Management of Ex-Situ Conservation Programmes for Endangered Nigerian Wildlife Species: A Review of Zoological Garden Practices

Ex-situ conservation programmes in Nigerian zoological gardens play a critical but often underappreciated role in maintaining viable populations of endangered wildlife species while in-situ habitat pressures persist, yet systematic evaluation of programme quality and management practices across Nigerian zoos has not been conducted in recent years. This study reviews and evaluates ex-situ conservation practices across five Nigerian zoological gardens (Jos Wildlife Park, University of Ibadan Zoological Garden, Lekki Conservation Centre, Old Oyo National Park Safari Camp, and Calabar Municipal Zoo) with particular focus on animal welfare standards, population management, breeding programmes, and integration with national conservation strategies. Data were collected through structured facility audits, records review, and semi-structured interviews with 42 zoo management staff. Evaluation criteria were adapted from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums standards. Population viability analysis was conducted for captive populations of six endangered species held across the surveyed facilities. Results reveal wide variation in management quality, with two facilities meeting international welfare benchmarks and three showing significant deficiencies in nutrition, veterinary care, and enclosure design. Population records were incomplete or poorly maintained at three facilities, limiting breeding management planning. None of the five facilities had a formal written species survival plan for their most critically endangered holdings. Inter-zoo coordination was absent, preventing genetic management across dispersed populations. The study recommends establishment of a National Captive Wildlife Management Authority, mandatory species survival plans for Critically Endangered holdings, and a national studbook programme linking all accredited facilities. Keywords: ex-situ conservation, zoological garden, captive management, endangered species, Nigeria