Lincoln Park Zoo

What is Reintroduction?
Reintroduction involves the release of captive individuals into an area which was once part of that species’ historical range, but from which it has been extirpated or extinct.

Translocation is similar to reintroduction in that it involves the release of individuals into a part of the species’ historical range. However, instead of captive individuals, translocation refers to the relocation of wild-caught individuals from another area.

The primary goal of species reintroductions is to reestablish a species in an area where it has lived historically, but has since become locally extinct. With more species declining due to human influences, reintroduction will play a more vital role in conservation efforts. One way to observe the status of a reintroduction attempt is to look for the establishment of a sustainable population of a species in an area where it had previously been extirpated.

Zoos play a crucial role in many reintroduction efforts.  While wild populations may be declining or non-existent, zoos can maintain stable, carefully managed captive populations. These zoo populations can provide individuals for release into the wild. 

Reintroduction programs also benefit from zoos’ experience in captive breeding. Successful breeding in captivity is essential to provide individuals for future reintroductions into the wild. The knowledge and expertise of zoo employees ensures the likelihood of having a stable, genetically diverse population that will not only exist into the future, but also will be capable of increasing in population size to provide animals for release. 

Reintroduction Programs at Lincoln Park Zoo
In its commitment to conservation, Lincoln Park Zoo is involved in reintroduction efforts.  From the creation of an avian database documenting past reintroductions to coordinating SSP programs with reintroductions, to direct involvement with the reintroduction of various species, Lincoln Park Zoo uses its expertise and resources to aid conservation efforts through reintroduction.

Avian Reintroduction Database
Reintroduction is a powerful conservation tool in the restoration of endangered species.  In partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the zoo has developed a database on avian reintroduction and translocation programs that can help guide the design of future reintroductions, characterize past reintroduction practices, and compare and contrast procedures across programs.  For reintroduction theory and practice to progress, it is essential that the design of future reintroductions be based on rigorous review of methods, results and lessons from the past.  The Avian Reintroduction Database was recently featured by National Geographic Today News in an article titled “New Avian Database to Help in Bird Species Survival.”  The story can be found here.

Species Reintroduction programs at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo participates in reintroduction programs in several capacities.  AZA’s PMC (AZA Population Management Center) based at Lincoln Park Zoo acts as advisor for reintroduction programs.  Through both selection of breeding pairs within the captive population and selection of individuals that should be targeted for release, the PMC ensures that institutions will be able to maintain genetically diverse populations while releasing individuals into the wild. Lincoln Park Zoo staff also coordinates and advises SSP programs that have reintroduction components.