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About the Ape TAG
What is a TAG?
A Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) facilitates discussions of critical issues that apply to entire groups (taxa) of related species. These issues range from animal husbandry to ethical issues and everything in between. TAGs assist the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in management, conservation and research issues including the selection of species for conservation programs, the development of regional collection plans, and establishing priorities for exhibition. TAGs are also involved with examining animal management techniques based on scientific studies and assisting SSP (Species Survival Plan) coordinators in developing animal care guidelines.
What is an SSP?
An SSP (Species Survival Plan) is a cooperative population management and conservation program for selected species in zoos and aquariums in North America. Each SSP manages the breeding of a species in order to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable.
Bonobo SSP
The Bonobo Species Survival Plan (SSP) contributes to bonobo conservation through
research, public education, and field projects. All institutions housing bonobos
in North America are members of the Bonobo SSP. The SSP works in collaboration with
the Bonobo European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). Currently, the SSP and EEP
are developing a joint plan that provides breeding and management recommendations
for zoos. Together, the two management groups also published a husbandry manual
entitled The Care and Management of Bonobos in Captive Environments. To learn more,
visit the Bonobo SSP website at:
www.zoosociety.org/Conservation/Bonobo/SSP.php
Chimpanzee SSP
The Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan (SSP) serves 37 zoos across the United States
to help guide the management of the chimpanzee population. The five major goals
of the Chimpanzee SSP are:
- Ensuring the genetic and demographic health of the captive populatione chimpanzees
- Engaging in research to help learn more about chimpanzees and their care
- Educating the public about critical chimp issues
- Partnering with other organizations that seek to improve the lives of wild and captive chimpanzees To learn more, visit the Chimpanzee SSP website at: www.chimp-ssp.org/
Gorilla SSP
The Gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP) guides the management of over 360 gorillas
in 52 zoos across the United States. Although the SSP’s primary roles are
population management and promoting optimal care in zoos, the members are also committed
to addressing critical issues facing apes. Critically endangered in their native
Africa, gorilla populations are perilously low due to several factors including
deforestation, disease and the bushmeat crisis. The SSP supports in situ activities
that address these issues. To learn more, visit the Gorilla SSP website at:
www.gorillassp.org
Gibbon SSP
The Gibbon Species Survival Plan (SSP) provides oversight for all gibbons residing
in AZA zoos. SSP members advise zoos on nutrition, veterinary care, husbandry, and
breeding plans. Maternal-infant care is also of special interest to the SSP team.
Three gibbon species are currently managed by the SSP: white-handed gibbon, white-cheeked
gibbon, and siamang. To learn more, visit the Gibbon SSP website at:
www.brookfieldzoo.org/pgpages/pagegen.260.aspx
Orangutan SSP
The Orangutan Species Survival Plan (SSP) guides the management of orangutans living
in North American zoos. The SSP plans the strategic captive breeding for both Sumatran
and Bornean species of orangutans and oversees many health, behavioral and in-situ
studies. Involvement in these studies helps the SSP and zoos understand the needs
of orangutans in captivity and wild populations. The SSP also supports the Orangutan
Conservancy’s conservation efforts and works to build interest in orangutans
by providing zoos with curriculum and materials for school programs.
What is the Ape TAG?
The AZA Ape TAG was formed in 1993 as the Great Ape TAG and incorporated the gibbon SSP in 1997. The TAG promotes communication and coordinated conservation action among the Ape SSPs. The primary mission of the Ape TAG is to coordinate and facilitate the captive management of apes and support in-situ conservation and education. The primary long term goals of the Ape TAG are detailed in the TAG’s Strategic Plan, and include the following areas: genetic and demographic management, conservation, education, research, husbandry and well-being, coordination with zoos outside North America and ape collections not involved in the SSPs.
Ape TAG Subcommittee Overviews
The ultimate goal of any zoological institution is to support the viability of wildlife and wild places. Much of this work revolves around captive population management and education, but a growing component of AZA accredited zoos are involved with in situ conservation. "In situ" refers to projects that take place in, or focus on, an animal’s wild population and/or habitat. This committee works to survey the in situ ape projects supported by AZA institutions, and help to bolster the mechanisms (financial or otherwise) by which they administer this support.
The knowledge base and success rates of captive reproduction in ape species have greatly increased over the last several decades. While mother-rearing of young is always preferable, in some cases the offspring is rejected by the mother and the animal care staff must step in to assist. This committee facilitates the resource and information sharing around the birthing and rearing of apes.
Although much is learned about various ape species through observations of natural behavior in the wild, there is also tremendous knowledge gained from the study of apes in captivity. In a controlled setting such as a zoo, we are able to get much closer to the animals and observe their behavior, health, and physiology in a more consistent manner. The research looks into areas as diverse as social dynamics and cognition to endocrinology and disease processes. The Research Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving research proposals and facilitates sharing of research techniques and findings.
- Education: Chris Kuhar, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
The Education Committee disseminates information about apes to a variety of audiences, from the zoo professional to the lay person. Creation and maintenance of a dynamic, informative, and user-friendly website is the current focus of this group. Ultimately, we aim to develop key messaging points for ape conservation that may be incorporated into programming and interpretives across member institutions as well as educational curricula and activities.
Just as autopsies provide doctors with invaluable information to advance the human medicine, necropsies (animal autopsies) provide veterinarians and researchers with knowledge about the physiology of animals. The Biomaterials Committee provides structure to the important work of studying and "banking" biological materials from apes.
Dwight Scott, Oklahoma City Zoological Park
Lisa New, Knoxville Zoo
Connie Phillip, Nashville Zoo
Scott Carter, Detroit Zoo
This committee is broken down into three main areas of focus:
- Standardized Guidelines:
Every animal care professional develops husbandry techniques that appear to create a healthy and comfortable environment for their animals. By surveying all these practices and creating standardized guidelines for the management of apes in a captive setting, we can help to ensure that apes in all zoological settings receive the best care possible.
- Entertainment: Steve Thompson, Lincoln Park Zoo
Tracy Williams, Jacksonville Zoo
This subcommittee is responsible for reviewing the current use of apes in entertainment and assessing the messages that are associated with such practices. The subcommittee works with AZA facilities to ensure they consider the ways in which their apes are portrayed for purposes of advertising, fundraising, etc.
- Training: Barbara Weber, Disney's Animal Kingdom
Tracy Williams, Jacksonville Zoo
Animal keepers create trusting relationships with the animals in their care through operant conditioning and positive reinforcement. These relationships allow animal keepers to train apes to participate in their care. Training an ape, for example, to present parts of its body for inspection precludes the need to anesthetize the animal for a simple exam. The Training Committee creates resource materials and symposiums geared toward sharing tools and best practices for training apes.
© 2009 Ape TAG®