Responsibilities of a modern zoo
Species conservation
Species conservation concerns us all! Habitats are disappearing faster and faster and are being irretrievably destroyed. As a result, many animal and plant species are losing their basis for existence and are in danger of disappearing from the face of the earth. Duisburg Zoo is actively involved in the conservation of biological diversity as part of European and globally-networked breeding programmes. We participate globally in over 60 conservation breeding programmes in the zoo world. From Duisburg, our biologists coordinate the conservation breeding of Madagascan fossas, wombats, koalas and the western black-and-white colobus.
Education
In societies that are moving further and further away from nature, the educational mission of zoological gardens is becoming increasingly important. Here, different animal species can be discovered in enclosures that are modelled on their original habitats. In addition to observing the animals, descriptive information boards and interactive learning elements convey knowledge about biological diversity in a playful way. Particularly children learn with all their senses, not only about the diverse world of animals, but also about the threats animals face in their original habitats. It is not without reason that zoological gardens with their zoo schools are regarded as important extra-curricular places of learning.
Research
In zoological gardens, important findings are collected for numerous studies and projects and made available to the professional world in the form of publications. These augment basic knowledge about numerous animal species and thus provide the basis for species conservationists worldwide. Zoological gardens are thus proven to be important places for gaining enduring knowledge. The focus of research is varied. Reproductive biology, behavioural biology and veterinary medicine are just a few examples of the diverse topics that are researched in zoos.
Recreation
Zoological gardens are important oases, much-appreciated by the visitors. The zoo welcomes people of all backgrounds and ages who are all able to enjoy carefree hours in exotic surroundings during their visit. During a walk through the zoo, they can leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind and gather strength for any challenges they are confronted with daily. Therefore, in the urban landscape, zoological gardens play the important role of a "green lung" for the inhabitants of the surrounding cities.