- Woodland Park Zoo‘s initiative to protect global forest ecosystems
- The innovative design and features of the new Forest Trailhead exhibit
- The role of zoos in conservation and education, focusing on species like Matschie’s tree kangaroos
- How community support and donations fuel conservation efforts for forest-dwelling species
- The behind-the-scenes care for Matschie’s tree kangaroos by dedicated zookeepers
In 2026, the Woodland Park Zoo will unveil its Forest Trailhead exhibit, a cutting-edge haven designed for forest denizens like red pandas, Matschie’s tree kangaroos, and kea parrots. The exhibit is the shining cornerstone of the Forests for All campaign. This initiative signals the zoo’s pledge to forge a sustainable future for our planet’s vital woodland habitats and the diverse life forms they nurture.
The Forests for All campaign and the forthcoming exhibit underscore Woodland Park Zoo’s commitment to fostering an ecosystem-centric approach to conservation. This blueprint for action demonstrates harmony between education and habitat preservation, emphasizing the zoo’s role in a broader conservation narrative.
One of the most charismatic inhabitants of the Forest Trailhead will be the Matschie’s tree kangaroo, an arboreal marsupial native to the rainforests of Papua New Guinea. With their reddish-brown fur and endearing personalities, tree kangaroos like Elanna and Finni serve as ambassadors for their species, highlighting both their beauty and vulnerability to zoo visitors.
Woodland Park Zoo is crafting immersive experiences within the Forest Trailhead to recreate the lush, biodiverse habitats these creatures call home. Visitors will meander along a canopy trail, enveloped by the verdant embrace of simulated forest treetops where red pandas and tree kangaroos can be observed in their element. The exhibit simulates the complex stratification of a forest ecosystem, providing layers of engagement for the visitor and varied environments for the animals.
Zoos have evolved from mere showcases of exotic wildlife to becoming active agents of conservation and species recovery. Woodland Park Zoo’s educational programs elucidate the ecological roles of forest species and the threats they face, such as habitat loss and climate change. By drawing the public into the conservation narrative, the zoo fosters a community-driven effort to safeguard these irreplaceable habitats.
The Forests for All campaign’s success and initiatives pivot on the involvement and contribution of the local and global community. Contributions to the Forests for All fund support Woodland Park Zoo’s species-saving conservation programs. Visitors are encouraged to consider supporting these efforts, acknowledging that even individual actions contribute to a collective goal of forest preservation.
Animal keepers like Amanda Dukart are instrumental in the daily care of these forest emissaries. By sharing her experiences and knowledge, Amanda instills awareness and inspires action among the zoo’s patrons. Her dedication exemplifies the profound connection between keepers and the animals in their charge and how this relationship is vital to the zoo’s educational mission.
Tree kangaroo care’s inner workings involve a regimen catering to their dietary, social, and physical needs. Matschie’s tree kangaroos, for instance, possess intricate nutritional needs, feasting on a diet rich in leaves, fruits, and specialized supplements to mimic the exacting requirements of their wild diet. Habitats are meticulously crafted to feature climbing structures that allow these tree-dwelling marsupials to express their natural behaviors, providing both stimulation and opportunities for physical exercise.
Incorporating educational and engagement-oriented design, the Forest Trailhead exhibit exemplifies a shift in how modern zoos contribute to wildlife conservation. Through the replication of native environments and the showcasing of species-specific behaviors, visitors gain a nuanced appreciation for these creatures and the ecosystems they represent.
Zoos are no longer seen solely as institutions housing wildlife but as bastions of biodiversity preservation and public engagement. Woodland Park Zoo’s investment in the Forests for All campaign and including animals such as Matschie’s tree kangaroos in their new exhibit underlines the critical role that zoologically dedicated organizations play in the broader conservation tapestry.
Creating such an ambitious project hinges on the support of donors who understand the urgency of forest conservation. By partaking in the zoo’s mission, supporters become active participants in a global initiative. The Forest Trailhead is not just a new exhibit; it is a testament to what can be achieved when a community coalesces to safeguard our planet’s most vital ecosystems.
The Woodland Park Zoo’s pursuit of a future where forests thrive for all is a clarion call for stewardship and collective action. It’s a journey not just to see the wonders of nature but to become an integral part of their continued existence. By championing efforts such as the Forest Trailhead exhibit and the broader Forests for All campaign, the zoo sets itself at the forefront of a movement—a movement demonstrating that with dedication and support, conservation can take root and flourish.
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TREE KANGAROO TAKEOVER 5/5: FORESTS FOR ALL
In 2026, Woodland Park Zoo will open the Forest Trailhead exhibit—a state-of-the-art home for forest icons like red pandas, Matschie’s tree kangaroos and kea parrots.
The Forests for All campaign and the Forest Trailhead exhibit are a window into the zoo’s next era: a community-led movement to protect, restore, and sustain the world’s forests and the species who call them home. Please join us as we chart a path forward to save forests and reimagine what a zoo can be.
Will you consider making a gift to the Forests for All fund to support species-saving conservation programs? Visit
zoo.org/forestsforall/donate or link in bio.
Thank you for following along today to learn more about Matschie’s tree kangaroos Elanna and Finni. Special thanks to animal keeper Amanda Dukart for sharing a glimpse of what it’s like to care for these incredible animals. We know her passion will inspire you all to take action for wildlife and precious forests!
Alt text: Tree kangaroo joey perched on climbing bench, vibrant green kea parrot, red panda parading down a tree, rendering of exterior of new Forest Trailhead exhibit, rendering of canopy trail in Forest Trailhead with red pandas and tree kangaroos sitting in nearby treetops, lush forest aerial view of canopy with text “donate today” “forests for all a campaign for Woodland Park Zoo”
