Coal Valley, IL - June 16, 2015 - Niabi Zoo visitors have become much more than just zoo visitors for the 2015 season and beyond. With its new Quarters for Conservation program, the Zoo has empowered its guests to become wildlife heroes.
Quarters for Conservation is a new initiative that was launched in earnest at the beginning of Niabi Zoo's 2015 season. Through this program, twenty-five cents from each paid admission is automatically contributed to Niabi Zoo's conservation fund, which supports multiple conservation projects taking place around the world. With thousands of visitors each year, these quarters are adding up to be a significant help for animals.
Not only are Niabi Zoo visitors contributing to global conservation efforts, they determine where their contribution goes. Upon entry into the Zoo, each visitor receives a token to cast their vote for one of four featured conservation projects. This token represents their twenty-five cent contribution and each conservation project will receive funding according to how votes are cast. Niabi Zoo visitors may also contribute their spare change to any of the conservation causes if they would like to support wildlife conservation even further.
"We are very excited to launch our Quarters for Conservation program," said Zoo Director Marc Heinzman, "and we have heard incredible feedback from our visitors as well." Heinzman said that Quarters for Conservation is a way for Niabi Zoo visitors to know that their visit to the Zoo actually means something and has an impact on global conservation. "We have been using the slogan 'Change for Change' when talking about this program, and it has really proven true as these small donations are turning into a driving force for the protection of wild animals and wild places."
Quarters for Conservation's inaugural slate of conservation projects represents a variety of animals and field work being done by globally respected organizations. Zoo visitors can vote to support the Snow Leopard Trust, the Jaguar Conservation Fund, The Ruaha Carnivore Project, or Association Mitsinjo. The projects supported by Niabi Zoo's Quarters for Conservation may change from year to year. Nearly $30,000 has been raised so far.
