Can I make a difference in wildlife conservation?
It seems we are constantly hearing about declining populations of countless species, habitat destruction, and the negative effects of global warming. It can feel pretty overwhelming. Can one person really make a difference?
In short, YES!
And conservation action can be a lot of FUN! Did you know that every time you visit the Sac Zoo or purchase a Zoo membership, you are contributing to wildlife conservation efforts around the globe?
Lasting change comes from countless little shifts. Changing over to a reusable water bottle here, reducing food waste there. Everything adds up. Wildlife conservation change depends on everyone, including you!
We’re all in this together.
We’re ready.
Are you?
Take Conservation Action
Reduce Single-Use Plastic
Every year, humans generate about 300 million tons of plastic. As plastic breaks up into smaller and smaller pieces, it is consumed by animals and enters the food chain. Plastic releases harmful chemicals into the soil, which seeps into groundwater and other bodies of water, poisoning animals and plants.
Help make a difference! Switch to reusable water bottles, pack a waste-free lunch, and ditch the straw!
Take Steps to Slow Climate Change
Every step you take is a move you make towards mitigating global warming!
- Ride a bike
- Reduce driving time
- Choose vacations that don’t require air travel
- Use public transit
Fun fact: The Zoo Train is electric, so you can enjoy a guilt-free ride!
Sustainable Eating
As the demand for seafood continues to rise, so does the stress and negative impact of fisheries on ocean ecosystems. From overfishing, bottom trawling, and bycatch, sustainable seafood becomes more important by the day.
Created by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Seafood Watch is a sustainable seafood advisory list. It develops science-based seafood recommendations.
iNaturalist
iNaturalist is a social network of naturalists, citizen scientists, and biologists working together to map and share observations of biodiversity.
Using their free app, share your observations of plants and animals in your own backyard. In the process, you’ll learn more about your local ecology and help scientists and resource managers.
Sustainable Palm Oil
Palm oil is a high-quality oil grown only in the tropics. It is found in more than half of all packaged products in the United States, including food products, detergents, cosmetics, and more.
Unfortunately, unsustainable harvesting of palm oil trees leads to deforestation and a loss of habitat for endangered species such as orangutans, increased air pollution, soil and water pollution, and soil erosion.
Leave No Trace
It’s hard to beat a picnic in the park or a fun camping trip with family and friends. But as you enjoy your adventures, it’s important to protect our outdoor spaces.
- Plan ahead & prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Properly dispose of trash and waste
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impact
- Respect wildlife
