With many animals going extinct plans have been put in place to try and save their species. One of these plans is the Dubin Zoo breeding plan. Here they have over 35 species from various zoos being matched up in the hopes of successfully playing cupid. The animals are matched as most suitable and most likely to bring a healthy baby, or babies, into the world.
Breeding for Survival
Zoos are not always seen as the kindest places for animals and I say that that is completely fair. Having a wild animal caged up and having people pay to gaze upon them isn’t right. However, some zoos act more as sanctuaries, taking in animals for their safety or to help their species survive. An increasing amount of today’s zoos have turned to the good side, giving a helping hand by doing their best to save various species through breeding plans. They go Tinder-style and match up the strongest males and females of the same species in hopes of helping their kind to survive.
The Arrival of Kushanu
In March of 2024, Dublin Zoo declared the arrival of a new family member. Kushanu the lion was moved from Edinburgh Zoo, to join the breeding plan in process. This 5-year-old was set to match up with a 9-year-old female. These Asian lions have connected well, providing hope for new healthy cubs.
Facing a Fragile Future
With between 600 and 700 of these beauties left in the wild, they are becoming an endangered species. It seems like a lot, but sadly, in this context, that is not a high number. The European Endangered Species Programme is set up to save animals from extinction through safe breeding. Dublin Zoo has grown a partnership with this program with the Asian lion being 1 of 35 species. EEP has ongoing breeding programs, with various zoos, for over 400 species. I can’t even name 400 species!
The Threat is Real
Found only in a small forest in Gujarat, India, this lion species is highly endangered. Living in such a small and specific area they face a strong threat of extinction, if this area is demolished, so are they. 3 important railways pass the nature reserve, along with temples within it, and the pride faces a disturbance that can lead to them entering a state of stress and panic. However, conversionists are working on ways to avoid this stress and bring peace to these beautiful creatures. The danger of wildfires can be unpredictable, but the presence of poachers is being fought against with many countries increasing security to try and save various species.
Hope On The Horizon
Now listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, more and more effort has been put into saving this species from extinction. Their home is now protected and breeding programs have been established in India and the UK. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has a specific conservation initiative working to fight for the survival of this species.
Nature’s Forgotten Families
When someone mentions extinct animals, many of us think of dinosaurs and dodos. These are only a few of the animals that we can no longer see. Counting from 1500 scientists have seen the extinction of around 881 species. If that many have vanished in such a short period how many could it have been since the beginning of time? Will we ever know the real number? Every day more animals are red-listed as endangered, even with programs set in place to save as many as possible. Recently, we have become increasingly aware of this threat and have put more effort into changing this. Animals hold a vital part in the environment, losing them would not only devastate us but the entire ecosystem.
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