Kelly G., Lead Keeper of the Herpetology Team at Zoo Atlanta, volunteered for a week at the El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center in El Valle de Anton, Panama. EVACC, which has been working with Zoo Atlanta for several years, is focused on rescuing and raising Panamanian golden frogs. Kelly took the local bus from Panama City to El Valle de Anton. She spent most of her time at the visitor’s center servicing habitats, manning the front desk, and talking to visitors about EVACC’s work. In her downtime, she bird-watched, hiked, picked up trash, and went helping. EVACC, with its small staff and budget, is partnering with the government and zoological institutions to find ways to reintroduce the frogs back into the wild. Visitors can visit the Scaly Slimy Spectacular and see the Panamanian golden frog for themselves.
Save what you love! – Zoo Atlanta
Introduction
Zoo Atlanta is a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of wild animals. The Zoo is home to over 1,500 animals from more than 200 species. Since its inception, Zoo Atlanta has been committed to educating people about the importance of conservation and saving wildlife. The Zoo has significantly contributed to protecting endangered species through its various initiatives and programs.
Conservation Efforts
Zoo Atlanta has partnered with various organizations like the Rainforest Alliance and the Jane Goodall Institute to raise awareness about the impacts of deforestation and climate change on wildlife. The Zoo also plays a critical role in conserving endangered species like the Sumatran tiger and giant pandas. Zoo Atlanta’s conservation efforts extend beyond the Zoo’s boundaries as it helps in community-based conservation programs and research projects in different parts of the world.
Education Programs
One of Zoo Atlanta’s primary objectives is to educate people about the importance of conserving wildlife. The Zoo has developed various educational programs catering to different age groups. The programs aim to inspire people to positively impact the environment and protect wild habitats. Some popular programs include ZooMobile, ZooCamp, and Homeschool at the Zoo.
Sustainability Practices
Zoo Atlanta is committed to reducing its environmental impact through sustainable practices. The Zoo uses energy-efficient lighting, recycles waste, and adopts water conservation practices. It also has a farm-to-table program where it sources its vegetables from local farms, reducing the carbon emissions associated with transportation.
Conclusion
Zoo Atlanta’s commitment to conservation and education has made it a leader in wildlife protection. By promoting sustainability and inspiring individuals to act, the Zoo significantly contributes to safeguarding our planet’s biodiversity. As we face new challenges in the conservation on which wildlife depends, institutions like Zoo Atlanta are essential in raising awareness about the urgent need to protect animals and their habitats. We can all play a part in saving what we love by supporting the vital work of Zoo Atlanta and other organizations dedicated to the welfare of wild animals.
