The Species Survival Program (SSP) and Animal Management Program (AMP) are animal conservation programs developed in order to better manage many animal populations in captivity and to help protect these animals in the wild. SSP and AMP species are often "flagship species," well-known animals which arouse strong feelings in the public for the preservation and protection of the in-situ population and their habitat, including the Indian rhinoceros, Andean condor, African elephants, and more. There are currently a hundred plus SSP and AMP programs, each of which is responsible for developing a Master Plan that identifies population management goals and recommendations to ensure the sustainability of a healthy, genetically diverse, and demographically varied population. Each SSP / AMP Program is supervised by an SSP / AMP Coordinator and composed of a Management Group and several expert advisors.

Primary Functions

• Establishing management, research, and conservation priorities.
• The development of a Master Plan.
• The development of breeding/transfer plans, developed in coordination with the Population Management Center.
• The development of non-breeding plans, developed in coordination with the Wildlife Contraception Center.
• Serving a specific role in conflict resolution issues that may arise.
• Collaborating with other institutions/agencies to ensure integrated conservation initiatives.
• Increasing public awareness of wildlife conservation issues.
• The development and implementation of ex situ and in situ education strategies.
• The development of an in situ reintroduction program if possible.
• Serving as an expert and providing a discussion forum for topics applicable to the species.
• Providing species-specific information to the TAG in their development of a taxon-specific Animal Care Manual.

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SSP and AMP Animals Currently at Montgomery Zoo

     -- African Bush Elephant (Africa) (SSP)
     -- Andean condor (South America) (SSP)
     -- Cheetah (Africa) (AMP)
     -- Maned wolf (South America) (SSP)
     -- Ocelot (South America) (SSP)
     -- Pygmy hippo (Africa) (SSP)