Conservation Carts

Have you heard the quote, “Be the change you want to see in the world?” At Zoo Atlanta, we can be the change together for wildlife. Stop by one of our Conservation Carts to learn more about how you can be part of the solution and have a positive impact on animals around the world.

Zoo Atlanta’s Conservation Carts are mobile stations throughout the Zoo designed to engage our visitors in learning about issues that affect wildlife but that focus primarily on how every person can be part of the solution. One of our Education Interpreters (on-grounds conservation educators) will be there to talk with you one-on-one and show you cool animal artifacts like bones, feathers, fur and footprints; lead hands-on activities; and sometimes have fun, “green” take-home items for visitors.

What are some of the issues you might learn about at a Conservation Cart?

• Adapting to Change – (Located in the new African Savanna near the lion habitat) Animals and humans are facing threats to habitats, our environment, and food sources due to changes in the environment.
• Home is Where the Heart Is – (Located in the Ford Willie B. Gorilla Conservation Center) Habitat loss is a main issue for 85 percent of all threatened animal species (illegal logging, agriculture, mining).
• Our Backyard – (Located in the Georgia eXtremes building at Scaly Slimy Spectacular) We share Georgia with more than 4,000 species of plants and animals. Human populations are increasing, and our local wildlife is having a difficult time adapting.
• Pet Guardians – (Located near the golden lion tamarin habitat) The growing trend for exotic pets contributes to illegal wildlife trafficking and has drastic effects on wild animals and their homes.
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – (Located near the giant otter habitat) Plastic pollution is affecting wildlife and marine life.
• Shop Sustainable – (located at Sumatran tiger lower viewing area) The choices we make at the checkout can have a considerable impact on our sustainable future (palm oil, seafood, coffee, cocoa).
• Wildlife Crime – (located in the new African Savanna inside or outside of the Zambezi Elephant Center) Wildlife crime affects numerous endangered species across multiple habitats, leaving species, ecosystems, communities and even humans in peril.

As you can see, animals in the wild face many challenges today. How can we overcome this? Through our simple everyday actions. Some of the actions you’ll learn about at our Conservation Carts are things like buying products made only with sustainable palm oil or Forestry Stewardship Council Certified paper products, Meatless Mondays, recycling old cell phones, using canvas bags at the grocery store and more. By starting small, your whole family can build up to a more sustainable lifestyle that helps ensure the survival of the many incredible species that live here at Zoo Atlanta and across the planet.

Conservation Cart times vary by day, so check the website, back of your Zoo map, or keep an eye out while exploring the Zoo!