Our Conservation Values

Frankfurt Zoological Society conserves wildlife and ecosystems, focusing on protected areas and outstanding wild places.

We envision a world where wildlife and wilderness are respected and sustainably protected, for their intrinsic value and for the vital role they play in people’s lives.

For us, this means taking responsibility for people today and for future generations.

Conservation does not succeed from a distance. It is shaped in the landscapes themselves and by the people who live there.

That is why our work is built on partnerships with Indigenous Peoples and local communities, protected area authorities, scientific institutions, and partner organizations. Together, we work to safeguard landscapes and ecosystems.

These partnerships are designed for the long term. They are grounded in trust, reliability, and a commitment to remain present, even when political, social, or environmental conditions are challenging.

Many of our partnerships have endured for decades, because for us, responsibility means accompanying the long-term development of landscapes and habitats.

How we work matters as much as what we do.

We treat all people with respect, regardless of gender, background, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation and value different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. Diversity shapes our teams just as it shapes the landscapes in which we work.

We believe objective and respectful collaboration is essential, especially when views differ. Respect, openness, and dialogue are not optional; they are fundamental to lasting conservation.

Our actions are guided by the core values of a free and democratic society: human dignity, the rule of law, pluralism, and freedom of expression.

Discrimination, racism, and any form of extremism stand in direct opposition to our values and have no place in our organization or our work.

Our decisions are based on scientific knowledge and technical necessity, not on short-term interests or the interests of individual donors. Research and robust data help us identify risks, set priorities, and strengthen our work over time.

At the same time, we create space for new approaches and work together on solutions that respond to the diverse conditions on the ground.

We are transparent about our goals, the progress we make, and how financial resources are used. We mean our decisions to be clear, understandable, and open to scrutiny for all people.

Transparency is the foundation of strong partnerships and long‑term collaboration. It shapes our work in the field and at our headquarters in Frankfurt.