The Mandate for Research in Zoos

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Abstract
Too little is known of our precious wildlife. Many species are on the verge of extinction, and if steps are not taken soon to preserve them, a vast storehouse of information will be lost forever. Who knows what benefits to mankind will never be realized nor understood, as man himself goes about destroying species after species. How long will it take to break the necessary chain which allows all species to live together harmoniously on this planet? Zoological parks are becoming the last stronghold for species' survival. Geneticists, virologists, and physiologists, to name just a few disciplines, work against unbelievable odds to try to preserve some of the most severely endangered: pygmy chimpanzee, cheetah, rhinoceros, and Przewalski's horse, among others. However, zoological gardens are not wealthy, and governmental and private agencies are not willing to provide the funding essential to support research endeavors needed to save just a few, and preserve their biological qualities.