Local Zoo Global Impact. The Montgomery Zoo strives to educate the public not only about the individual animals housed at the Zoo but also species across the globe. It is important for visitors to know that animals at all zoological facilities are fun to watch, beautiful to see, and educational to learn about, but they also serve as ambassadors for their species.

As a zoo, we are constantly working towards preserving and conserving as many species as possible for future generations to learn about. We are able to work towards this goal by participating in conservation efforts. It is important to remember that wildlife conservation is not only about protecting animal species but also the habitats in which they live. The zoo contributes to many conservation organizations and we are so proud to have a part in helping to protect such valuable species in doing so.

Each year the Montgomery Zoo hosts events that help to raise money for conservation efforts. This year the Montgomery Zoo would like to focus our conservation efforts on four key species that are housed at the zoo along with a few of the conservation organizations that aid these species specifically. We have decided on the Pygmy Hippopotamus, Reticulated Giraffe, Bengal Tiger, and Komodo Dragon. So on top of our past events such as Zoo Weekend and Zoobilation, we will be hosting four special conservation events throughout the year to highlight these extraordinary species. During these events we will have booths set up with informational handouts, artifacts, coloring sheets, animal “trading cards,” and species specific handmade items to sell. There will be fun activities for all ages. Our goal is to educate our valued guests on not only the species, but also how they themselves can help contribute to conservation. All raised funds and donations will be given to conservation organizations that have made it their objective to save these majestic animals. Here is the list of those special events and the conservation organizations we will donate to:

---> Zoo Weekend(s): Spring event: during all the festivities of the Saturday, we will concentrate the theme of the day to revolve around wildlife conservation.  We will host multiple keepertalks, conservation info booths, and teach guests not only the importance of conservation, but how we as individuals can help on both a local and global scale. Plus, we are going to have a lot of fun!

---> World Pygmy Hippo Day: Winter Event, the event will be celebrated at the Montgomery Zoo. Proceeds will be donated to Pygmy Hippo Foundation.

---> World Giraffe Day: Summer Event, the event will be celebrated at the Montgomery Zoo. Proceeds will be donated to Giraffe Conservation Foundation.

---> International Tiger Day: Fall event, proceeds will be donated to AZA’s Tiger Conservation Campaign.

---> Komodo Dragon Corn Hole Toss Event: Fall Event, proceeds will be donated to Agumbe Rainforest Research Station.

We hope that you will join us in celebrating during these events, help us to raise awareness for these crucial species and learn even more about conservation! Watch our web site and social media for more information concerning these events as they become available. Hope to see you there, and thank you for helping us save the animals of the world.    

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Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, zoos around the world offered specialized encounters with some of the most fascinating and rare creatures on the planet. Here at the Montgomery Zoo, we offered behind the scene tours and encounters with our tigers, elephants, giraffes, African hoofstock, pygmy hippos, stingrays, and alligators. These experiences were fun, educational, and at times extremely eye-opening to the plight of some of our threatened and endangered species.

As a zoo, it is one of our goals to provide a fun, affordable wildlife experience to all of our guests, but we also want to educate. Simple things like teaching our guests to recycle, lessen their use of paper and plastic products, not littering, and avoid using products using palm oil can dramatically alter the living circumstance of animals around the globe.

Here at the Montgomery Zoo, we have participated in Conservation Breeding Programs that help prevent zoological facilities from removing animals from their native habitat to revitalize bloodlines in captivity. During the past ten years, we have successfully birthed and raised four African Pygmy Hippos. Three that have gone on to other zoos to participate in their breeding programs. 

Another conservation goal we share is to help educate our guests, our community, and the world.  Our Education Department has the opportunity to visit with thousands of school-aged children per year. And during each of those presentations, students are taught that even at their age they have an impact on our planet and can redirect the outcome of a threatened and endangered species.

A nationwide study* found that people that visit zoos and aquariums on a regular basis tend to reconsider their role in environmental problems and see themselves as part of the solution. Simple, yet intentional, habitat changes can truly make the difference in our planet and species survival. Thank you, and keep visiting zoos.

*Source: treehugger.com

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