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


Population Management: Jennifer Mickelberg, Zoo Atlanta

Research: Meredith Bastian, National Academy of Sciences

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