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!)
Vice Chair: Cindy Cossaboon, Denver Zoo
Secretary: Lynn Yakubinis, Zoo Atlanta
Megan Fox, Los Angeles Zoo
Scott Jackson, Oregon Zoo
Jane LeFave, Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park
Ronda Schwetz, Henry Vilas Zoo
Rob Shumaker, Indianapolis 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:
Behavior Consultant: Carol Sodaro
Education: Brian Kutsch
Genetics: Oliver Ryder, San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research
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Michelle Shaw Taronga Conservation Society |
Orangutan SAFE: Ronda Schwetz, Henry Vilas Zoo
Pathology:
Linda Lowenstine, University of California/Davis |
Rita McManamon, University of Georgia |
Sushan Han, Colorado State University |
Population Management: Jennifer Mickelberg, Zoo Atlanta
Social Media: Angie Selzer, Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
Veterinary:
Nancy Lung, VMD |
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Photo copyright Atlanta Journal-Constitution