How do zoos contribute to the conservation of species?

Zoos play an important role in the protection of the near extinct and endangered species by conduction breeding programs. Animals belonging to the endangered species are kept in most of the modern zoos. As part of the 'return-to-the-wild' campaign, these animals are cared for, put through breeding programmes, and finally released into their natural habitats. A good example would be the conservation programme undertaken for the White Oryx antelope. Returning captive animals to the wild also involves making those animals at home in places they haven't been to for a long time. Conservation of species is important not only because it restores the Earth's biodiversity, but also because diversity is crucial for the healthy evolution of life on the Earth.