Wilhelma: Start for Species Conservation Center
Stefanie Reska, Leiterin der Stabsstelle Artenschutz und Dr. Thomas Kölpin, Direktor der Wilhelma, inmitten von Orchideen in der historischen Gewächshauszeile der Wilhelma.
© Wilhelma Stuttgart/Birger Meierjohann
(eap) The zoological-botanical garden Wilhelma Stuttgart, in cooperation with the Species Survival Commission (SSC) – a specialist commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) – is establishing its own center for the protection of reptiles and orchids. With this step, the zoological-botanical garden Stuttgart becomes the 25th species conservation organization worldwide, and the eighth in Europe, to launch a so-called Center for Species Survival (CSS) together with the SSC.
The conservation center will focus on two areas of work: reptiles on the zoological side and orchids on the botanical side. In close coordination with the IUCN Specialist Group for Reptiles and the IUCN Specialist Group for Orchids, the threat status of species in their natural habitats is to be recorded and protective measures are to be developed. To achieve these goals, Wilhelma has created one dedicated position for each of the two fields within its already existing conservation department.
© Wilhelma Stuttgart/Birger Meierjohann
“Species extinction is one of the greatest challenges of our time. The Red List of Threatened Species published by the IUCN is an important tool for taking action to save species currently in particularly critical condition. However, the degree of threat for many species remains unknown. And this is precisely where our responsibility lies: Our Center for Species Survival will establish global networks and pool resources to assess the threat status and causes of endangerment of various orchid and reptile species. Together with the Species Survival Commission of the IUCN as well as conservationists worldwide, strategies and concrete measures will be developed to prevent endangered species from becoming extinct,” explaines Wilhelma Director Dr. Thomas Kölpin on Wilhelma’s role in the fight against the biodiversity crisis.
Stefanie Reska, Head of the Conservation Department at Wilhelma, adds: “Wilhelma is already involved in around 40 conservation projects worldwide. In the past two years alone, more than two million euros have been raised. The funds came primarily from the conservation euro introduced in 2019, which our visitors voluntarily pay in addition to admission. We are proud that, with the establishment of our Center for Species Survival, we can now play an even greater role in international conservation with our own staff.”
Most recently, Wilhelma also opened a new facility for Amur tigers, which are likewise classified by the IUCN as endangered. See also our EAP News from July 17, 2025. ■
