Habitat Earth denotes Lincoln Park Zoo's conservation efforts at home and around the world. The Habitat Earth logo will lead you to information about conservation projects conducted in the wild, conservation research at he zoo and conservation education programs. The Zoo's Conservation and Science program has strong components in the areas of in situ (in nature) wildlife conservation, ex situ (in captivity) wildlife conservation and management, and scientific management of zoo animals. Research projects fall into two general categories: (1) understanding and improving animal management and visitor behavior issues specific to Lincoln Park Zoo and broader conservation, management, and basic biology issues that have ramifications far beyond the Lincoln Park Zoo animal collection. Much of the present research is focused on small population management (e.g., genetics, demography); the results of this work are important for management of captive breeding programs, reintroduction and translocation of animals to and between wild populations, management of small populations in natural reserves or parks, and development of regional and global cooperative initiatives that involve captive bred wildlife. Curatorial needs and research interests deal mostly with the behavior of animals within the exhibits a Lincoln Park; thus, the majority of research projects at the zoo continues to focus on applied animal behavior. Reproductive physiology, environmental physiology, veterinary medicine, and nutritional research are conducted opportunistically.

Research and conservation projects are, for the most part, implemented by graduate students, undergraduate students or LPZ volunteers. Training the next generation of professionals by providing opportunities to participate in scientific projects involving zoo biology or conservation is both an important contribution and an efficient means of conducting a large number of projects. LPZ's commitment to provide financial, logistic, and academic advisory support for independent student research either at the zoo or in the field, was the first of its kind among zoos. The on site programs offer a level of training and attention by scientific staff that is virtually unavailable at even the smallest of academic institutions. The major off site program, the Lincoln Park Zoo Scott Neotropic Fund, is unique in its focus of support to Latin American students working on field conservation projects in Latin America. The Zoo is among the top 5% of US zoos with regard to the number of projects and level of financial support to international conservation. The Zoo participates in numerous cooperative conservation projects, most notably the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plans and Taxon Advisory Groups. These cooperative programs are the mainstays of zoo conservation efforts in North America. Zoo staff participate as program chairs, members of advisory groups, and as scientific advisors to over 15 programs.