Credit: Julie Larsen Maher
Adopting an animal at an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium is both rewarding and fun. Your "adoption fee" will help us take care of the animals - everything from building new exhibits to buying food. With more than 700,000 individual animals to care for, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums have lots of mouths to feed!
In addition, your contribution to Adopt-an-Animal Programs support many other crucial needs, like animal enrichment and participation in the Species Survival Plan Programs, which helps the conservation of endangered and threatened species around the world.
Can you take the animals home with you?
No, but trust us, you wouldn't want to! Your adopted animal will stay at the zoo or aquarium under the expert care of keepers and aquarists. That's important, because Wild Animals Do Not Make Good Pets!
How does it work?
Adopt-an-Animal Programs vary, but usually you will receive:
- a personalized Adoption Certificate
- updates on your animal and events at your zoo or aquarium
- a tax receipt for the deductible donation
- the satisfaction of knowing you are helping support the wonderful wildlife at AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums
How to adopt
By adopting an animal, you share your love for animals by helping us to provide the best possible care for them. If you are interested in adopting, contact the AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium nearest you.