Planckendael ZOO and Antwerp ZOO play an important role in creating the world’s largest and most comprehensive knowledge base on over 22,000 animal species. As members of the global nonprofit Species360, both zoos contribute daily data on animals and groups in their care, from lifecycle traits to environmental needs. This information is recorded in the Species360 Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), the world's largest source of data on species. “We are proud to be part of this international effort and its impact on animal welfare and wildlife conservation,” says general curator Sander Hofman.

To date, Planckendael ZOO has contributed data on more than 16,445 animals and 558 species, subspecies, and breeds. Similarly, Antwerp ZOO has provided entries on over 42,728 animals and 1,912 species. ZIMS integrates these contributions with data from over 1,400 other institutions worldwide, including zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, rescue and rehabilitation centers, and conservation programs.

From data to action

Numerous useful applications have already emerged from this data. For instance, Species360 Global Medical Resources, part of the ZIMS for Medical module, help veterinarians treat and prevent diseases by providing benchmarks for normal blood test results. These resources, available to all members, are derived from decades of medical records from various institutions.

In collaboration with the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), Species360 has introduced a data management system for biobanking. Since its inception, over 250 institutions have stored thousands of historical and legacy samples from more than 800 species, both physically and digitally in ZIMS.

Read more about our Biobank 

Zoos that are members of EAZA donate animals to each other as part of population management programs, rather than selling them. This practice does not necessarily apply to non-EAZA zoos. When animals from EAZA-accredited zoos are transferred, ZIMS plays a vital role. The system ensures that all relevant information about the animal travels seamlessly with it to the new zoo. This data is invaluable for maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, covering everything from medical history to reproductive behavior and beyond.

‘ZIMS for Studbooks’ - as even the studbooks are stored within ZIMS - is used by conservation teams worldwide to ensure the genetic diversity and health of animal populations in human care. This is crucial for reintroduction programs that aim to reestablish native species in their natural habitats, ensuring these populations are healthy and sustainable.

Read more about our reintroduction programs for Eurasian black vultures

Commitment

“As part of our commitment to conservation and animal welfare, we meticulously record data on our animal collections. This ensures our animals receive the best care and contributes to species population management, animal welfare, population health, disease treatment, and conservation. By continuing to share our knowledge and expertise, we can make even greater strides in protecting the planet’s biodiversity," concludes Sander Hofman.