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.
2026 programs slated for support from the Mabel Dorn Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund
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.
Ewaso Lions – Kenya
Ewaso Lions’ Kids Camp (LKC) program seeks to enlighten and ignite a new generation of Kenyan conservationists, blending wildlife education, safaris, and conservation-themed games and activities. Building upon prior success and with Zoo Atlanta’s support, the organization will run three LKCs for children who have never had any conservation exposure before. The project was championed by Taylor Robinson, Mammal Keeper.
International Rhino Foundation – Namibia
Local rangers and communities are teaming up to protect endangered rhinos in Namibia. Support from Zoo Atlanta helps the International Rhino Foundation and Save the Rhino Trust keep rhinos safe, train community rangers, teach children to value wildlife, and build new job opportunities for local families. The project was championed by Gina Ferrie, PhD, Vice President of Collections and Conservation.
Red Panda Network – Nepal
Receiving a second year of support from Zoo Atlanta in 2026, this grant will be used for the construction of greenhouses and shade houses, each with the capacity to produce and nurture 22,680 native seedlings. These seedlings will support forest restoration for red panda habitat, as well as will generate sustainable income for local communities by providing green jobs in the form of Restoration Stewards. The project was championed by Kenn Harwood, Curator of Mammals.
Tiger Conservation Campaign – Sumatra
A major threat to critically endangered Sumatran tigers is human-tiger conflict, with tigers killed in retaliation for livestock depredation and in snares set for wild pigs in agricultural fields. Tiger Conservation Campaign works with local villages to prevent and respond to human-tiger conflict to eliminate tiger killings. The project was championed by Mel Shiels, Mammal Keeper.
Turtle Survival Alliance – Madagascar
Funding from Zoo Atlanta will support health screening of confiscated and wild radiated tortoises, a critically endangered species, to reduce disease risk and to guide reintroduction. An international veterinary team will collaborate with the Malagasy team to conduct health assessments, provide supplies, and train veterinary students, ensuring healthy rewilded populations while building in-country conservation medicine capacity. The project was championed by Kate Leach, DVM, Associate Veterinarian.
Wildlife Alliance – Cambodia
Wildlife Alliance aims to implement a highly effective anti-poaching program to address the issue of clouded leopard mortality caused by snaring. This effort seeks to provide assistance in law enforcement patrolling, with specific focus on snare removal in the center of the Cardamom Rainforest – an area crucial for the survival of the clouded leopard and other endangered mammals. The project was championed by Michelle Elliott, Mammal Keeper.