CORES
CORES – Conservation of Rare and Endangered Species
It seemed quite clear during my visit to the park that the primary aim of the C.O.R.E.S. program was to focus on conserving the rare and endangered species. This program was receiving global exposure through researches. C.O.R.E.S. had also partnered itself with the zoology department at the Wildlife Safari for the same purpose.
To live up to its mission, the Safari was seen as an active participant in the American Zoo and Aquarium’s (AZA) Species Survival Plans (SSP).The AZA’s Species Survival Plan Program was to ensure the survival of selected wildlife species. This was done through scientifically-controlled managed breeding programs, public awareness of wildlife conservation issues, and in some cases reintroduction of wildlife bred in captivity back into secure habitats.
There were many projects running then, some of them being:
- The Cheetah Reproduction Project(s)
- The African Elephant Conservation & Reproduction Center
- The Rhino Behavior Studies & Fecal Analysis
I also witnessed many Species Survival Programs for animals like cheetahs, elephants, gibbons, white rhinoceros, hippos, cotton-top tamarin, ring-tailed lemurs, red-ruffed lemurs, lions, scimitar-horned oryxs, tigers and maned wolfs.
We were not only allowed to visit the Wildlife Safari, but were encouraged to round up our purchases to the next even dollar. This way, our contribution went to support CORES through the Wildlife Safari. We could also make donations directly to the Wildlife Safari’s CORES.