Care for the Rare and Make a Difference!
Why Care for the Rare?
The natural rate of extinction on Earth is one or two species per century. Scientists estimate we are currently losing up to 100 species per day, and most predict that half of the animal species alive today will become extinct in the next 100 years. Because biodiversity is essential to our planet’s survival, Zoo Atlanta is dedicated to conserving the world’s wildlife within the Zoo and beyond.
Species available for sponsorship
Thousands of animal species are in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their natural range. Zoo Atlanta offers Rare Care sponsorship for the following species at risk of extinction in all or part of their natural ranges.
|
Critically Endangered |
Sumatran tiger Eastern black rhinoceros Sumatran orangutan Western lowland gorilla |
| Endangered These species face a very high risk of extinction in the wild. |
Giant panda Black-and-white-ruffed lemur Golden lion tamarin African elephant |
| Vulnerable These species face a high risk of extinction in the wild. |
African lion Blue crane Komodo dragon Aldabra giant tortoise |
| Low Risk These species will likely become vulnerable in the near future. |
Red kangaroo Reticulated giraffe Asian small-clawed otter Laughing kookaburra |
How your sponsorship helps
Zoo Atlanta participates in numerous conservation programs promoting the survival of at-risk animals and their habitats. For example, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) directs how we manage the breeding of certain endangered animals to contribute to their species’ survival. Several species, such as black-footed ferrets, California condors and red wolves, have been brought back from the brink of extinction through successful managed breeding programs.
When you sponsor an animal through Rare Care, you help us continue our conservation work here at the Zoo and around the world. And you help us continue sharing these animals’ magnificence with Zoo visitors.
In addition to helping endangered animals, the various levels of Rare Care sponsorship levels offer a range of benefits, and all make great gifts.
Current Zoo Members, call 404.624.WILD to receive your discount on Rare Care purchases.
Schools and Groups receive group benefits!
Cub-to-Go Boxes available for giant panda or African lion sponsorships!
| Sponsorship level | Benefits |
| Steward ($50) |
Certificate of sponsorship, animal photo and fact sheet, subscription to eUpdate (our biweekly email newsletter). |
| Advocate ($100) | Above benefits plus Rare Care VIP Package (including 4 Zoo admission tickets) |
| Guardian ($250) | Above benefits plus exclusive Animal Nutrition Kitchen tour for 4, one-year subscription to Wild Times (Zoo Atlanta’s print magazine) and your name on the Rare Care Web Board. |
| Protector ($500) | Above benefits plus a cuddly plush of the animal you sponsor and 4 additional Zoo admission tickets. |
Rare Care guidelines
• All sponsorship animals are available to an unlimited number of sponsors.
• Levels and benefits are subject to change without notice.
• Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, your chosen animal may no longer be available for sponsorship.
• Increase your support with a Matching Gift.
• All donations to the Rare Care program support Zoo Atlanta’s conservation work and are partially tax-deductible.
• For information on Rare Care, call 404.624.WILD or email rarecare@zooatlanta.org.
• For a full list and more information on threatened species worldwide, visit the IUCN Red List.
Rare Care Web Board
Thank you for your generous sponsorships!
| Protector Level of Sponsorship | ||
| Sponsor since | Sponsor Name | Animal Sponsored |
| December, 2007 | Purvi Rajani | Giant panda |
| December, 2008 | Morgan Rowson | Giant panda |
| December, 2008 | Vanessa Morgan | Giant panda |
| February, 2009 | David Lowell | Blue crane |
| March, 2009 | Amy Haywood | Sumatran tiger |
| Guardian Level of Sponsorship | ||
| Sponsor since | Sponsor Name | Animal Sponsored |
| November, 2005 | John Connelly | Sumatran orangutan |
| May, 2007 | Tucker High School | Sumatran tiger |
| June, 2007 | Nancy Jean Young | Sumatran tiger |
| September, 2008 | Rachel Bandy | Eastern black rhinoceros |
| September, 2008 | Maryann Bandy | Sumatran orangutan |
| November, 2008 | In Memory of Russell Miller | Giant panda |
| November, 2008 | Ocee Elementary | Asian small-clawed otter |
| December, 2008 | Elizabeth Rich | Sumatran orangutan |
| December, 2008 | In memory of Barb Mathias | Giant panda |
| January, 2009 | Harmen and Erin Steele | Black-and-white-ruffed lemur |
| July, 2009 | David & Merle Horwitz | Eastern black rhinoceros |
| July, 2009 | Herminia & Audra Lea Waterbury | Giant panda |
| July, 2009 | Frank C. Roberts | Giant panda |
| July, 2009 | Sherry Miles | Sumatran orangutan |
| July, 2009 | Sherry Miles | Sumatran tiger |
| August, 2009 |
Marilyn Sckerl
|
Giant panda |
| September, 2009 |
Edward Long
|
Western lowland gorilla
|
