The AZA Population Management Center (PMC), located at and hosted by the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, IL, is responsible for conducting the genetic and demographic analyses needed to develop and distribute population management recommendations for all Species Survival Plans® (SSP).
AZA-accredited Zoos and Aquariums, Certified Related Facilities, and Sustainability Partners work cooperatively to ensure the health of zoo and aquarium populations and the well-being of individuals within these populations. These plans help SSP species meet conservation and education objectives and guarantee that populations do not grow beyond our ability to care for them.
Services
PMC staff, including Population Biologists, Planning Coordinator and Research Assistant, assist each SSP program in the development of their population management plans by making sure the data are accurate, determining the current population status, predicting the future population status, identifying specific breeding recommendations, and distributing the plan to all participating institutions. In addition, the PMC contributes valuable information for AZA Animal Care Manuals and Regional Collection Plans.
Planning Preparation
AZA's nearly 500 actively managed Animal Programs are scheduled by the PMC and Adjunct Advisors. Visit the PMCTrack website to see what Programs PMC population biologists are currently planning. If you are a new Program Leader or are a Program Leader for a new SSP, contact the PMC to schedule your planning meeting.
To schedule a planning appointment with the PMC:
Contact Planning Coordinator Kendra Strohmayer at pmc@lpzoo.org.
To speak with a population biologist about your program:
Contact PMC Director Kristine Schad Eebes or pmc@lpzoo.org.
When preparing for a planning session, Program Leaders should follow the guidelines described in the following documents: