Role of a modern zoo

Zoos have undergone dramatic changes in recent years.

Their aims and objectives, as well as the way animals are kept in captivity, have changed greatly.

Nearly all animals are threatened, to some degree, as human population continues to grow.

Many wild habitats are being destroyed or cleared to make room for population growth.

And, when habitats start to disappear, animals also begin to decline in numbers.

Conservation work

Zoos are now seen as safe places where many species which are under threat can be preserved and maintained.

They play a vital role in conservation work by taking part in breeding programmes that aim to boost the numbers of endangered animals.

Belfast Zoo currently takes part in 90 breeding programmes.

Each programme is run by a species co-ordinator from a zoo around the world and is supported by experts from other zoos.

The breeding programmes for the François langur, the black and white colobus monkey and the marbled polecat are co-ordinated by Belfast Zoo.

Find out about our role in breeding programmes