From November 20th to 22nd, Alex Kantorovich from the International Species Information System (ISIS) conducted trainings on the most modern zoological database system used in all European zoos and zoological associations. The training was organized by the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), and was attended by Yerevan Zoo staff and guests from Kazakhstan (Alma Ati Zoo), Russia (Voronej Oceanarium) and Georgia (Tbilisi Zoo).

The training was conducted on ISIS’s Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) software, which contains information on 2.6 million animals, and is shared among more than 800 member zoos and aquariums in almost 80 countries. The database provides global, real-time, and reliable data for enhancing animal care and protecting population health. This information helps zoos manage their inventories, identify institutions for animal transfers, and control the genetic and demographic makeup of its animal collections.

“Today, registration and records have vital importance for all zoos. ZIMS is a global database where every single data from any specific zoo will be available for zoos worldwide.  For example, if your zoo is taking in an animal from another zoo, through this database you can access all the events and behavioral characteristics associated with the animal, which will enable you to form a correct approach towards its care,” said Mr. Kantorovich.

Yerevan Zoo gained ISIS membership in September 2014, an important step for joining the global animal management and conservation efforts. ISIS membership is also a precondition for gaining the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) membership, which provides the highest standards for education, research, and conservation.