The plants are there for many purposes such as feeding and providing a natural environment for animals. The department keeps records of all the plants that tell what they are, where they are located, and where they came from. This international agreement protects plants and animals and controls trade. A majority of the discussion focused on orchids. There are 40,000 known species but probably 40 to 50 percent are still unknown.
Some orchids are already extinct in the wild.
They are currently being cultivated in the Zoo with the help of organizations such as the San Diego County Orchid Society. The Society also has a conservation subcommittee. Mike explained that there is no current reintroduction program at the San Diego Zoo, but he would like to start one with more funding.