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!)
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!)
Vice Chair: Cindy Cossaboon, Denver Zoo
Megan Fox, Los Angeles Zoo
Lyn Heller, Zoo Miami
Scott Jackson, Oregon Zoo
Jane LeFave, Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park
Ronda Schwetz, Henry Vilas Zoo
Rob Shumaker, Indianapolis Zoo
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:
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, Little Rock Zoo
Genetics: Oliver Ryder, San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research
Husbandry: Cindy Cossaboon
Orangutan SAFE: Ronda Schwetz, Henry Vilas Zoo
Past Chair: Lori Perkins, Birmingham Zoo
Pathology:
Linda Lowenstine, University of California/Davis |
Rita McManamon, University of Georgia |
Sushan Han, Colorado State University |
Population Management: Jennifer Mickelberg, Zoo Atlanta
Research: Meredith Bastian, National Academy of Sciences
Social Media: Angie Selzer, Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
Veterinary Issues: Nancy Lung |
and Joe Smith, Fort Wayne Children's Zoo |
Photo copyright Atlanta Journal-Constitution