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.
Zoo Atlanta participates in a multitude of 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.
Rare Care Sponsorship
When you sponsor an animal through Rare Care, you help us continue our conservation work here at the Zoo and around the world. In addition to helping endangered animals, the range of Rare Care sponsorship levels offer various benefits, and all make great gifts.
Above benefits, plus Behind-the-Scenes Animal Nutrition Kitchen tour for 4, one-year subscription to Wild Times(Zoo Atlanta’s print magazine) and other conservation newsletters, FREE admission to the year’s Conservation Lecture Series, your name on the Rare Care Web Board.
Above benefits, plus a cuddly plush of the animal you sponsor and 4 additional one-time guest passes for Zoo admission.
Zoo Atlanta’s Rare
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 Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
Sumatran tiger
Eastern black rhinoceros
Sumatran orangutan
Western lowland gorilla
Endangered
Facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Giant panda
Black-and-white ruffed lemur
Golden lion tamarin
African elephant
Vulnerable
Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
African lion Blue crane
Komodo dragon
Aldabra giant tortoise
Low Risk
Will likely qualify for one of the above categories in the near future.
Red kangaroo
Masai giraffe
Asian small-clawed otter
Laughing kookaburra
All sponsorship animals are available to an unlimited number of sponsors.
Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, your chosen animal may no longer be available for sponsorship.
Increase your support with a Matching Gift. (See your employer for details.)
All donations to the Rare Care program support Zoo Atlanta’s conservation work and are
partially
tax-deductible
"The psychological well-being of humankind is clearly elevated by the presence of a multitude of living things, and we are diminished by the loss of other species, however alien they may appear. It is up to us to assert boldly the integrity of the whole and to preserve nature's magnificent diversity.”
- Terry Maple, Ph.D., Zoo Atlanta Director Emeritus, “The Case For Saving Species: Scientists Explain Why We Should Stop Squandering Nature's Riches” Defenders Magazine, Summer 1995
