Reintroduction involves the release of captive individuals into an area which was once part of that species’ historical range, but from which it has been extirpated or extinct.

Translocation is similar to reintroduction in that it involves the release of individuals into a part of the species’ historical range. However, instead of captive individuals, translocation refers to the relocation of wild-caught individuals from another area.

The primary goal of species reintroductions is to reestablish a species in an area where it has lived historically, but has since become locally extinct. With more species declining due to human influences, reintroduction will play a more vital role in conservation efforts. One way to observe the status of a reintroduction attempt is to look for the establishment of a sustainable population of a species in an area where it had previously been extirpated.

Zoos play a crucial role in many reintroduction efforts.  While wild populations may be declining or non-existent, zoos can maintain stable, carefully managed captive populations. These zoo populations can provide individuals for release into the wild. 

Reintroduction programs also benefit from zoos’ experience in captive breeding. Successful breeding in captivity is essential to provide individuals for future reintroductions into the wild. The knowledge and expertise of zoo employees ensures the likelihood of having a stable, genetically diverse population that will not only exist into the future, but also will be capable of increasing in population size to provide animals for release.