What You Can Do!
Beyond living green ourselves, we are committed to spreading the word about how you can join us to make a difference. Here you’ll find a wealth of information about conservation programs and resources to help you get involved in local and global conservation efforts.
Things kids can do to conserve, which helps wildlife
- Turn off lights when you leave the room.
- Conserve water–turn off water when you’re brushing your teeth, and take shorter showers.
Let wild animals find their own food naturally instead of feeding them yourself. - Learn which items are recyclable in your neighborhood, and put them in the recycling bin.
- Use both sides of your drawing or writing paper.
- Research a pet before buying it to make sure you can care for it properly throughout its lifetime.
- Choose a pet that needs a home from a shelter or the Humane Society.
- Take good care of your pets, and train them not to chase wild animals.
- Pick up litter, even if it’s not yours.
- Get outside and enjoy nature-hike, go to a park, or come to the Zoo!
Things parents can do to help wildlife
Adjust the thermostat in your home by two or three degrees-warmer in the summer, and cooler in the winter. Using appropriate clothing to adjust your body’s temperature saves money and helps conserve energy. - Walk, ride a bike, take the bus, carpool, or group errands together so that you drive less. If you’re in the market for a new car, buy the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs. Consider researching a hybrid or bio-diesel vehicle.
- Spay or neuter your pet. According to the Humane Society, every year between six and eight million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters; some three to four million of these animals are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them.
- Take your own bags to the grocery store, and buy products with minimal disposable packaging.
- Choose your foods and goods carefully. Avoid products made from endangered plants and animals, and products harvested in unsustainable ways.
Use “green” cleaning products to reduce the amount of chemicals released into the environment. - Use drought-tolerant, desert plants in your yard. If you have plants that need watering, water them in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. Consider harvesting rain water for irrigation.
- Support your zoo by visiting often. Your patronage allows us to continue working towards global conservation goals. Become a member of the Zoo.
