New Fort Worth Zoo Exhibit

The mission of the Fort Worth Zoo is to strengthen the bond between humans and the environment by promoting responsible stewardship of wildlife and ensuring diverse, high-quality educational and entertaining family experiences through effective and efficient management of its resources.

The foundation of this mission statement is based on three cornerstone principles:

Fort Worth Zoo Conservation Highlights

More than 14 animal management directors, curators, nutritionists and veterinarians at the Fort Worth Zoo actively participate in conservation research projects.

The Fort Worth Zoo has a proven commitment to wildlife conservation in Texas and worldwide. The Zoo supports projects in 29 countries and promotes conservation efforts for a variety of species ranging from elephants and rhinos to iguanas and toads. The Zoo has played a key role in implementing successful conservation programs such as the restoration of endangered West Indian rock iguana populations in the Caribbean and the repatriation of bongo to Mount Kenya in Africa.

The Fort Worth Zoo currently holds 41 Species Survival Program species. Zoo staff members serve as Species Coordinators for three of these national conservation programs: Puerto Rican Crested Toad, Bongo and Rock Iguana. In addition, Zoo staff members serve as nutrition and veterinary advisors to numerous SSPs.

In 2007, the Fort Worth Zoo was awarded the International Conservation Award by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) for outstanding work with Asian turtle species through our partnership with the Turtle Survival Alliance. The Zoo, along with partner institutions, was also honored with the 2007 AZA North American Conservation Award for participation in the Red Wolf Recovery Program. In 2004, the Zoo received the AZA North American Conservation Award for work with the Puerto Rican crested toad, which highlighted the efforts of several zoos that partnered to reintroduce captive bred toads into their native habitat. In 2000, the Zoo, in cooperation with additional zoos, was awarded the AZA International Conservation Award for outstanding efforts benefiting the highly endangered Jamaican iguana.

The Fort Worth Zoo administers the Arthur A. Seeligson, Jr. Conservation Fund. The Seeligson Conservation Fund supports the conservation of native Texas wildlife through grant awards to scientists, educators, and organizations committed to conserving the biodiversity of Texas. In 2009, the Seeligson Conservation Fund awarded grants to two outstanding conservation projects in Texas, including assessment of ornate box turtle population genetics as a proactive conservation approach and effects of introduced grasses on native Texas grassland birds.

Fort Worth Zoo staff members currently hold more than 30 national leadership positions within the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.