The IZW (Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research) works together with Naturefund, as the maintenance of habitats provides a foundation stone for a lasting nature conservation. 

The IZW is a research foundation working worldwide, the oriented use and interdisciplinary research basis in the areas of evolution ecology, genetics of evolution, wild animal illnesses, biological reproduction and reproduction management by zoos and wild animals.

The main aim is the exploration of the efficiency of adaptation and contraints of bigger animals in the wild, their role in the ecosystem, as well as their changing relationship with man and the environment. The knowledge gained is an important requisite for a scientificaly-based species protection and for lasting ecological concepts regarding the us of natural resources.