through SAFE African Penguin, AZA facilities have joined forces to develop various projects, from improving disaster response protocols for oil spills to constructing artificial nests in order to address population declines caused by overfishing, habitat degradation, and oil spills.
Patty McGill, PhD, National Aviary
Vice Program Leader: Jess Phillips, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
African Vulture
Endangered to Critically Endangered (IUCN)SAFE African Vulture's goal is to address the threat of poisoning, monitor populations, increase knowledge about vulture population status in current gap areas, and increase public engagement in African vulture conservation both among visitors to AZA institutions and within range-country communities.
Corinne Kendall, PhD, North Carolina Zoo
Vice Program Leader: Molly Maloy, Denver Zoo
American Red Wolf
Critically Endangered (IUCN); Endangered (U.S. Endangered Species Act)SAFE American Red Wolf's goal is to support conservation efforts for this species by maintaining a healthy and viable population of red wolves under human care, growing education and awareness efforts, and aiding research vital to supporting recovery and management.
Regina Mossotti, Saint Louis Zoo
Vice Program Leader: Craig Standridge, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
American Turtle
Vulnerable to Critically Endangered (IUCN); Not listed, Threatened, and Endangered (U.S. Endangered Species Act)SAFE American Turtle's goal focuses on conservation efforts for turtle species including the bog turtle, spotted turtle, wood turtle, Blanding's turtle, eastern box turtle, and all Terrapene species.
Dave Collins, Turtle Survival Alliance
Vice Program Leader: Bryan Windmiller, Franklin Park Zoo
Andean Bear
Vulnerable (IUCN)SAFE Andean Bear's goal is to support Andean bear conservation in key landscapes including Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia through targeted research, monitoring, and capacity-building efforts.
Kym Gopp, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Vice Program Leader: Sara Colandrea, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Andean Highland Flamingo
Near threatened and Vulnerable (IUCN); Endangered (US Endangered Species Act)SAFE Andean Highland Flamingo supports the recovery and conservation of Andean, Chilean, and Puna (James’s) flamingos through research, public engagement, targeted training, community outreach, and education. AZA members work with Chilean partners to support activities outlined in the country’s Andean highland flamingo conservation plan, fill research gaps, and assist with the identification, prioritization, and designation of critical flamingo habitat in Chile’s northern Andean highlands.
Daniel Hilliard, PhD, Zoo Conservation Outreach Group
Vice Program Leader: Jennifer Stoddard, Reid Park Zoo
Vice Program Leader: Joey Powell, Dickerson Park Zoo
Asian Elephant
Endangered (IUCN); Endangered (U.S. Endangered Species Act)SAFE Asian Elephant's goal is to enhance and assist Asian elephant conservation efforts within the 13 range countries by engaging communities with elephants in human care, supporting science of the treatment and management of EEHV in Asian elephant range states, and developing education materials, tools kits, and social media materials to introduce to all AZA institutions.
Adam Felts, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Vice Program Leader: Rachel Emory, Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
Asian Hornbill
Vulnerable to Critically Endangered (IUCN)SAFE Asian Hornbill's goal is to support the sustainability and protection of wild Asian hornbills within their natural ranges from poaching, trade and habitat loss or degradation through science-based, and stakeholder-inclusive conservation action.
Roger Sweeney, Woodland Park Zoo
Vice Program Leader: David Oehler, Nashville Zoo
Black-Footed Ferret
Critically Endangered (IUCN); Endangered (US Endangered Species Act)SAFE Black-footed Ferret's goal is to recover the black-footed ferret such that it no longer meets the Endangered Species Act’s definition of endangered and is downlisted to threatened through targeted conservation, public awareness, communication, and funding actions.
Paul Marinari, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Vice Program Leader: Jeff Baughman, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Black Rhinoceros
Critically Endangered (IUCN); Endangered (US Endangered Species Act)Through SAFE Black Rhino, the AZA community is helping to reduce demand for rhino horn and raise money to support black rhino habitat conservation, the two greatest threats to this species.
