We are pleased to introduce our newest partner organization, the Wilder Institute!
Collaboration is nothing new to the Wilder Institute – they engage in collaborative partnerships around the world, applying evidence-based, inclusive conservation approaches that achieve long-term benefits for people and wildlife. Through their 15 global and national conservation programs, they work together with community, Indigenous, government, academic, industry and non-profit partners to develop and implement conservation strategies to benefit species-at-risk. Their work also enables multi-species approaches that can benefit whole ecosystems.
The Wilder Institute operates Canada’s largest conservation breeding and research facility dedicated to the return of endangered species to the wild. One local example of their work is supporting the recovery of northern leopard frog populations in southeastern BC. Their conservation breeding program aims to increase the number of northern leopard frogs that can be reintroduced to the wild, with the ultimate recovery goal of increasing the species distribution within their historical range. Over the past four years, nearly 20,000 tadpoles have been released at the reintroduction site in the East Kootenay through a combination of wild-to-wild translocation, head-starting, and conservation breeding across three partner facilities, in collaboration with the Northern Leopard Frog Recovery Implementation Team. The Wilder Institute also conducts research related to northern leopard frog fertility, genetics, and disease to support recovery efforts.
As an evidence-based conservation organization, the Wilder Institute integrates research into every program and initiative they lead, co-lead or collaborate on. This approach ensures their conservation action plans are guided by scientific decision-making and follow best practices in the field. Their conservation specialists work with diverse stakeholders to weave established scientific best practices with new insights and local and traditional ecological knowledge, creating innovative approaches that centre the needs of local communities with wildlife protection. Continuous data collection and analysis ensures that strategies are evaluated and refined for success, and findings are shared through peer-reviewed publications, international conferences, news and broadcast, social media, blogs, and conversations with local communities.
The roots of the Wilder Institute run deep in the conservation community, drawing from the decades of field and conservation breeding expertise of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, supported by a passionate community of over 1,000 dedicated staff and volunteers. Beyond its priority conservation programs through the Wilder Institute, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo contributes to conservation by participating in more than 40 Species Survival Plans (SSP) and inspires youth, such as through the zoo’s Conservation Champions program and partnerships with international schools and universities.
Experience has shown that conservation is most successful when local communities are directly involved. Since 1996, the Wilder Institute has partnered with communities in developing nations to identify win-win solutions that benefit both wildlife and people. Identifying solutions that can make a real difference requires time, patience and trust. Often, communities must have a reason – such as an economic or cultural one – to protect their wildlife. Creating sustainable employment opportunities, focusing on education, building capacity, and improving the quality of life for community members in ways that protect biodiversity are some keys to successful Inclusive Conservation approaches.
By joining the KCP partnership, the Wilder Institute is looking forward to expanding their conservation impact by developing collaborations with other conservation organizations, and local people and communities. Their vision is a future where people and wildlife thrive, together. Check out the Wilder Institute on the KCP Partner Directory to connect!
