SSPs and PMPs are cooperative management and conservation programs of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The mission of these programs is to help ensure the survival of selected wildlife species. The mission is implemented using a combination of the following strategies:

• Organize scientifically-controlled managed breeding programs for selected wildlife as a hedge against extinction
• Cooperate with other institutions and agencies to ensure integrated conservation strategies
• Increase public awareness of wildlife conservation issues, including development and implementation of education strategies at AZA-member institutions and in the field
• Conduct basic and applied research to contribute to our knowledge of various species
• Train wildlife and zoo professionals
• Develop and test various technologies relevant to field conservation
• Reintroduce wildlife bred in zoos and aquariums into restored or secure habitat as appropriate and necessary

Staff members of The Living Desert coordinate six of these programs:
Sand Cat (SSP)
Mexican Wolf (SSP)
Soemmering's Gazelle (PMP)
Cuvier's Gazelle (PMP)
Slender-horned Gazelle (SSP)
Arabian Oryx (SSP)