There have been multiple successful raised in captivity and introduced into the wild programs https://www.aza.org/reintroduction-programs
- - - Updated - - -Reintroduction programs, by which animals raised or rehabilitated in AZA-accredited zoos or aquariums are released into their natural habitats, are powerful tools used for stabilizing, re-establishing, or increasing in situ animal populations that have suffered significant declines. Reintroductions may include animals that have spent some of their early life-stages being cared for in a “head-start” program that gives them a greater chance of survival than those born in the wild, those brought in for rehabilitation from illness or injury, those moved from one area for release elsewhere, or those that are offspring of animals that have had several generations cared for by AZA-accredited institutions.
AZA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN)/Species Survival Commission (SSC) play key roles in advancing the science of reintroduction programs in which AZA Animal Programs or its accredited institutions participate. Numerous reference materials and tools have been developed to advance the science and success of reintroductions.
Examples of AZA Reintroduction Programs
Black-footed Ferrets: The last 18 black-footed ferrets were placed in the care of AZA-accredited institutions. Due to the efforts of the AZA Black-footed Ferret SSP Program and other conservation partners, these animals have successfully reproduced and over 4,500 animals have been reintroduced into in situ populations. Learn more about this species’ road to recovery.
California Condors: In 1982, only 22 California condors existed in the wild, however conservation breeding and management of these animals in AZA-accredited institutions increased this population to almost 200 birds within 20 years, and by 2014, their population totaled 425 animals, including 219 living in the wild. To learn more about the condor's ex situ rearing efforts visit the San Diego Zoo website. Visit the USFWS Endangered Species Program to view a video of this success story..........
RED WOLF CONSERVATION http://www.pdza.org/red-wolf-conservation
In the 1970s, only 14 pure Red Wolves roamed the planet. By 1980, those wolves had been removed from the wild to establish a breeding program to restore the population.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium joined forces with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 1984 to establish a long-term propagation program for the Red Wolf and to include it in a Species Survival Plan (SSP), along with hundreds of other animals.
Today more than 40 approved facilities work together as part of the Red Wolf SSP to ensure Red Wolf survival. Since the creation of the breeding program, the population of Red Wolves has increased dramatically, with their numbers now at nearly 200 in the SSP and about 50 wolves in the wild.
Extensive statistical analysis of the population and careful attention to the details of managing a very small gene pool has helped to maintain genetic diversity for the wolves. Genome resource banking and assisted reproduction techniques are also being studied and used as tools to help better manage the Red Wolf population.
One of the most significant aspects of the Red Wolf Species Survival Plan has been the successful management of a reintroduced wolf population to the wild. The goal from the start of the breeding program has been to put the Red Wolf back into its natural habitat. Great care had to be taken to maintain the wolves' natural instincts and minimize human contact. All the efforts of those involved in the breeding and reintroduction programs proved successful as the first Red Wolves were released to a native habitat at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, NC in 1987. Each reintroduced wolf wore a radio collar so that it could be tracked and studied.
A year after the first wolves were reintroduced to the refuge, the first wild wolf pups were born.