Conservation in action
Protecting wildlife for generations to come
Conservation in Action: Protecting Wildlife, Together
As a conservation charity, we work to protect animals and the wild places they call home – in Ireland and around the world. Every visit to Dublin Zoo directly supports our mission.
Our purpose is to save wildlife and inspire a passion for nature; empowering our visitors to become active conservationists.
Through our work, we strive towards a world where people live in harmony with nature.
Why the Wild Needs Us and Why We Need It
In just 40 years, populations of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians have fallen by around 60%.
Many species from the Asian lion to the eastern bongo now face the real threat of extinction.
Forests are being cleared, oceans are filling with plastic, and a changing climate is transforming habitats. But it’s not too late. Every action, big or small, helps give wildlife a fighting chance.
The time to act is now.
How Dublin Zoo
Makes a Difference
We put conservation into action every day through four core pillars:
Global and Local Action
Dublin Zoo drives conservation forward by leading and supporting more than 30 crucial projects across Ireland and worldwide, from protecting native species to restoring critical habitats.
Conservation Breeding Programmes
Dublin Zoo participates in over 35 international conservation breeding programmes (EEPs) to safeguard the future of threatened species by maintaining healthy, genetically diverse populations.
World-Class Animal Care
Our expert teams of keepers, vets, and conservation scientists are dedicated to animal welfare, providing complex, enriching habitats and exceptional veterinary care to ensure every animal thrives.
Education and Inspiration
We inspire the next generation of conservationists. Through engaging talks, exhibits, and experiences, we bring to life how incredible and interconnected the natural world truly is.
Centre for Species Survival: Ireland
The Centre for Species Survival: Ireland (CSS Ireland) is based right here at Dublin Zoo, in our historic Society House.
It’s part of a global network of Centres for Species Survival established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – the world’s leading authority on the state of nature and biodiversity.
That makes Dublin Zoo the proud home of Ireland’s national hub for species conservation science – connecting the country’s researchers, conservationists and policymakers with international experts working to prevent extinction.
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Conservation Projects: Protecting Wildlife, One Habitat at a Time
Dublin Zoo is home to many endangered species that have tiny populations in the wild. We partner directly with 30 conservation projects, both in Ireland and internationally, to provide funding and support to help them in their mission to save species from extinction.
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Breeding Programmes: Building a Future for Endangered Species
Every birth at Dublin Zoo is a symbol of hope that is part of a wider, coordinated, international effort to prevent extinction and restore balance in the wild.
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GLOBAL HUMANE CERTIFIED:
WORLD-LEADING STANDARD IN ANIMAL CARE
We’re proud to say that Dublin Zoo is Global Humane Certified, placing us among a select group of zoos worldwide recognised for exceptional animal care.
This certification follows an in-depth, independent assessment of every aspect of our work – from habitats and enrichment to veterinary care and day-to-day welfare practices. The verdict? Dublin Zoo continuously meets the highest international standards in animal wellbeing.
It’s an achievement built on the dedication of our keepers, veterinary team and conservation specialists, who work every day to ensure each animal thrives.
For our visitors, it means something simple but powerful: You can be confident in knowing that animals at Dublin Zoo are cared for with expertise, compassion and global-leading standards.
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Conservation Master Plan:
2022–2031
Dublin Zoo is committed to being a national focal point for species conservation in Ireland, while contributing meaningfully to global efforts to halt biodiversity loss. We work alongside conservation partners, governments and communities to protect threatened species, restore habitats and inspire positive action for wildlife.
Our Conservation Master Plan sets out a clear roadmap for the next decade, guiding how Dublin Zoo will grow its impact as a zoo-based conservation organisation of national and global significance.
The plan focuses on:
- Prioritising species and projects where we can make the greatest difference
- Strengthening partnerships in Ireland and internationally
- Embedding conservation and sustainability across all areas of Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo Partners, Memberships & Certifications
Conservation Projects
Explore the dedicated projects we are actively supporting and see the global impact of Dublin Zoo
How You Can Help
You can be part of the solution. Here’s how:
Learn and share: Ask questions, join a talk, and spread the word about wildlife conservation.
Choose wisely: Reduce single-use plastics, support sustainable products and protect local nature.
Support Dublin Zoo: Every ticket, annual pass and on-site purchase helps us protect animals here and in the wild.
We are Dublin Zoo. We save wildlife and inspire a passion for nature – one person, one family at a time.
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Animal
Encyclopedia
Dive into our Animal Encyclopedia to meet the diverse and incredible species that call Dublin Zoo home. We are proudly home to over 400 animals across 70 species, many of whom are rare species whose very survival is under threat in the wild.
We are Dublin Zoo
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Conservation education
