Conservation starts with education, and grows with a passion to create change.

When people hear the word conservation, most tend to think of something way bigger than themselves. They lean towards the “what could I possibly do to help” to allowing larger organizations with more influence and power lead the way. When actually, it is quite the opposite. Everyone can contribute. Everyone can help. Everyone can make an impact. As a zoological facility, one of our main mission points is to protect the well-being and stability of all animal species; especially those that are endangered or threatened. 

So, how do we do that?  Well, we do not do it alone.  It takes the small efforts of many to help create a grand influence to help not only the animals that reside here at the Montgomery Zoo, but also those animals that need our help in the wild.  One of our largest endeavors currently is our Conversation Endowment Fund.

The main focus of this effort is to raise funds to help the critically endangered Indian Gharial in the wild, while also raising funds to construct a new Reptile Facility bringing the Indian Gharial here to Montgomery to be one of the signature exhibit animals.  Funds raised through the Montgomery Zoo will help with research, breeding programs, and hatchling survival for the Gharial in the wild in Indian.  Currently, there are only 650 surviving adults in the wild. Currently, only 1% of the hatchlings survive past the first year of life.

How do I help? 
There are lots of different way to help conservation efforts. 1) When you make a purchase, around up your change making a donation. 2) When making a souvenir purchase at either gift shops, make your change count by dropping it in the whirlwind barrel. Have a little fun while helping a great cause. 3) Make a donation to the Montgomery Zoo's Conservation Endowment Fund. Big or small, we accept all size donations. It is amazing what an impact many people can make. To make a donation to the Montgomery Zoo's Conservation Endowment Fund, please contact the zoo at (334) 625-4900 or by email at zooinfo@montgomeryal.gov.      

So what else are we doing? 
Conservation is not always about saving something; it is also about prevention.  Right now, 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans; mostly comprising of plastic water bottles and grocery bags. All of us can play a role in reducing the amount of plastic we use. At the Zoo, we have water fountains that help people fill water containers without using additional plastic. At Stingray Bay, the fountain will report how many bottles have been reduced. 6148 and counting. Also, beginning in 2020, the zoo will no longer have plastic bags in our gift shop.  Also, take notice to the new item packaging, much less plastic is being used by vendors and many more are repurposing items; like our recycled flip-flop, soda can, and reclaimed metal and wood sculptures. And a practice we have held dear for years, no plastic cup lids, straws, and balloons in the Zoo or sold at the Overlook Cafe. This is not only done in a form of reducing waste, but also for the safety and well-being of our animals. 

How else can I help?
Purchase a painting. Our animals create some of the most awesome one-of-a-kind masterpieces perfect for that animal lover friend or family member.  They are great additions to any office, house, or school classroom... and the perfect conservation starter.  The paintings are available in the Zoo Gift Shop and proceeds from the paintings help animals here at the Zoo and in the wild.    

Ride the GREEN train. 
One of our newest additions is the GREEN all electric train.  No more fuel. No more oil. No more flumes in our sky. This GREEN train is so smart, it even charges as it rides.  

We have heard for decades, reduce, reuse, and recycle. Well, what do I do with all these dead or worn-out electronic gadgets and phones?  Bring them to the Zoo, drop them in our GADGET RECYCLE BOX and funds raised from this effort will be contributed to helping replant rainforests and replenish depleted wildlife. 

Get educated. 
A lot of people have misconceptions about how they play a role in our planet and our wildlife. Here's a simple one. Did you know, most people think it is perfectly okay to toss an unfinished apple, banana, grape, carrot, or any type fruit or veggie out the car window? People say, "ahh, it is biodegradable" or "the animals will enjoy it." Well, actually no. It causes deer on the road side to get hit. It causes rodents to gather on the road side, which birds like hawks, owls, falcons, and eagle feed on. Often resulting in the birds getting hit by passing cars. Simple things like not littering can make a grand impact on the lives of our native wildlife and bird life.

Reusing, repurposing, and recycling items rather than just tossing them into a waste bin can definitely aid in reducing landfill space but also our carbon imprint.

Zoo2Go is a Zoo Education program that allows us to bring the wild adventures of the Zoo to YOU! Whether it be in your classroom, here at the Zoo, at a local civic club or group, a corporate gathering, community get-together, or even at your next birthday, let us add a little WILD FACTOR to your event. We can bring a select group of small mammals, reptiles, exotic birds, insects, and birds of prey.

     We can pre-designed programs to select from or if those don't fit your needs, we can build one just for you.  See below a list of some standard program offerings.

   -- Animal Adaptations

   -- Animals of the Bible

   -- Colors of Survival

   -- Birds of Prey

   -- Reptiles Alive

   -- Biomes of the World

   -- Life in the Rainforest

   -- Creatures of the Night

   -- Alabama Wildlife

   -- Guided Zoo Tour

   -- Guided Behind the Scenes Tour

   -- Design a Guided Zoo Tour

   -- Guided Museum Tour

For booking info, pricing, and tour availability, please contact Danielle Crowe at (334) 625-4909 or dcrowe@montgomeryal.gov.

Cost for tours and programs: 

Off grounds, consecutive programs (outreach)

   -- Up to 60 people is $125 for the first program and $105 for each program after that

   -- 60-140 people is $150 for the first program and $125 for each program after that

   -- 140 and up (assembly programs) are $175

On Zoo grounds, consecutive programs

   -- Up to 40 people in the classroom $115

   -- Up to 100 people in the tent pavilion $115

Behind the Scene Tours

   -- $225, limit 20 (does not include admission to the Zoo and/or Museum)

Zoo and Museum Tours

   -- Zoo tour, 30 people limit, $225

   -- Museum tour, 20 people limit, $225

Zoobeedoo (Zoo mascot) 

   -- $65 per hour

Education live animal presentations at self-hosted parties on Zoo property with an advanced shelter reservation  -- $75

For booking info, pricing, and tour availability, please contact Danielle Crowe at (334) 625-4909 or dcrowe@montgomeryal.gov.