Conservation donation program puts power of choice into visitor’s hands
COAL VALLEY, Iowa (Sept. 13, 2016)–Niabi Zoo announced today that its popular Quarters for Conservation program has resulted in more than $16,752 in donations so far this season that will go towards four conservation programs across the world. The program was implemented last year to connect visitors with the zoo’s conservation efforts and has a resulted in a total of $48,840 in 2015 and 2016.
“This is a way to get every single person who visits Niabi Zoo to play a part in species conservation,” said Lee Jackson, zoo director. “By simply going to the zoo everyone can help improve the wellbeing of animals around the world. Conservation and preservation are a bit part of our mission.”
For each general admission ticket purchased, the Zoo donates 25 cents towards Quarters for Conservation. Each zoo that participates in this national program has the ability to independently select the beneficiaries they choose to support. Niabi Zoo selected the following four projects:
-
Snow Leopard Trust – This trust protects the endangered snow leopard in central Asia and educates people who live in the same habitat to help preserve the snow leopard.
-
Monarch Watch – This nonprofit education, conservation, and research program based at the University of Kansas focuses on the monarch butterfly, its habitat, and its spectacular fall migration.
-
Fauna and Flora International Antiguan Racer Project – The Fauna and Flora group is responsible for breeding and re-introducing Antiguan Racers as well as educating the public of their importance.
-
Three-Wattled Bellbird Conservation Monitoring Program – this program investigates bellbird ecology and movement patterns that will help contribute to regional conservation planning for both the species and its habitat.
Based on visitor’s selections, the Snow Leopard Trust was the project that received the most donations with$7,976. Monarch Watch was the second most popular project with $3,706 in donations, while the Antiguan Racer Recovery Program and the Wattled Bellbird Conservation Monitoring Program came in third and fourth with $2,766 and $2,304 respectively.
“Conservation is a huge part of what we do here at the zoo,” said Lyndsey Snider, interim curator of conservation and education. “We are thrilled with the continued success of the Quarters for Conservation season and we can’t wait to see how these funds will help animals in the coming years!”
If you visited Niabi Zoo during its 2016 season, visit http://niabizoo.com/Get-Involved/Coins-for-Conservation.aspx to see the progress that has been made thanks to the quarter donated from your admission tickets!
# # #
Niabi Zoo gives visitors from the Quad Cities and beyond an opportunity to explore more than 40 acres of animal exhibits, including more than 140 species from Africa, Australia, Asia, and North America. As part of its mission, the zoo strives to connect the community with the natural world through conservation leadership and engaging educational experiences. Through its exhibits, educational programs, outreach efforts, field trips and more, the Zoo strives to instill a sense of care and understanding for wild animals in both children and adults. To learn more about Niabi Zoo, visit NiabiZoo.com.
Niabi Zoo closes on Oct. 30 for the 2016 season.
