Divisions:
NZG
The NZG provides a facility for research, training and science advancement. To this end, it manages an animal collection of more than 10 000 specimens and 600 species in four Biodiversity Conservation Centres (BBCs) in Gauteng, Limpopo and North West, covering a total area of almost 8 000 hectares. NZG research focuses on conservation, especially on ex-situ care of Africa’s wildlife and in-situ conservation of biodiversity in general. Important research areas include conservation/biodiversity and conservation medicine. The NZG provides the following infrastructure and collections:
- The Centre for Conservation Science researches the conservation of species and their habitats. The research covers the interface between in-situ and ex-situ research, sustainable wildlife population management and scientific services provision to the wildlife conservation system locally and globally.
- The Centre for Conservation Medicine and Research explores the interface between wildlife, domestic animal and human health on the one hand, and the health of ecosystems on the other. Its activities include clinical services for the animal collection programme; veterinary science research for species conservation; wildlife disease monitoring and surveillance (bio-security), with some focus on zoonotic disease; and reproductive physiology/biology for managing the genetic integrity in animal collections and breeding.
- The Public Interface Research Programme undertakes visitor and audience research. The programme will be housed within the NZG Academy Framework, which integrates staff development and learning opportunities for the public. The NZG receives 600 000 visitors annually, 60% of whom are learners.
- The Biomaterials Bank specialises in wildlife biomaterials from the NZG’s own animal collection and from materials donated to the bank by stakeholders.
- NZG provides access to the global zoo and aquarium fraternity through its membership of the Pan African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZAB) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (WAZA).
For more information, visit www.nzg.ac.za