Who We Are
The mission of an AZA Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program is to cooperatively manage specific, and typically threatened or endangered, species populations within AZA-accredited institutions.
There are currently more than 500 SSP Programs. Each is responsible for developing a comprehensive population Studbook and a Breeding and Transfer Plan that identifies population management goals and recommendations to ensure the sustainability of a healthy, genetically diverse, and demographically stable population. Members of the SSP Steering Committee are elected by representatives from each institution that houses the species.
The Steering Committee
SSPs are allowed to create their own, most appropriate management structure. The core of the SSP is made up of Institutional Representatives (IRs) from each zoo holding orangutans. These IRs report the status of their orangutans to an elected steering committee made up of a chair, vice-chair, secretary, and several other elected members. The Steering Committee members are elected for a three year term from among the IRs through a publicly disclosed, democratic process allowing one vote from each participating institution. This team meets at least once a year, with input from all SSP zoos, to develop a management plan every 1-2 years. We are tasked with husbandry and behavioral assistance, birth management planning, exhibit design, research, and advocacy for orangutans year-round.
The current Orangutan SSP Steering Committee elected membership is:
(visit the links to see SC members' profiles!)
There are currently more than 500 SSP Programs. Each is responsible for developing a comprehensive population Studbook and a Breeding and Transfer Plan that identifies population management goals and recommendations to ensure the sustainability of a healthy, genetically diverse, and demographically stable population. Members of the SSP Steering Committee are elected by representatives from each institution that houses the species.
The Steering Committee
SSPs are allowed to create their own, most appropriate management structure. The core of the SSP is made up of Institutional Representatives (IRs) from each zoo holding orangutans. These IRs report the status of their orangutans to an elected steering committee made up of a chair, vice-chair, secretary, and several other elected members. The Steering Committee members are elected for a three year term from among the IRs through a publicly disclosed, democratic process allowing one vote from each participating institution. This team meets at least once a year, with input from all SSP zoos, to develop a management plan every 1-2 years. We are tasked with husbandry and behavioral assistance, birth management planning, exhibit design, research, and advocacy for orangutans year-round.
The current Orangutan SSP Steering Committee elected membership is:
(visit the links to see SC members' profiles!)
Program Coordinator: Angie Selzer, Fort Wayne Zoo
Vice Coordinator: Lynn Yakubinis, Zoo Atlanta
Secretary: Scott Jackson, Oregon Zoo
Stephanie Crowson, Fort Worth Zoo
Megan Fox, Los Angeles Zoo
Jackie Hensley, Phoenix Zoo
Jill Katka, Louisville Zoo
Jane LeFave, Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park
Devin Turner, Sedgwick County Zoo
Sarah Shearer, Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Advisors
SSPs may appoint any number of non-voting advisory members to support the work of the SSP.
The Orangutan SSP’s current advisors are:
SSPs may appoint any number of non-voting advisory members to support the work of the SSP.
The Orangutan SSP’s current advisors are:
Conference Advisory Chair: Emily Ellison, Cameron Park Zoo
Education: Emily Bowling, Saint Louis Zoo
Genetics:
Oliver Ryder, San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research
Husbandry Advisory Team:
Stephanie Crowson
Scott Jackson
Erin Jones
Jill Katka
Jane LeFave
Mike Marazzi
Angie Selzer
Sarah Shearer
Erin Stromberg
Devin Turner
Lynn Yakubinis
Stephanie Crowson
Scott Jackson
Erin Jones
Jill Katka
Jane LeFave
Mike Marazzi
Angie Selzer
Sarah Shearer
Erin Stromberg
Devin Turner
Lynn Yakubinis
Nutrition: Adam Reppert, Fort Worth Zoo |
Katrina Eschweiler, Fresno Chaffee Zoo |
Pathology: Linda Lowenstine, University of California/Davis |
Rita McManamon, University of Georgia |
Sushan Han, Colorado State University |
Population Management: John Andrews, MS
|
Social Media: Chelsea Massaroni & Keith von Stein Columbus Zoo & Aquarium |
Special Projects: Lyn Heller, Virginia Living Museum
Veterinary:
Nancy Lung, VMD 
Melissa Fayette, DVM Indianapolis Zoo |
Kami Alvarado, DVM Fort Wayne Zoo |
Photo copyright Atlanta Journal-Constitution