Research at the Indianapolis Zoo
 As
a zoo accredited by the
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the
Indianapolis Zoo is committed to scientific research, both basic
and applied, that is a trademark of the modern zoological park
and aquarium. AZA-accredited-zoos and aquariums have the
invaluable opportunity to conduct or facilitate research both in
in-situ (in the wild) and ex-situ (outside of the wild) settings
to advance scientific knowledge of the animals in our care and
enhance the conservation of wild populations. Research
investigations have a clear scientific purpose with the
expectation that they will increase our understanding of the
species being investigated and may provide results that benefit
the health or welfare of animals in wild populations. We
also participate in research that increases our understanding of
how audiences relate to nature in order to develop and implement
robust programs that advance our animal conservation mission.
AZA accredited zoos and aquariums conduct extensive research,
such as studies about a species biology, physiology, or sensory
systems, within their institutions. These types of ex situ
studies would be difficult if not impossible to conduct with
free ranging animals and the information gained from them has
direct applications to species conservation. The Indianapolis
Zoo participates on multiple levels in these types of studies
and publishes the results so scientists throughout the world may
benefit from the knowledge.
In addition, professional Zoo staff are involved with various
groups within the national AZA organization that facilitate the
management, care, research, and conservation of animal species.
These collaborative groups are composed of experts from
throughout accredited zoos.
 Specifically,
Zoo staff are involved in the following AZA Programs:
As Institutional Representatives on the Animal Welfare
Committee, Avian Scientific Advisory Group, Avian Interest
Group, and Behavior Advisory Group, and as the Taxon Advisory
Group Steering Committee Member for the Wildlife Conservation
and Management Committee (WCMC). Photo by Mark Kaser
Learn more:
Species
Survival Plans (SSPs)
Taxon
Advisory Groups (TAGs)
Studbooks
Published Research
Conservation at the Indianapolis Zoo
Photo by Don Reynolds Imaging
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