Ways to Support Wildlife Conservation

Zoo Atlanta takes “Conservation in Action” seriously, with direct involvement in numerous wildlife conservation programs around the world.

In fact, just by visiting Zoo Atlanta, you’re helping fund conservation projects for species in need. Zoo Atlanta’s Quarters for Conservation program donates 25 cents from every general admission ticket to conservation programs. The beneficiaries of the 2017-2018 Quarters for Conservation program include the East Africa Vulture Project, Project Bush Dog and the Tiger Conservation Campaign.

Even when you’re not visiting the Zoo, there are plenty of ways you can help endangered species and their habitats. Check out the following everyday conservation tips; even one person can have a big impact on protecting our planet.

Recycle Old Cellphones

One of the biggest ways you can make a difference is by recycling your old cellphones through Zoo Atlanta’s partnership with Eco-Cell and its Gorillas on the Line program.

What do cellphones have to do with gorillas? What many people don’t realize is that cellphones and other small electronics contain a rare mineral called coltan. Coltan is mined in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – the heart of gorilla habitat.

Any kind of cellphone will be accepted, and you can bring your old cellphone to the Zoo or mail it from anywhere. For each cellphone received, a donation will be made to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International to support gorillas and their habitats in Africa.

Be Mindful About Meat and Seafood, Too

Consider Meatless Mondays, taking Mondays off from eating meat to reduce the overall carbon footprint of your diet. Cattle farming is responsible for significant habitat loss in the Amazon rainforest, and cattle produce significant amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Lowering your meat intake can lower the risk of climate change that endangers many species worldwide.

Zoo Atlanta is also a partner in the Seafood Watch program, which encourages the use of only the most sustainable seafood to feed its animals. The ocean is vital to life on Earth, but it’s under threat of destructive fishing and farming practices. You can empower yourself with more information, too, with the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch app for iOS or Android, which helps you choose the most sustainable seafood at grocery stores and restaurants.

Choose Sustainable Ingredients

Another app can help you choose the most sustainable products with palm oil, a common ingredient found in snack foods, shampoo, toothpaste and many household items.

Rainforests in Indonesia are being destroyed, threatening the habitats of endangered Sumatran tigers, orangutans, Malayan sun bears, wreathed hornbills and many more, but the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s palm oil app can help you find out if products use sustainable palm oil. To work toward ensuring all of their food products use only sustainable palm oil, Zoo Atlanta and its food service partner Sodexo are both members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil.

Zoo Atlanta plays a crucial role in developing and supporting both global and native conservation programs and partnerships. Here in the U.S., the Zoo supports eastern indigo snake conservation, bog restoration and diamondback terrapin conservation to assist species facing habitat loss in southeastern states. Internationally, the Zoo has contributed significantly to giant panda conservation efforts in China and provided global support to projects such as golden lion tamarin conservation, Project Golden Frog and Amphibian Ark.

Zoo Atlanta helps animals all over the world, and you can join its efforts with these everyday tips for shopping sustainably and supporting conservation programs. Also, join Zoo Atlanta in person, and learn more about the animals whose habitats and survival you’re helping to support.

Create your own itinerary, explore Membership options or buy tickets in advance for your next Zoo Atlanta adventure.