RoxAnna Breitigan, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Vice Program Leader: Cassandra Kutilek, Lincoln Park Zoo
Cheetah
Vulnerable (IUCN)Through SAFE Cheetah, AZA organizations and partners are supporting projects for public engagement, incidental catch from snares, population sustainability, and animal reserves to help increase cheetah population numbers in southern Africa.
Adrienne Crosier, PhD, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Vice Program Leader: Anna Chaney, Memphis Zoo
Chimpanzee
Endangered (IUCN); Endangered (U.S. Endangered Species Act)SAFE Chimpanzee's goal is to improve the population status of all four chimpanzee subspecies through collaborative conservation action, stakeholder engagement, and public awareness.
Tina Cloutier Barbour, PhD, Dallas Zoo
Vice Program Leader: Candace Sclimenti, Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Chinchilla
Endangered (IUCN); Endangered to Under Review (U.S. Endangered Species Act)SAFE Chinchilla's goal is to develop, coordinate, and lead the AZA community's support for the Chilean government's recovery and conservation plans for short-tailed and long-tailed chinchillas.
Seth Stapleton, PhD, Minnesota Zoological Garden
Co-Leader: Daniel Hilliard, PhD, Zoo Conservation Outreach Group
Coral
Critically Endangered (IUCN); Threatened (U.S. Endangered Species Act)SAFE Coral has expanded the scope of its conservation targets to include additional taxa and several newly developed programs and techniques. The program's goal is to inspire and mobilize AZA members, partners, and communities to save coral reefs from extinction, with a focus on species occurring in the western tropical Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea.
Bart Shepherd, Steinhart Aquarium, California Academy of Sciences
Vice Program Leader: M. Andrew Stamper, DVM, Disney's Animals, Science, and Environment
Cuban Crocodile
Critically Endangered (IUCN); Endangered (ESA)The goal of SAFE Cuban Crocodile is to support in-situ and ex-situ efforts to preserve the Cuban crocodile through conservation breeding, research, fieldwork and education outreach initiatives in Cuba and abroad. Through this program's collaborative efforts, AZA facilities can continue to contribute to the conservation of this unique crocodilian and its habitat.
Lauren Augustine, Philadelphia Zoo
Eastern Indigo Snake
Threatened (USFWS)SAFE Eastern Indigo Snake's goal is to protect and monitor Eastern indigo snakes, and support restoration projects in key habitats including Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.
James Bogan, DVM, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Vice Program Leader: Audrey Williams, North Carolina Zoo
Giraffe
Endangered to Critically Endangered (IUCN)SAFE Giraffe's goal is to support giraffe conservation by demonstrating measurable positive impacts of AZA members on the conservation of giraffe, increasing the number of AZA members that support field conservation, ensuring the stability of conservation programming, and engaging the worldwide zoo community and increase overall support.
Co-Program Leader: Andi Kornak, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Co-Program Leader: Diana Miller, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Gorilla
Endangered to Critically Endangered (IUCN); Endangered (U.S. Endangered Species Act)SAFE Gorilla's goal is to secure sustainable populations of all gorilla subspecies, with a targeted emphasis on protecting the fragile Cross River gorilla populations in Cameroon and Nigeria and halting the rapid decline of Grauer's gorilla populations in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Benjamin Jones, Houston Zoo
Vice Program Leader: Colleen McCann, PhD, Bronx Zoo - Wildlife Conservation Society
Jaguar
Near threatened (IUCN); Endangered (U.S. Endangered Species Act)AZA-accredited zoos have an established, long-term commitment to jaguar conservation. Since the mid-1980s, AZA member institutions have been funding, conducting, and supporting jaguar-related fieldwork in Central and South America. Using objectives outlined by the IUCN Species Survival Commission Cat Specialist Group, SAFE Jaguar is focused on protecting jaguars primarily in Central America, and expanding capacity to protect jaguars throughout their range.
