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Zoo Atlanta is pledging support to seven global wildlife conservation programs in 2025.
The zoo will be working with programs in Nepal, Borneo, Panama, Cambodia, Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, and Madagascar, with the focus being on red pandas, orangutans, Panamanian golden frogs, drill monkeys, clouded leopards, gorillas, chimpanzees, and radiated tortoises.
“Partnerships are a key aspect of the big-picture strategy that is essential to the long-term success and viability of any conservation effort,” said Raymond B. King, president and CEO of Zoo Atlanta
The funding comes from the zoo’s Mabel Dorn Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund, which provides annual grants to projects that enhance Zoo Atlanta’s global conservation efforts.
Projects are proposed by zoo team members and chosen based on their alignment with the zoo’s mission and their potential impact on species conservation.
They are also evaluated based on the capacity for community education and outreach.
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“We are excited that in the year to come, our Mabel Dorn Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund will support seven projects, each championed by Zoo Atlanta team members with a passion for making a difference for wildlife,” King said.
Red Panda Network – Nepal
Zoo Atlanta’s funding will assist in building a greenhouse and a shade house, both designed to cultivate and sustain over 22,000 native seedlings. These trees will aid in reforesting the natural habitat of wild red pandas and provide sustainable livelihoods for nearby communities. The initiative was spearheaded by Kenn Harwood, the Curator of Mammals.
Borneo Orangutan Survival USA – Borneo
For over 30 years, Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) has been at the forefront of rehabilitating orphaned orangutans through its Forest School, successfully reintroducing more than 520 orangutans to the wild, where they are monitored in safeguarded rainforest habitats. The initiative was led by Lynn Yakubinis, Lead Keeper of Primates.
El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center (EVACC) Foundation – Panama
Located in El Valle de Antón, Panama, the EVAAC Foundation is dedicated to conserving the Panamanian golden frog, a species that is extinct in the wild and now exists only in assurance populations within human care, including Zoo Atlanta, as well as other Panamanian amphibians.
Their efforts include research, breeding, protection, reintroduction, and community education. The initiative was led by Evan Hoiland, Herpetology Keeper.
Pan African Sanctuary Alliance – Cameroon
The Pan African Sanctuary Alliance’s Green Project is a joint initiative that encourages lasting, sustainable community involvement in conservation efforts to safeguard the biodiverse habitat of Mt. Cameroon National Park, which is home to a vulnerable population of endangered drill monkeys. The project was led by Pam Miller, Primate Keeper.
Wildlife Alliance Veal Pi Ranger Station – Cambodia
Wildlife Alliance is working to establish an anti-poaching program to combat clouded leopard deaths caused by poachers’ snares in the Cardamom Rainforest, a vital area for the survival of this species and others. The program supports law enforcement patrols and the removal of snares. The initiative was led by Michelle Elliott, Mammal Keeper.
Goualougo Triangle Ape Project – Republic of Congo
The Goualougo Triangle Ape Project focuses on reducing threats to gorillas, chimpanzees, and their habitats. Through research, training, and local collaborations, the initiative aims to promote sustainable coexistence and improve conservation policies across the Congo Basin. The project was led by Jodi Carrigan, Curator of Primates.
Turtle Survival Alliance – Madagascar
Zoo Atlanta’s funding will assist with health diagnostics, supplies, and veterinary students to conduct health screenings on radiated tortoises seized from the illegal wildlife trade before reintroducing them into the wild. The initiative was led by Kate Leach, DVM, Senior Veterinarian.
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