Participating in the Eastern Massasauga Species Survival Plan®

While the local recovery effort focuses on eastern massasauga rattlesnakes in northern Illinois, Lincoln Park Zoo is also helping to bring attention to the species across its range. The zoo plays a leading role in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Species Survival Plan® (SSP).

This collaborative effort enlists zoos across the country to jointly plan breeding and transfer plans for the species. The result will be a viable long-term population, one that can be used by zoos across the country to educate their visitors about the plight of this species and also serve as the basis for future reintroduction efforts.

Vice President of Conservation & Science Lisa Faust, Ph.D., is the field conservation advisor. The zoo's Population Management Center (link) assists the SSP in developing its annual recommendations to breed and transfer individuals between zoos.

Staff and Collaborators

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lisa Faust, Ph.D.
Vice President of Conservation and Science

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Mike Redmer, Fish and Wildlife Biologist