Mission and values
The general strategic objective of Riga ZOO is the maintenance of the only national zoological garden, education of the public about the fauna in Latvia and in the world and its conservation, offering quality recreation promote healthy lifestyle and tourism, perform research and contribute to conservation of rare and disappearing species, simultaneously ensuring a high level of welfare for animals in the zoological garden as set forth in Riga City Council 07.07.2021 Decision No. 767 “About Retention of the Direct Holding of Riga Municipal Authorities in SIA “Rīgas Nacionālais zooloģiskais dārzs””.
Vision — Riga ZOO is a four-season biopark, implementing scientific, educational, cultural and recreational activities and is tourism destination number one in Latvia.
Since 30 March 2022, when based on Riga City Council Decision No. 1352 “About the Concept of Development of Riga National Zoological Garden” the concept of Riga ZOO sustainable development “Masterplan 2035” was approved; all activities related to the maintenance, management and development of the infrastructure required for core activities are performed in compliance with the guidelines of the development concept.
Until 2035 according to “Masterplan 2035” Riga ZOO will become a four-season biopark that will help its guests and the public in Latvia to learn more about different regions of Eurasia, Indonesia, Australia, Africa and South America. Himalayas is the first complex of new expositions that will mark the beginning of implementation of “Masterplan 2035”. Its opening is scheduled for 2026. The exposition of the fauna of Himalaya region in Riga ZOO will especially attract visitors in winter, since the selected species of mammals and birds stay outdoors also during the cold seasons of the year.
The main tasks of modern zoological gardens are set forth in The World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy.
In 1992 Riga zoological garden became a member of European Association of Zoos and Aquaria — EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria). Membership in this organization means that the zoo is required to maintain high standards in animal welfare and in other aspects of the zoo’s operation. According to the strategic objectives set by EAZA, Riga zoological garden has committed itself to conservation of biodiversity, contributing to nature conservation projects and work in the field of environmental education.
At the end of 2023 EAZA counts more than 400 organisations among its members from 48 countries in Europe and the Near East. EAZA develops regional conservation plans of species, maintains management programmes and herd books of captive populations of species (at the end of 2023 — 440 species).
Animal demonstration in Riga ZOO is based on the most important operating principles of progressive zoological gardens — nature conservation, animal welfare and education of the public.
As a part of implementation of the strategic objectives of EAZA Riga ZOO participates in conservation of biodiversity — establishes and maintains sustainable populations of endangered species of animals ex situ (protection and conservation measures of species outside their natural environment). Until 2025 25 % of species in the collection of Riga ZOO will be species included on IUCN Red Data List.
The fundamental values of Riga ZOO are:
- Team
- Professionalism
- Growth
- Transparency
- Sustainability
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