San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

The biodiversity crisis is accelerating. Together, we can change the trajectory. 🧬 San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance hosted a press conference at the IUCN World Conservation Congress to announce milestone progress in our global biobanking initiative. With pilot sites in Kenya, Vietnam, Hawai‘i, and Peru, we are working to equip conservationists worldwide with the tools, knowledge, and infrastructure needed to preserve biodiversity. This initiative is a call to action: to biobank every endangered species by 2075. Collaboration and innovation are more critical than ever, and by building a global network of biobanks, we can safeguard the genetic material of species at risk and create a foundation for their recovery. We are proud to stand alongside global conservation leaders and partners in this effort, and we remain committed to advancing solutions that protect wildlife, ecosystems, and the future of our planet.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has officially arrived at the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi 🌎 This extraordinary gathering unites global visionaries and conservation champions to address the most urgent environmental challenges of our time. As the longest-serving IUCN member among zoos, we are honored to bring our expertise and commitment to this influential forum. Over the coming days, we will showcase the transformative potential of biodiversity biobanking and the Frozen Zoo®, sponsor a nature-based education Pavilion, and contribute to shaping strategies that will guide conservation efforts worldwide. Moments like this underscore the importance of collaboration and the collective effort required to protect the natural world. We are inspired by the opportunity to contribute to global solutions and to represent the incredible work of our teams and partners on this international stage. More to come!

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall, a true pioneer in wildlife conservation and a cherished friend of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Dr. Goodall’s lifelong commitment to wildlife conservation and education has inspired countless individuals around the world. In 1974, we had the immense honor of presenting her with the Gold Medal of Conservation from the San Diego Zoological Society, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to understanding and protecting wildlife. More recently, in 2022, Dr. Goodall joined us on the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance podcast, where she shared her wisdom, insights, and a powerful reminder of the importance of individual action and collective efforts to protect our planet. On behalf of the entire San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Goodall’s loved ones and the global community of conservationists who mourn her loss. She will be profoundly missed, and here at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we will continue to honor her lasting legacy.

Celebrating a very cool conservation milestone 🧊 Last week, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance was honored to host the Frozen Zoo® 50th Anniversary Symposium, an incredible gathering of global leaders in biobanking and conservation. Over two days, experts from around the world reflected on five decades of safeguarding the genetic diversity of wildlife and envisioned the future of species recovery through biobanking. From groundbreaking discussions to inspiring insights, the event was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we collaborate, innovate, and remain steadfast in our commitment to biodiversity. Together, we celebrated the legacy of the Frozen Zoo® while charting a bold path forward for conservation. Our deepest gratitude to the visionary speakers, dedicated partners and passionate participants who made this symposium an extraordinary success. #frozenzoo50 #savingspecies #sdzwa

Protecting local wildlife, one step at a time 🦌 California is a biodiversity hotspot, rich in unique species but under threat. As we celebrate California Biodiversity Day, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance continues our commitment to protecting Southwest wildlife through our Southwest Conservation Hub, from wildlife rescues to managing 1,000 acres of protected habitat right next to the Safari Park. #californiabiodiversityday #sdwza #savingspecies

Help us bring the Alliance to Austin 🤠 San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance submitted two panel topics to the 2026 SXSW Conference and we need your help bringing them to life. Join us as we work to raise awareness about our global conservation efforts through engaging conversations by voting for our panels using the links below before August 24th. Coexistence & Wildlife: A Reimagined Educational Experience ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gZ5eAJWh Can Science Safeguard Earth's Wildlife? ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gcqmdsNE #sxsw #conservationconversations #sdzwa

GIANT news on World Elephant Day 🐘🎉 Elephant Valley, the largest and most transformative project in our organization’s history, is officially opening in early 2026. This unique experience celebrates the vibrant cultures and communities in Kenya where people and elephants coexist, providing deep insight into elephant conservation. Swazi, Ndlula, Umngani, Khosi, Zuli, Mkhaya, Qinisa, and Kami are all thriving as their home undergoes exciting renovations. From earthquakes to pool parties, the herd's bonds grow stronger every day, and we can't wait for you to get to know them even better. Follow along with us as we countdown to the grand opening of Elephant Valley: http://sdzoo.com/25-EV-ln #worldelephantday #elephantvalley #meettheherd #sdzsafaripark

Carrying on a legacy 🦍 Silverback gorilla Paul Donn has joined the troop at the Safari Park as its first silverback since the passing of beloved Winston last year. Raised in the same troop when he was young, Paul Donn has come from the San Diego Zoo to help guide the troop and continue Winston's remarkable legacy of gentle strength. Joining him is Jessica, a 44-year-old female also from the San Diego Zoo, who will add her own special presence to the troop. This transition will help strengthen family dynamics and ensure the continued wellbeing of the entire gorilla troop. Guests can visit Paul Donn, Jessica, and the rest of the troop at Gorilla Forest, and witness this incredible new chapter unfold. More here: https://lnkd.in/gtinSPhM #silverback #sdzsafaripark #gorillas

A year with this panda pair 🐼 California Panda Day marks the one-year anniversary of Xin Bao and Yun Chuan's public debut at the San Diego Zoo. We celebrated this bear-y exciting holiday by providing our first 2,025 guests with commemorative pins to honor the countless connections the panda pair have sparked with countless visitors and wildlife allies around the world. Yun Chuan and Xin Bao also received a special visit from local families staying with the Ronald McDonald House in San Diego to build community and inspire the next generation of conservationists. Keep the pawty going with a look back at Yun Chuan and Xin Bao's major milestones from the past year: https://lnkd.in/g8XxpJfs

Looking back at a year of pandamonium 🐼 As we prepare for California Panda Day, we're reminiscing on some of our favorite moments with Xin Bao and Yun Chuan over the past year. These black and white bears have inspired audiences far and wide, and we can't wait to honor them again tomorrow. #pandiego #americasfinestpandas #sandiegozoo