National and International Projects
Since its inception, The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has placed a great emphasis on the conservation of biodiversity and the contribution that scientific research must make. The living collections at Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park reflect the ever-increasing need to maintain assurance populations of threatened species across zoos in the UK, Europe and worldwide.
RZSS has undertaken several important research and conservation projects within Scotland and internationally. Browse through these sections to find out more about our work in the field and within our facilities to manage and conserve many threatened species and their habitats.
Conservation Strategy
In 2007, RZSS launched its second Conservation and Research Strategy (1.97Mb PDF). The Strategy builds on the scientific research that has been conducted for many years, the successful conservation breeding programmes to which our living collections contribute, and the role that RZSS plays in the conservation of species and habitats in the wild.
In 2005, the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (WAZA) launched the World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy.
The WAZA's Strategy “provides a common philosophy for zoos and aquariums across the globe and defines the standards and policies that are necessary to achieve their goals in conservation."
The WAZA's Strategy capitalizes on the collective strengths of the world's zoos in Conservation, Research, and Education. The RZSS Education Programme at Edinburgh Zoo incorporates these strategies.
Download the WAZA's Strategy document, "Understanding Animals and Protecting Them" (1.78 MB PDF).
Partners in Conservation
RZSS works in partnership with a wide diversity of organisations, both within the UK and throughout the world, bringing specialists together to address wildlife issues and to find conservation solutions. We work with leading scientists from many of the Universities in Scotland and provide a learning environment for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Prospective Researchers and Students
For prospective students, please read the guidelines on the BIAZA Research pages before contacting RZSS. If you have a research proposal to submit to RZSS, please see our animal research request guidelines.
You Can Help
If you would like to support the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's research and conservation programmes, please consider donating. Your donation will help the RZSS to take direct and effective action to help endangered species world-wide.