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Orangutan SSP
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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 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: Lori Perkins, Birmingham Zoo

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Vice Chair and International Studbook Keeper: Megan Elder, Como Zoo & Conservatory

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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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Cindy Cossaboon, Denver 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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Education:  Brian Kutsch, Little Rock Zoo

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Field Issues:  Ronda Schwetz, Henry Vilas Zoo

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

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Husbandry:  Carol Sodaro

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Nutrition:  Debra Schmidt, Saint Louis 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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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
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