In early 2001, Brevard Zoo began in earnest to support endangered and threatened wildlife and the wild places they inhabit throughout the globe. Since that time through December 2008 we have allocated over $274,000 to support field researchers in their efforts to study, understand, and save species and habitats.
Through the commitment of our staff, volunteers, and Zoo visitors, we are able to support a myriad of conservation projects locally and around the world. Our teen volunteers have raised over $18,000 through a host of fundraising events they have conducted. In addition to their daily keeper duties, our zookeepers have found time to conduct bake sales, sell emu eggs, and provide conservation collection boxes raising over $14,000. that has been allocated to support research and conservation. Our adult volunteers have provided baked goods, and assisted in our special events benefiting conservation. In November 2008, our adult volunteers organized a “garage sale” at the zoo which raised $2,000.
And you, the Zoo visitor, by giving money to our collection boxes, buying conservation buttons, and adding an extra dollar to your membership fee have all contributed to our conservation efforts. In addition, we are fortunate to partner with individual donors, non-governmental agencies, and governmental agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service who have so generously matched our conservation dollars.
We believe that every zoo, large or small, can truly make a difference. We are inspired by the passion and commitment of our colleagues in the field. Often times, they face difficult living and working conditions, little pay, and sometimes civil unrest near their worksite. But, they endure because of their belief that what they do matters, and they can make a difference.
Brevard Zoo grants may range from $500 to $10,000 with the average being a few thousand dollars. We can all make a difference by recycling, watching our water usage, donating money to projects you believe in, and creating a conservation ethic in our children. We too can change the world!
