About our work
The Global Center for Species Survival is built upon a partnership and a commitment to conservation. As human pressure continues to drive biodiversity loss, the work of conservationists from around the world becomes more vital in protecting and restoring nature. Only through collaboration can we protect species and the spaces they call home.
That’s why the Indianapolis Zoo partnered with the world’s largest conservation organization – the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – which connects thousands of dedicated species experts under the Species Survival Commission (SSC).
The Global Center for Species Survival supports, connects and communicates the work of thousands of conservationists joined together in the 165+ Specialist Groups, Task Forces and Conservation Committees of the IUCN SSC. It is the mission of the Global Center to support the IUCN SSC in influencing, encouraging and assisting societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature.
The Global Center opened with generous support from Lilly Endowment Inc. In addition to serving as a conservation hub, the Global Center also hosts international meetings and conferences, furthering economic benefit to the community and solidifying the Zoo’s efforts to make Indianapolis one of the most conservation-literate cities in the world.