Mr. Stacey Johnson, Roger Williams Park Zoo
Vice Program Leader: Mr. Keith Lovett, Bronx Zoo - Wildlife Conservation Society
Maned Wolf
Near Threatened (IUCN); Endangered (USFWS)SAFE Maned Wolf engages AZA-accredited facilities, government agencies, public and private stakeholders in actions that support maned wolf conservation throughout the species' range.
Daniel Hilliard, PhD, Zoo Conservation Outreach Group
Co-Leader: Paula Gonzalez Ciccia, Fundación Temaikèn
Mexican Wolf
Endangered (USFWS); Species of Concern (State)SAFE Mexican Wolf is a bi-national recovery program that will help support and find new opportunities to work with the community in the recovery areas of both Mexico and the United States. By working with USFWS, AZA-accredited institutions and other essential partners, SAFE Mexican Wolf will be able to support conservation efforts for this species.
Kim Scott, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
North American Bison
Near Threatened (IUCN Red List); Critically Depleted (IUCN Green List); Threatened (SARA); Species of Concern (Montana)SAFE North American Bison, working under the IUCN Green List designation, plans to bring the resources of AZA facilities across North America together with valuable external partners, including Indigenous voices and knowledge, to recover bison and restore its native North American prairie habitat.
Co-Program Leader: Edward M. Spevak, PhD, Saint Louis Zoo
Co-Program Leader: Mollye Nardi, Birmingham Zoo
North American Freshwater Mussel
Least Concern to Critically Endangered (IUCN); Not listed to Endangered (US Endangered Species Act)SAFE North American Freshwater Mussel recognizes in total 303 freshwater mussel species from the United States and Canada and the urgent need for research, recovery and restoration, education, and advocacy on behalf of these vital indicator species for freshwater ecosystems. Photo Credit: Megan Bradley
Monika Böhm, PhD, Indianapolis Zoo Global Center for Species Survival
Jacob Harmon, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
North American Monarch
SAFE North American Monarch's goal is to take action for monarch conservation inspire increased action throughout their communities through public education and engagement, and promote reduction of the threats to monarch butterflies with specific conservation outcomes.
Zak Gezon, PhD, Disney's Animals, Science, and Environment
Vice Program Leader: Paige Howorth, San Diego Zoo
North American Songbird
Least Concern to Critically Endangered (IUCN); Not listed to Endangered (US Endangered Species Act)SAFE North American Songbird's goal is to reduce the threats to North American songbirds and secure sustainable wild populations of these species throughout their ranges by harnessing the collective strengths of zoos, aquariums, and partners through supporting education and on-the-ground conservation activities on AZA facilities, in the community, and at state, national and provincial levels.
Co-Program Leader: Sara Hallager, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Co-Program Leader: Michael Kreger, PhD, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Ocelot
Least Concern (IUCN); Endangered (USFWS); Endangered (State)SAFE Ocelot is a recovery program focused on reestablishing wild ocelots in their historical Texas range through the use of an ex-situ source population. By working with USFWS, AZA-accredited institutions and essential field partners in Texas, SAFE Ocelot will be able to support conservation efforts for this species.
William F. Swanson, PhD, DVM, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Orangutan
Critically Endangered (IUCN); Endangered (U.S. Endangered Species Act)SAFE Orangutan's goal is to protect and restore the wild orangutan population and their habitats through public engagement, funding, and field work.
Stacia Pieroni, Kansas City Zoo
Vice Program Leader: Corey B. Romberg, Disney's Animal Kingdom
Perdido Key Beach Mouse
Least Concern (IUCN); Endangered (USFWS)SAFE Perdido Key Beach Mouse will be developed in partnership with AZA accredited institutions, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and others to promote the recovery, conservation and reintroduction of this endangered species and its only native habitat- Perdido Key, Florida. Photo Credit: Into Nature Films
Rebecca Downey, Brevard Zoo
Radiated Tortoise
Critically Endangered (IUCN); Endangered (U.S. Endangered Species Act)SAFE Radiated Tortoise's goal is to prevent the extinction of the radiated tortoise by leveraging the collective expertise and resources of the AZA community and supporting field-based partners in implementing existing recovery plans through collaborative and strategic conservation and public engagement activities.
