Quarters for Conservation
Give Your Change to Make Change
The Sacramento Zoo is increasing its commitment to conservation by supporting exciting field conservation projects both locally and around the globe with the Quarters for Conservation program. Through the collection of quarters, the Zoo provides funding for wildlife conservation projects. You, our members and visitors, are part of this exciting contribution to wildlife conservation.
How it Works
As you enter the Zoo, you'll receive a token representing your contribution to conservation. The token enables you to vote for a conservation project of your choice–your vote helps us determine how much funding each project receives. You’ll have an opportunity to learn more about the projects and cast your vote at the Zoo’s Entry Plaza.
Each project is guaranteed $5,000 annually with additional funding based on the number of votes each project receives.
Riparian Brush Rabbit Recovery Program
Sylvilagus bachmani riparius
Native only to the San Joaquin Valley, Riparian Brush Rabbits are a federally endangered species that occupy small pockets of riparian vegetation. Grasses are their most important food source and they rarely venture more than a few yards from dense cover. Because they only breed from January to May, and only one out of six babies born typically survive, recovery from population loss is slow.
Only 10 percent of the Central Valley’s riparian forests, the habitat of the Riparian Brush Rabbit, still exist. The Riparian Brush Rabbit Recovery program is working to restore habitats and researching ways to reduce flooding and other threats.
For more information, visit the Riparian Brush Rabbit Recovery program’s website.
Masai Giraffe Conservation Project
Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi
The Masai Giraffe is the largest subspecies of giraffe and the tallest land mammal on Earth. Males and females both have horns made of a solid bony core called ossicones. Giraffes eat young leaves and shoots of trees, with the largest individuals being able to consume up to 75 pounds of food per day.
Giraffes are keystone animals in maintaining the ecosystems where they live. The Masai Giraffe Conservation Project is studying Masai Giraffes in Tanzania. The goal of this project is to provide new insights into population dynamics needed to develop effective wide-scale conservation measures in Africa.
For more information, visit the Masai Giraffe Conservation Project website.
Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project
Gorilla beringei beringe
Fewer than 900 Mountain Gorillas remain in the world. Gorillas can climb trees, but are usually found on the ground in communities of up to 30 individuals. These troops are led by one dominant, older adult male often called a silverback because of the swath of silver hair on his otherwise dark fur. In the thick forests of central and west Africa, troops eat roots, shoots, fruit, wild celery, tree bark and pulp. In captivity, gorillas have displayed significant intelligence and have even learned simple human sign language.
Gorilla Doctors is dedicated to saving the lives of gorillas through healthcare. They support an international team of veterinarians who provide hands-on care in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a result, the Mountain Gorilla is the only great ape whose numbers in the wild are increasing.
For more information, visit the Gorilla Doctors website.
The Sacramento Zoo supports many other conservation efforts around the world.
Visit the Conservation Action page for details on other projects.
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