Mike Lubbock, Director of Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Center, is dedicated to maintaining and expanding Sylvan Height’s precious collection of waterfowl species, especially those that are most threatened by loss the of habitat that is occurring globally. Birds with extremely low populations either in the wild or in the collections of zoos and responsible private breeders are selected for inclusion in Sylvan Heights' Endangered Species Breeding Program. Whenever possible, Sylvan Heights works in cooperation with the American Zoological Society or other wildlife organizations to insure that there will forever be a sustainable population of these species.

The Endangered Species Breeding Program conducted by the aviculture staff at Sylvan Heights has significantly contributed

to the long-term survival of these incredible wildlife species.

The success of the Endangered Species Breeding Program has increased the already impressive number of the world’s most threatened waterfowl species residing at the avian preserve. It is hoped that the program will expand to include other threatened species, which are not currently represented at Sylvan Heights.

The Center currently conducts breeding programs for 21 of the 44 species listed as “endangered or vulnerable” by Birdlife International's List of Globally Threatened Waterfowl Species and Sub-species.