Stephen Nelson, Zoo Knoxville
Vice Program Leader: Richard Hudson, Turtle Survival Center
Red Panda
Endangered (IUCN)SAFE Red Panda plans to utilize a multi-pronged approach, involving ex situ research, effective education campaigns and fieldwork efforts, to increase awareness of and involvement in red panda conservation.
Nicki Boyd, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Sea Turtle
Vulnerable to Critically Endangered (IUCN); Threatened and Endangered (U.S. Endangered Species Act)SAFE Sea Turtle's goal is to make significant and measurable contributions to the conservation of sea turtles by utilizing the collective resources of the AZA community to secure sustainable populations of all sea turtle species, focusing efforts on two of the most critically endangered sea turtles, Kemp's ridley and Eastern Pacific leatherback.
Kelly Thorvalson, South Carolina Aquarium
Vice Program Leader: Carol Price, PhD, North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
Shark and Ray
Data deficient to critically endangered (IUCN); Some shark and ray species are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species ActSAFE Shark and Ray's goal is to enable evidence-based support for conservation action, engage action among key public and stakeholder groups, support science-based shark conservation communication, and create opportunities for partners to provide direct, impactful, and collaborative support for the conservation of this taxa.
Michael Fatzinger, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Vice Program Leader: Paul Cox, The Shark Trust
Sloth Bear
Vulnerable (IUCN)The goal of SAFE Sloth Bear is to accelerate knowledge generation and transfer about sloth bears that will support increased conservation action to stabilize declining populations through stakeholder engagement, collaboration, and public awareness.
Jared Bixby, Saint Louis Zoo
Vice Program Leader: Laura Bernstein-Kurtycz, PhD, Little Rock Zoo
Sunflower Sea Star
Critically Endangered (IUCN); Proposed Threatened (U.S. Endangered Species Act)SAFE Sunflower Sea Star will focus on the captive rearing, recovery and restoration of this species along the west coast of North America. A Sea Star Wasting Syndrome (SSWS) epidemic decimated the global sunflower star population, but SAFE program partners with echinoderm expertise have stepped forward to support aquarium-led conservation aquaculture. Photo credits: Marco Mazza
Jenifer Burney, Aquarium of the Pacific
Ben Morrow, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Tree Kangaroo of Papua New Guinea
Endangered (IUCN)SAFE Tree Kangaroo of Papua New Guinea's goal is to focus on conservation efforts for two species of tree kangaroos in the area with a focus on increasing awareness in the AZA community about this high biodiversity region and one of the largest cloud forests in the world, promote awareness of tree kangaroos and local culture, support local livelihoods including conservation coffee, and enable increased funding to be raised for conservation.
Lisa Dabek, PhD, Woodland Park Zoo
Vice Program Leader: Beth Carlyle-Askew, Woodland Park Zoo
Vaquita
Critically Endangered (IUCN); Endangered (U.S. Endangered Species Act)SAFE Vaquita's goal is to work with and for the people of the Upper Gulf of California to create sustainable fisheries and communities in support of thriving marine life populations.
James Danoff-Burg, PhD, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Vice Program Leader: David Bader, Marine Mammal Care Center
Western Pond Turtle
Vulnerable (IUCN)SAFE Western Pond Turtle's goal is to support the assessment of western pond turtle populations and their threats, engage the public, build public and combined stakeholder efforts, and support works that increase the number of turtles living in natural areas in the species range.
Program Leader: Jessie Bushell, San Francisco Zoological Society
Whooping Crane
Endangered (IUCN); Endangered (U.S. Endangered Species Act)SAFE Whooping Crane's goal is to add value towards the recovery of the species to the degree so that it is no longer listed within the Endangered Species Act's definition of endangered, but is downlisted to threatened status through targeted science-based conservation, public awareness, communication, and funding actions.
Carmen Murach, Northeastern Wisconsin (NEW) Zoo & Adventure Park
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