Our planet is facing an unprecedented biodiversity crisis. In the last 50 years, the Earth has lost 73 percent of its wildlife populations. Species that once roamed in abundance now edge toward extinction due to threats like habitat loss, climate change and poaching — a crisis threatening wildlife and the ecosystems that humans rely on for clean air, water and food security.

Zoos are uniquely positioned to address this crisis. Traditionally, they have raised awareness and educated the public about wildlife, serving as a gateway for generations of young people to fall in love with wildlife. Today, that’s not enough. Zoos must do more. They have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to do more for wildlife conservation, working collaboratively to protect species in their natural habitats.

Conservation is not a mission any organization can accomplish alone. The most effective zoos’ efforts to date rely on partnerships with local, field-based conservationists — those who live and work alongside wildlife, who understand the challenges and solutions best, and who are often the only hope for sustaining these species in the wild. Yet, these local conservationists are often underfunded and excluded from key decision-making processes.

For instance, 5 percent to 10 percent of philanthropic funding in Africa reaches local conservation organizations. Among these groups, 92 percent cite the lack of unrestricted funding as a barrier, and 71 percent report that partnerships with international non-government organizations are restrictive, leaving them marginalized and under-resourced. These inequities perpetuate systemic barriers and undermine the efforts needed to achieve lasting conservation outcomes, as local knowledge and leadership are critical to success.

This is where organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Network come in. For more than two decades, WCN has built trust-based partnerships with local conservationists worldwide. Through a unique re-granting model, WCN connects donors — including zoos — to vetted conservationists, matching passions and resources to drive tangible effect. WCN’s model is highly efficient, transparent and low-burden, providing unrestricted funding that empowers local leaders to pursue sustainable, locally led solutions.

Consider the Cincinnati Zoo, a leader in leveraging its resources and expertise for conservation. The zoo’s Conservation Impact team spearheads the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ SAFE African Lion program, which collaborates with WCN’s Lion Recovery Fund to provide long-term funding and support for local conservationists. This program aims to halt the decline of African lions, reduce the challenges of human-wildlife conflict, and unlock the value of coexistence for local communities.

The SAFE African Lion program exemplifies the potential of strategic partnerships rooted in trust and respect. By elevating the voices of local conservationists and offering flexible, sustained support, the Cincinnati Zoo helps create locally led and globally effective solutions.

Zoos have a unique ability to inspire action. More than 181 million people visit U.S. AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums annually — a reach that surpasses the combined attendance of the NFL, NHL, NBA and MLB. By embedding conservation into their missions, zoos can mobilize these vast audiences as advocates for wildlife preservation and biodiversity.

Partnerships like the one between Cincinnati Zoo and WCN demonstrate what is possible when zoos, conservation organizations and local leaders come together. Yet, the inequities in global conservation funding cannot be ignored. To maximize their effect, zoos must invest in equitable partnerships that empower local leaders and prioritize the inclusion of those best positioned to protect ecosystems.

WCN fosters these connections, offering zoos a pathway to expand their influence. Through careful vetting and collaboration, WCN ensures that conservation entrepreneurs have access to the resources they need to succeed. At the same time, donors and partners, including zoos, are connected to world-class initiatives aligned with their goals.

Zoos can become more effective pillars of conservation by thinking beyond their walls. Each zoo visit is an opportunity to connect visitors with the animals they see and the communities working to protect these species. By fostering equitable partnerships and flexible support, zoos can drive transformative change for wildlife and people.

The adage, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” has never been more relevant. By acting as active members of the global conservation community, zoos can position themselves as faithful stewards of wildlife within their enclosures and globally.

Paul Thomson is the senior director of conservation programs at the Wildlife Conservation Network. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.