Dartmoor Zoo helps global animal conservation with key data

Dartmoor Zoological Society is making significant strides in global animal conservation efforts through its participation in Species360’s Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS). 

As a member of the global nonprofit Species360, the Society contributes valuable data on the care and management of over 22,000 species worldwide.

ZIMS, now celebrating its 50th anniversary, stands as the world's largest and most comprehensive database on animal species. 

Dartmoor Zoological Society has already made substantial contributions to this extensive repository, providing detailed information on more than 1,051 individual animals spanning 242 species, subspecies, and breeds.

The data collected and shared by Dartmoor Zoological Society plays a crucial role in advancing their understanding of animal welfare, disease management, and species conservation.

By integrating its data with contributions from other leading conservation institutions, ZIMS helps to refine the zoo’s knowledge of animal care and environmental needs, leading to improved disease treatments and enhanced population health.

Dartmoor Zoological Society’s CEO David Gibson commented: “We are proud to be a part of this international effort and its impact on animal welfare and wildlife conservation. As part of our commitment to conservation and animal welfare, we meticulously record data on our animal collections. This ensures our animals receive the best care and contributes to species population management and conservation. By continuing to share our knowledge and expertise, we can make even greater strides in protecting the planet’s biodiversity.”

Dartmoor Zoological Society, like other zoos, aquariums, and wildlife facilities worldwide, uses ZIMS to stay well informed about each animal and group.

For instance, Species360 Global Medical Resources, part of the ZIMS for Medical module, helps veterinarians treat and prevent diseases by providing benchmarks for normal blood test results. 

And ZIMS for Studbooks is utilised by conservation teams worldwide to ensure the genetic diversity and health of animal populations in human care. 

This is critical for reintroduction programs, where conservation institutions work to reestablish native species in their natural habitats, ensuring these populations are healthy and sustainable.