The world’s wildlife is under threat. Scientists reckon a third of all animal and plant species on Earth face a high risk of extinction within this century. There’s a worldwide network of zoos, which join forces to co-ordinate conservation work. Parco Natura Viva belongs to this network and works through breeding programmes (EEP and ESB) to manage species between different zoos as self-sustaining populations whilst maintaining genetic diversity. Parco Natura Viva is playing a big part in the battle to protect threatened species and habitats and its Research and Conservation Department is involved in animal welfare, research and field conservation.