White Rhino (copyright WOCC)
White Oak Conservation Center is one of the world’s premiere wildlife breeding, research, and training facilities. The Center, located along the St. Mary’s River in northeast Florida, spans 600 acres and is surrounded by 6,800 acres of pine and hardwood forest and wetlands.
Co-founded in 1982 by philanthropist Howard Gilman and conservation biologist and current president John Lukas, White Oak Conservation Center provides conservation options for the future by maintaining genetically diverse populations of threatened species in spacious, natural facilities. With a complex of research, husbandry, education and conference facilities, the Center leads professional efforts to improve veterinary care, develop holistic animal management techniques, and better understand the biology of critically endangered species.
White Oak Conservation Center conserves and sustains some of the earth’s rarest wild animals through innovative training, research, education, breeding and field programs that contribute to the survival of wildlife in nature.
Gilman International Conservation Foundation links the staff and managed animal programs of White Oak Conservation Center with international partners to conserve flagship species. A public charity, GIC was incorporated in 2001 to fundraise for, and coordinate field conservation initiatives that work to conserve flagship species and habitat diversity for species represented in the White Oak collection. This is accomplished by protecting natural habitats and engaging local communities to live sustainably, and be supportive of efforts to conserve biological diversity. Utilizing White Oak’s staff expertise, professional affiliations and networks, the foundation is able to draw the assets of other organizations into large scale endeavors that benefit the world’s biodiversity. This approach requires the long-term commitment of funds, staff, and partners to the cause.
Building upon the natural appeal of species such as rhinos, cheetahs and okapi, GIC encourages people, communities and governments to actively participate in conservation initiatives.
Through research projects, training opportunities, and education programs, GIC and White Oak Conservation Center seek sustainable solutions to the conservation challenges facing the earth’s biodiversity.
