Field and Research Projects

The Bolivian Amphibian Initiative, coordinated by Senior Animal Curator, Tim Steinmetz, aids in accessing the aquatic species and environment in and around Lake Titicaca.

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium has joined forces with the St. Louis Zoo and the Brookfield Zoo to carry on the very important Penguin Census and the teaching the sustainable harvesting of guano practices.

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is participating in the first documented health assessment and disease ecology study of the Eastern spotted skunk, a species in decline throughout the Midwest.

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium supports the operations of one Luangwa anti-poaching team, which includes providing food rations, communications, First Aid kits, patrol equipment, transport, and a 24/7 Control Center which monitors patrol teams on difficult or dangerous patrols.

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium’s Waters Edge Team cares for and has successfully breed Trumpeter Swans over the past several years.

Zoo continues the efforts of the Wyoming Toad Species Survival Program (SSP) that have been underway for several years onsite and in the field to increase their population.

With the current amphibian extinction crisis sweeping the planet, arguably no other group of animals stands more to gain from zoo conservation than amphibians -- thus the implementation of the Panamanian Golden Frog Breeding Program.

The Marine Mammal and Pinniped Rescue project helps to support the conservation of wild populations of marine mammals, including California Sea lions, through rescue and rehabilitation, research and education.

Through this partnership, we support Polar Bears International and its efforts to learn about bears in the wild and to teach the rest of the world about the effects of climate change.

Headed by Dr. Kirk Suedmeyer, DVM Dipl ACZM, Director of Animal Health, and Elephant Research Physiologist Kari Morfeld, PhD, The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium has initiated a national project to review the current reproductive health of all older African elephants held in zoos. 

This study exploits new methods but it is hoped that the results will explore how climate change affects foraging success and movement patterns of polar bears, and may provide insight into the decline in polar bear body condition associated with demographic changes and the documented population decline.

The Monarch Butterfly project aims to promote a sustainable cooperation with local species of flora and fauna.

The Humboldt Penguin Consortium helps to not only keep this population of birds safe at the Punta San Juan location, but also helps to monitor the populations from year to year.

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is the only zoo participating in darting and collaring brown hyenas for the project.

Freshwater mussels are disappearing at an alarming rate throughout North America, where scientists consider over 70 percent of all mussel species to be imperiled. Nearly half of Missouri’s mussels are species of conservation concern.

The Saving North American Songbird Program addresses several of the many challenges facing North America's songbird population.

This all-female anti-poaching unit is based out of Balule Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa.

The Grey Crowned Crane Marsh Project championed by Senior Animal Care specialist, Ben Klopf, highlights the majestic crane found in eastern and southern Africa. 

A social enterprise focusing on improving wildlife habitat and captive welfare, the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium has initiated a long-term habitat restoration project in the Kinabatangan rainforest of Borneo.