The SSP began in 1981 as a cooperative population management and conservation program for selected species at North American zoos and aquariums. Each SSP carefully manages the breeding of a species in order to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining captive population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable. Beyond this, SSPs include a variety of cooperative conservation activities, such as research, public education, reintroduction, and field projects. Most SSP species are endangered or threatened in the wild and have the interest of qualified professionals with time to dedicate toward their conservation.
Examples are the giant panda, Siberian tiger, and lowland gorilla.
Management committees composed of various experts assist the coordinator with the conservation efforts for the particular species, including aspects of population management, research, education, and reintroduction when feasible. In addition, each institution holding an SSP animal has a representative who attends the relevant SSP meetings and coordinates the SSP activities at their institution. The overall program is administered by AZA's Conservation and Science Office in Bethesda, Maryland.