COLORADO SPRINGS — Cheyenne Mountain Zoo members and guests can contribute to important global conservation work.
“Watching the devastating bushfires in Australia from our living rooms in Colorado can leave you feeling helpless and wondering what you can do to make a difference,” said Bob Chastain, CMZoo president and CEO. “It’s important to note that from every membership and every ticket to the Zoo, we set aside funds to support frontline conservation fieldwork around the world, and specifically now, in Australia. We want people to know that coming to the Zoo is conservation in action.”
Since starting in November 2019, the Australian wildfires have destroyed more than 27 million acres, claiming more than 30 human lives and more than a billion animal lives.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has voted to send $20,000 to Zoo's Victoria's Bushfire Emergency Wildlife Fund. The funds support long-term care for bushfire impacted animals, including supplementary feeding and habitat restoration.
Donations from Zoo employees, board members, docents and an internal Zoo match program raised $6,900 in support of Zoos Victoria, making the collective donation $26,900.
“We have been closely watching the devastation in Australia and working to find the best ways to support the recovery,” said Dr. Liza Dadone, CMZoo vice president of mission and programs. “Last week, we asked our members if we could send a portion of their annual Member Conservation Grant funds to Zoos Victoria. Our members’ collective supportive response was immediate.”
