Glossary

Captive breeding

Breeding a threatened species under human care, in zoos or breeding centres, to keep a safe population and sometimes supply animals for release.

Also called: ex situ breeding, conservation breeding, species survival plan, SSP

Captive breeding is the practice of keeping and breeding wild animals in zoos, parks and special breeding centres. For rare cats the aims are to keep a back-up population, protect against extinction, learn about the species and, in some cases, supply animals to be released. It is called ex situ conservation, meaning off-site, as opposed to in situ, which protects animals where they live.

Zoos coordinate cat breeding through studbooks and managed programmes, such as the Species Survival Plan in North America and the European Endangered Species Programme. Managers match animals to keep genetic variety, avoid inbreeding and keep the group healthy. Successful programmes include the Iberian lynx, which has been bred and released, and the Amur tiger and Amur leopard, which are bred in zoos worldwide.

Captive-bred animals are not always suited to the wild. Big cats raised by people may lack hunting skills or fear of humans, and releases need years of preparation. Ex situ breeding cannot replace protecting habitat and prey. Unregulated breeding of tigers and lions by private owners and roadside attractions is not part of conservation, and many experts and sanctuaries oppose it. Supporters of accredited programmes often point to veterinary care and scientific records.

Last reviewed November 7, 2026

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Related terms

Reintroduction Releasing animals into part of their former range where the species has died out, to re-establish a wild population. Endangered species A species at high risk of extinction, either under the IUCN Endangered category or on a legal list that protects it, which are different systems. IUCN Red List The international inventory of how close species are to extinction, which sorts them into categories from Least Concern to Extinct. Big cat sanctuary A facility that gives lifetime care to captive big cats without breeding them, trading them or allowing public contact, unlike a roadside zoo. Felid Any member of the cat family, Felidae, from the house cat to the tiger, and including extinct cats such as the sabre-toothed cats.