C for Conservation

Zoo breeding program

This is probably the single most important role zoos can play.  There are species in the world that would have vanished totally were it not for captive populations around the world, many of which reside in zoos. This happened before with the Przewalski's horses or the European bison.     

One of Africa's iconic animal species, the narrow-lipped, or black rhinoceros, can be seen for the first time in Hungary at the Győr Zoo. The animals living here arrived in 2019 as part of the EEP (European Endangered Species Program). Today, only 5,000 remain in the wild, which is why they are classified as a protected, critically endangered species. The program coordinates the breeding of European populations in captivity, with its newest and most modern breeding center located in Győr. 

In situ conservation

In situ conservation, or conservation work carried out on-site, is one of the most important methods for species preservation, as it ensures the protection of species directly in their natural habitats. This approach is especially important for wild animals and plants, as it allows them to remain in their natural environment, fulfilling their ecological role. 

The foundation of the Győr Zoo, the Xantus Fund (Foundation for the Xantus János Zoo and Wildlife Conservation), was established to preserve wildlife both in zoos and in their natural habitats. Since 2022, the Foundation has played a key role in supporting in situ conservation efforts at Mkomazi National Park, located in the northwestern corner of Tanzania. The park is part of the Mkomazi-Tsavo ecosystem, which is East Africa's second-largest transboundary ecosystem, after the Serengeti-Mara.

In situ conservation of Black rhinoceros 

The Xantus Foundation, as a sister organization of the European Black Rhinoceros Conservation Program, worked in close collaboration with the Mkomazi Rescue Center until the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. By focusing on community education, species conservation, and infrastructure development, it strives to ensure that biodiversity is preserved for future generations. The Xantus Foundation plays a significant supportive role.

International Cooperation for Wildlife Conservation  

In 2023, with the Foundation’s support, Lars Versteege—Chair of EAZA’s Rhino Taxon Advisory Group—visited Mkomazi to initiate cooperation talks between EAZA and the Tanzanian Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism.  

As a result of the talks, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in March 2025 by EAZA President Dr. Endre Papp and Alex Lobora of the Tanzanian Ministry. The agreement marks a major step in the protection of the critically endangered eastern black rhino. 

Reducing Human-Wildlife Conflicts 

Since 2022, our Foundation has partnered with the Dvůr Králové Safari Park in the Czech Republic, a former supporter of Mkomazi, to carry out several elephant and lion capture and tracking operations. The captured animals are fitted with GPS or radio tracking collars, allowing our experts to monitor their movements closely.This technology helps us better understand their habitat range, migration patterns, and territory use. The collected data plays a crucial role in preventing conflicts between humans and wildlife by predicting when and where elephants or lions might enter areas inhabited by people.By tracking their movements, we can protect both the animals and local communities, reducing risks and promoting peaceful coexistence.