COP17: Global goals and concrete conservation measures – “Zoologische Gärten Berlin” cited as a positive example

At the UN Biodiversity Conference COP17, currently taking place in Yerevan, Armenia, negotiations are underway on the future of biodiversity. The conservation work of Zoologische Gärten Berlin is also attracting international attention: projects by Zoo Berlin and Tierpark Berlin are presented as practical examples of how global species conservation goals can be implemented in the recently published UN report “State of Biodiversity Action”, which provides the first comprehensive global stocktake of progress in implementing the biodiversity targets adopted in 2022. The report particularly highlights the international conservation breeding and reintroduction projects, as well as cooperation with nature conservation organisations and government partners.

Under the heading “Berlin Zoological Garden supporting global species conservation” (Target 4), the report presents “Zoologische Gärten Berlin” as a concrete example of the implementation of measures aimed in particular at preventing species extinction and the recovery of threatened animal populations. “At COP17, discussions are taking place on how we can halt the global loss of species. This makes it all the more significant for us that the United Nations is highlighting the work of “Zoo Berlin” and “Tierpark Berlin” as concrete practical examples,” explains Katharina Sperling, head of the species conservation team, from Yerevan. “Our projects show that international cooperation and scientifically coordinated conservation breeding can make an important contribution to protecting threatened species. The key is turning global goals into concrete measures.” Zoo and Tierpark Director Dr Andreas Knieriem is also pleased with the recognition of the important work carried out by zoological gardens: “Through our scientific work and international species conservation projects, we make a tangible contribution to the preservation of threatened species. At the same time, with more than five million visitors each year, we reach a considerable number of people whom we can inspire with the fascinating diversity of the animal world and engage in its protection. Species conservation, research and environmental education are inseparably linked for us.”

The report also highlights the international character that defines the species conservation projects of “Zoo Berlin and Tierpark Berlin”. “Zoo Berlin” and “Tierpark Berlin” coordinate ten international conservation breeding programmes for threatened animal species within the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and participate in more than 240 additional programmes. Together with international partners, they also work to protect threatened species in their natural habitats and ensure their long-term stability.

“Achieving global biodiversity goals requires strategic partnerships across sectors. Modern zoos and aquariums are essential conservation partners, contributing expertise in species recovery, scientific research, conservation breeding, genetic management, international collaboration and community engagement. The projects led by “Zoo and Tierpark Berlin”, alongside other projects implemented in cooperation with fellow WAZA members Prague Zoo and Zoo Leipzig, highlighted in the UN report demonstrate the crucial role of our community in supporting the implementation of global biodiversity commitments and delivering benefits for species, people and nature.” explains Martín Zordan, CEO of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

Background-Information: The Global Biodiversity Framework

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted in 2022 at the 15th UN Biodiversity Conference and comprises 23 targets to be achieved by 2030. Target 4 focuses in particular on preventing human-induced species extinctions, the recovery of threatened species and the preservation of their genetic diversity. The latest UN report, “State of Biodiversity Action”, provides an important basis for the global stocktake at COP17, which concludes on 30 October 2026 in Yerevan. The “State of Biodiversity Action” report provides the first comprehensive assessment of progress in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022. The framework aims to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity by 2030. Further information is available at the following link: https://www.cbd.int/globalreview/report2026

Background-Information: From Berlin to the wild – European bison, Przewalski’s horse and European hamster

The history of the European bison shows what is possible through international cooperation in species conservation. At the beginning of the 20th century, Europe’s largest land mammal had become extinct in the wild. Only a few animals survived in zoological institutions. As early as 1923, the International Society for the Preservation of the European Bison was founded at “Zoo Berlin”, laying the foundation for the first international studbook for a threatened wild animal species. Today, thanks to coordinated conservation breeding and reintroduction efforts, around 10,000 European bison once again live worldwide. A century later, “Zoo Berlin” and “Tierpark Berlin” continue to play a central role in the species’ return: together with WWF, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, EAZA and other partners, they are working to reintroduce the species to Shahdag National Park in Azerbaijan. Since the project began, 64 European bison from European zoos have been transported to the Caucasus. With the addition of offspring born there, the ranger-monitored population has now grown to more than 90 animals.

Further information on the European bison conservation breeding and reintroduction project in Eastern Europe is available at the following link.

The Przewalski’s horse, the last surviving true wild horse species, also owes its survival to coordinated breeding in zoological institutions. After becoming extinct in its natural habitat, the species is now returning to its original habitats through international reintroduction programmes. “Tierpark Berlin” plays an important role in the “Return of the Wild Horses” project, led by Prague Zoo and implemented in cooperation with the Frankfurt Zoological Society, the Kazakh conservation organisation ACBK and other partners. Wild horses from European zoos are brought together here before being transported to the Kazakh steppe. In August 2026, a historic milestone was achieved: for the first time in around 200 years, two Przewalski’s horse foals were born in central Kazakhstan. The mother of the first foal is Tessa, a mare born at “Tierpark Berlin”. As large herbivores, the wild horses also make an important contribution to the steppe ecosystem: they disperse seeds, promote biodiversity and can limit the spread of steppe fires through their grazing behaviour.

Further information on the Przewalski’s horse reintroduction project is available at the following link.

However, “Zoologische Gärten Berlin” also works to protect threatened species close to home. Together with Leipzig Zoo and other partners, they are committed to the European hamster, one of the most endangered mammals in Germany. Through targeted conservation breeding and subsequent reintroductions on agricultural land in Germany managed in a hamster-friendly manner, the aim is to ensure the long-term survival of the species. In 2025 and 2026 alone, more than 120 of the European hamsters released into the wild came from the European hamster station at “Tierpark Berlin”. The project demonstrates how closely conservation breeding, habitat protection and cooperation with the agricultural sector and nature conservation authorities must work together.

Further information on the European hamster conservation and reintroduction project in Germany is available at the following link.

Photos:
© Petr Jan Juracka
© Emil Khalilov WWF
© Tierpark Berlin