One of the primary criteria distinguishing the two levels of Animal Management Programs, is the number of individual reproductively viable specimens involved with the program. Other criteria separating the two programs are the number of unrelated genetic lines and the number of collaborating institutions committed to the program. The beginning level for most programs is the Population Plan Program. The long-term goal of a Population Plan Program is to grow into a Master Plan Program.

One important stipulation for the Master Plan Program is that ZIMS must be used for the studbook, since the available population management software can only use that format for analyzing demographic and genetic data to create breeding recommendations for master plans. This stipulation is not required for the Population Plan Program, BUT when that program’s growth enables it to transition to a Master Plan, then the studbook must be entered anew into a ZIMS studbook format.

For any AMP that focuses on an endangered species, participants must provide annual support to selected NGO’s working with that species. For an AMP that does not focus on an endangered species, participants are strongly encouraged to support the identified NGO’s. The Species Manager and/or the Studbook Keeper recommend appropriate NGO’s working with the focus species for consideration and approval by The AMP and Conservation Committee. These donations typically go through ZAA and are documented to track annual conservation support on behalf of the ZAA members.