Why do zoos breed animals?

Captive-breeding programs breed endangered species in zoos and other facilities to build a healthy population of the animals. Species-survival plans coordinate with zoos around the world to bring species together for breeding that ensures genetic diversity.



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Inbreeding is a common practice in captivity due to the small populations of certain species, and this inbreeding reduces the chances of survival of the offspring because it results in unhealthy genetic mutations and a lack of healthy genetic diversity.

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Zoos engage in research, preserve biodiversity (genetic and species) that may be threatened or at times even extinct in the wild, and they provide much needed funding for research and conservation projects across the world.

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Zoo animals with proper care and enrichment, for example, have similar hormone profiles, live longer, eat better, and are healthier than their wild counterparts. Why? Because life in the wild is hard. In captivity, it's easy.

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