The Mabel Dorn Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund
The Mabel Dorn Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund annually awards grants to projects that enable Zoo Atlanta to expand its conservation actions and contributions.
Projects are proposed by team members across the Zoo and are selected by a review committee based on relevance to the Zoo’s animal population; conservation status and needs of the species in question; conservation significance; inclusion of education outreach; and professional development opportunities for the Zoo team.
2025 programs slated for support from the Mabel Dorn Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund
Red Panda Network – Nepal
Funding from Zoo Atlanta will support construction of a greenhouse and shade house, each with the capacity to produce and nurture more than 22,000 native seedlings. The trees will contribute to reforestation of wild red panda habitat and sustainable incomes for local communities. The project was championed by Kenn Harwood, Curator of Mammals.
Borneo Orangutan Survival USA – Borneo
For more than 30 years, Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) has been a leader in rehabilitating orphaned orangutans through its Forest School, with more than 520 individuals successfully returned to the wild and monitored in protected rainforest habitats. The project was championed by Lynn Yakubinis, Lead Keeper of Primates.
El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center (EVACC) Foundation – Panama
Based in El Valle de Antón, Panama, the EVAAC Foundation focuses on the conservation of the Panamanian golden frog – a species which is extinct in the wild and currently housed only in assurance populations within human care, including Zoo Atlanta – and other Panamanian amphibians through research, breeding, protection, reintroduction, and local education. The project was championed by Evan Hoiland, Herpetology Keeper.
Pan African Sanctuary Alliance – Cameroon
The Pan African Sanctuary Alliance’s Green Project is a collaborative effort that incentivizes long-term, sustainable community engagement in conservation to protect the biodiverse habitat of Mt. Cameroon National Park, home to a fragile population of endangered drill monkeys. The project was championed by Pam Miller, Primate Keeper.
Wildlife Alliance Veal Pi Ranger Station – Cambodia
Wildlife Alliance aims to implement an anti-poaching program to address clouded leopard mortality due to poachers’ snares in the Cardamom Rainforest, an area crucial for the survival of this and other species. The program assists in law enforcement patrolling and snare removal. The project was championed by Michelle Elliott, Mammal Keeper.
Goualougo Triangle Ape Project – Republic of Congo
The Goualougo Triangle Ape Project works to mitigate threats to gorillas, chimpanzees, and their habitats. Through research, training, and local partnerships, the effort seeks to facilitate sustainable coexistence and to enhance and strengthen conservation policies across the Congo Basin. The project was championed by Jodi Carrigan, Curator of Primates.
Turtle Survival Alliance – Madagascar
Funding from Zoo Atlanta will support health diagnostics, supplies, and veterinary students for health screening of radiated tortoises confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade prior to rewilding the animals. The project was championed by Kate Leach, DVM, Senior Veterinarian.