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 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!)
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​  Program Coordinator: Angie Selzer, Fort Wayne Zoo

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Vice Coordinator: Lynn Yakubinis, Zoo Atlanta

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Treasurer: Erin Jones, Utah's Hogle Zoo

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​ Secretary: Scott Jackson, Oregon Zoo

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Stephanie Crowson, Fort Worth Zoo

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​Megan Fox
, Los Angeles Zoo

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     Jackie Hensley, Phoenix Zoo

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    Jill Katka, Louisville Zoo

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​

Jane LeFave,
Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park

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Devin Turner, Sedgwick County Zoo

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Sarah Shearer, Fresno Chaffee 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:
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​    Conference Advisory Chair:  Emily Ellison, Cameron Park Zoo

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​Education
: Emily Bowling, ​Saint Louis Zoo

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

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International Studbook Keeper: Megan Elder, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Husbandry Advisory Team:
Stephanie Crowson
Scott Jackson
Erin Jones
Jill Katka
Jane LeFave
Mike Marazzi
Angie Selzer
Sarah Shearer
Erin Stromberg

Devin Turner
Lynn Yakubinis
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Nutrition: 

​Adam Reppert, ​Fort Worth Zoo
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​Katrina Eschweiler, Fresno Chaffee 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: John Andrews, ​MS

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​  ​Research: Meredith Bastian, ​National Academy of Sciences

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​Social Media: Chelsea Massaroni & Keith von Stein                       Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
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       Special Projects: Lyn Heller, Virginia Living Museum

Veterinary:
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Nancy Lung, VMD

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​  Melissa Fayette, DVM
  Indianapolis Zoo

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Joe Smith, DVM
​The WILDS

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  Kami Alvarado, DVM
 
​ Fort Wayne Zoo


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Photo copyright Atlanta Journal-Constitution
(C) Copyright Orangutan SSP 2019-2024
  • Home
  • About the SSP
    • Who We Are
    • Member Zoos
    • Husbandry
    • Research
    • Grant Funding
    • Education
  • Orangutan Facts
    • Conservation
    • Taxonomy
    • Orang vs. Orang Utan
    • Non-Human Faces
    • Stories About Orangutans >
      • OCW 2020 - Nineteen Stories About Orangutans
      • OCW 2021 - Thirteen Stories about Orangutans
      • OCW 2022 - Twelve Stories about Orangutans
  • Issues
    • How You Can Help
    • Habitat Loss >
      • Palm Oil
    • Entertainment Industry
    • Pet Trade
    • Social Media
  • Professional Resources
    • Great Ape Heart Project
    • Members Only
  • Conferences
    • 2025 Conference
  • Contact