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Orangutan SSP
Connect with us!
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.


The current Orangutan SSP Steering Committee elected membership is: 
(visit the links to see SC members' Facebook profiles!)
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Chair and International Studbook Keeper: Megan Elder, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

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Vice Chair: Cindy Cossaboon, Denver Zoo

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Secretary: Dina Bredahl, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

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Treasurer: Erin Jones, Utah's Hogle Zoo

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​Megan Fox
, Los Angeles Zoo

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Lyn Heller, Zoo Miami

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​ Scott Jackson, Oregon Zoo

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Jane LeFave,
Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park

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Ronda Schwetz, Henry Vilas Zoo

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Rob Shumaker, Indianapolis Zoo

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Lynn Yakubinis, Zoo Atlanta


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:
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Behavior Consultant:
 Carol Sodaro

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​Education:  Brian Kutsch, Little Rock Zoo

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​Genetics
:  Oliver Ryder, San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research

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Husbandry:  Cindy Cossaboon

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Nutrition:  Debra Schmidt, Saint Louis Zoo

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​Orangutan SAFE
:  Ronda Schwetz, Henry Vilas Zoo

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​Past Chair: Lori Perkins, Birmingham Zoo

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Pathology:

​Linda Lowenstine, University of California/Davis 

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​​Rita McManamon, University of Georgia

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Sushan 
Han,
Colorado State University

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Population Management: Jennifer Mickelberg, Zoo Atlanta

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​Research:
Meredith Bastian, ​National Academy of Sciences

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​ Social Media: Angie Selzer, Fort Wayne Children's Zoo

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Veterinary Issues: Nancy Lung

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and Joe Smith, Fort Wayne Children's Zoo


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Photo copyright Atlanta Journal-Constitution
(C) Copyright Orangutan SSP 2019-2024