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How wildlife trafficking affects turtle and tortoise populations in North America.
It’s a familiar story: flames rage through Southern California landscapes. Do these burns benefit ecosystems, or do they damage habitats and reduce biodiversity?
We’re doing the impossible. Or at least, what was once considered impossible.
Helping Mojave Desert Tortoises Survive in a Rapidly Changing World
It takes quick action and collaboration to care for wildlife in crisis. We're uniquely qualified to help.
SAN DIEGO (May 17, 2024) – On the morning of April 12, 2024, the San Diego Zoo's Wildlife Care team was greeted with an exciting development. Meili (pronounced may-lee), an endangered François' langur under pregnancy observation for several months, gave birth to a vibrant orange infant overnight. This marks the Zoo's first François' langur birth since 2019, introducing a critical new member to the dwindling species population.
There’s an important part of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park that most guests never see.
Explore a few tales of conservation triumphs that bring hope for wildlife.
SAN DIEGO, PALM DESERT, Calif. (April 15, 2024) – Seventy critically endangered Mojave desert tortoises have successfully emerged from their winter burrows after being reintroduced into their native habitat on Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, the global authority on desert plant and wildlife conservation, are working in partnership with Edwards Air Force Base, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey, using headstarting techniques designed to increase the survival rate for young tortoises. The cohort of young tortoises was the first in the program to be reintroduced into the wild after receiving a combination of an indoor- and outdoor-rearing. Within 24 hours of reentering their native habitat, the tortoises were exhibiting positive natural behaviors by constructing new burrows or modifying existing burrows for shelter. Now, six months later, they have emerged after winter brumation—a state of deep sleep specific to reptiles—and are spending more time basking at burrow entrances. Scientists are currently conducting health assessments and replacing radio transmitters on the tortoises to continue monitoring their success and better understand the juvenile age class.