ISIS — a consortium of more than 800 zoos, aquariums, and conservation organizations — has just announced that they are teaming up to create one central Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS). The central shared network for those working on global wildlife conservation is unprecedented in its scale and scope, aiming to catalog and share information on more than 2.6 million different animals, some endangered and threatened.
“These leading institutions answered the call and dedicated their staff and resources to the ZIMS project because need is clear,” said ISIS CEO Roger Stonecipher. “This network will bring the zoological community together in ways not yet imagined. We are on the precipice of something great here – connecting those who protect and care for animals in the largest information-based social network so far created for a specific purpose.”
The vision is for a web-based global database to share knowledge on animal health and well being. The cloud-based storage of the data, and the fact that it is shared globally, mean that the connected knowledge base will grow significantly in terms of its intelligence. In addition to data on the health and physiology of animals, researchers and caretakers will also share knowledge on animal husbandry and their social behaviors.
The program deployment is taking a phased approach,with early adopter institutions currently working and testing the application in their facilities.
Read more on the Zoological Information Management System here.
