San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s Southwest Conservation Program, focused on restoring native species across Southern California’s deserts, mountains, forests, and coastal areas, has received Top Honors in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ 2025 North Amer
Southern California is shaped by dramatic ranges of habitat, from coastal areas and deserts to mountains, forests, and grasslands. San Diego County, home of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, is recognized as the most biodiverse county in the contiguous United States.
But the region’s wildlife and ecosystems are under growing pressure.. Habitat fragmentation. destruction. and disturbance—driven primarily by urban development and infrastructure expansion—have left a severe decline in suitable habitat for native wildlife.. Many species are now limited to a few small, geographically separated populations, pushing them toward severe genetic isolation.. Climate change and invasive organisms have added to the vulnerability of southwestern species. and that reality is central to the Southwest Conservation Program.
The initiative focuses on the recovery, protection, and population support of threatened native wildlife and ecosystems in Southern California.. It also works to connect local communities with regional biodiversity.. Its work earned Top Honors in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) 2025 North American Conservation Award. an honor recognizing outstanding contributions by AZA-accredited facilities and conservation partners to regional habitat preservation. species restoration. and support of biodiversity in the wild.
“The Southwest Conservation Program and its regional partners have achieved a tremendous impact with conservation-dependent species in Southern California. ” said Brian Aucone. chief conservation officer at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance in Denver. Colo.. and 2024-2025 chair of AZA’s Honors and Awards Committee.
The program’s conservation efforts are built around six key species: the Mojave Desert tortoise. mountain yellow-legged frog. Pacific pocket mouse. San Bernardino kangaroo rat. Stephens’ kangaroo rat. and the western burrowing owl.. Each is described as providing unique ecosystem services that contribute to the wellbeing of both wildlife and people in the region.
It targets habitat loss. genetic isolation. and invasive organisms through recovery and management work that includes evidence-based wildlife recovery. habitat management. population genetic health. and local community engagement.. The program says it has produced measurable successes, including establishing new wildlife populations, restoring essential habitats, and pioneering genetic monitoring.. It also highlights coexistence between people and wildlife. achieved through efforts that have inspired thousands of students and community members to engage in conservation action.
“San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance remains deeply committed to protecting Southern California’s extraordinary biodiversity through innovative conservation strategies and collaborative partnerships. ” said Nadine Lamberski. chief conservation and wildlife health officer at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.. “Our Southwest Conservation Program exemplifies this dedication by addressing critical challenges and ensuring the recovery. genetic health. and habitat restoration of iconic native species.”
The pattern of the program’s focus ties together the problems it names: habitat loss and disturbance from development contribute to fragmented. separated populations and severe genetic isolation. and those pressures are then met with efforts aimed at recovery. habitat management. population genetic health. and community engagement. with reported outcomes ranging from restored habitats to genetic monitoring and new wildlife populations.
For readers interested in other award-winning projects, details are listed on AZA’s Honors and Awards Example Application webpage (login required). Photo Credit: © San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
North American Conservation Award | Top Honors
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Southwest Conservation Program San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance AZA 2025 North American Conservation Award biodiversity habitat loss genetic isolation invasive organisms Mojave Desert tortoise mountain yellow-legged frog Pacific pocket mouse San Bernardino kangaroo rat Stephens' kangaroo rat western burrowing owl