Care & Conservation - Peoria Zoo

AZA SAFE PROGRAMS

Peoria Zoo is a program partner of several AZA SAFE programs.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) program is a framework that focuses the collective expertise within accredited zoos and aquariums and leverages their massive audiences to save species.

Together AZA’s SAFE programs are saving the most vulnerable wildlife species from extinction and protecting them for future generations. The mission of SAFE is to combine the power of zoo and aquarium visitors with the resources and collective expertise of AZA members and partners to save animals from extinction.

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SSP CONSERVATION

Species Survival Plan® Programs

Species Survival Plans (SSPs) were developed by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) to manage the breeding of captive animal populations in order to maintain healthy, self-sustaining populations that are both genetically diverse and demographically stable. SSP populations could, if necessary, serve as genetic and/or demographic reservoirs in support of wild populations.

The mission of the program is to help ensure the survival of selected wildlife species into the future and to provide a link between zoo and aquarium animals and the conservation of their wild counterparts.

The AZA collaborates with more than 200 zoos throughout North America in SSP breeding conservation programs.

Peoria Zoo is proud to participate in a number of SSPs for the list of the following animals and more.

AFRICAN LION

AMUR TIGER

AFRICAN PANCAKE TORTOISE

BLACK-HANDED SPIDER MONKEY

CHINESE ALLIGATOR

COTTON-TOP TAMARIN

EASTERN BLACK-AND-WHITE

COLOBUS GREVY’S ZEBRA

GALAPAGOS TORTOISE

LAUGHING KOOKABURRA

MANDRILL

MEXICAN BEADED LIZARD

PANAMAIAN GOLDEN FROG

PREHENSILE-TAILED SKINK

SPOTTED TURTLE

RED-NECKED WALLABY

RED RIVER HOG

RING-TAILED LEMUR

RETICULATED GIRAFFE

SICHUAN TAKIN

SOUTHERN THREE-BANDED ARMADILLO

SOUTHERN WHITE RHINOCEROS

THOMSON’S GAZELLE

A LIFETIME OF CARE

At Peoria Zoo, caring for our animals is a lifelong commitment. As some of our animals reach their senior years, their needs change–and so does the way our animal care and veterinary teams support them.

Like people, aging animals may experience changes in mobility, appetite, vision, activity levels, or other aspects of their health. Our keepers know the animals in their care incredibly well and monitor them every day for subtle changes in behavior and well-being. Working alongside our veterinary team, we can adjust care to meet the needs of each individual animal.

One wonderful example is Lizzy, our African lion, who turns 20 this year. Reaching this age is a remarkable milestone for a lion, and caring for an elderly animal like Lizzy requires close attention from her keepers and veterinary team. Her activity, appetite, mobility, and behavior are carefully monitored so we can respond as her needs change. Adjustments to her environment, diet, enrichment, or medical care can all help keep her comfortable and engaged.

As an AZA-accredited zoo, Peoria Zoo is committed to providing excellent care throughout every stage of an animal’s life. For senior animals, the goal is not simply a long life, but a life in which their individual needs and quality of life remain at the center of every decision.

Lizzy has been part of the Peoria Zoo family for many years, and caring for her in her golden years is both a privilege and a responsibility. It represents the promise we make to every animal in our care—from their first day with us through every stage of their lives.