Support conservation and help save animals from extinction this holiday season! By supporting the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and AZA-accredited facilities, you’re contributing to the over $216 million spent on field conservation in 117 countries in 2021. With these four gifts, you can make Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or any holiday even more special for the conservationist or animal lover in your life.
1. "The Coolest Cats" Holiday Ornament
AZA has partnered with Rauch Industries to create a custom Christopher Radko tiger-themed ornament to support AZA's Wildlife Trafficking Alliance. “The Coolest Cats” features a hand-painted tiger and cub and is available for purchase on their website.
2. Animals Reviewed: Starred Ratings of Our Feathered, Finned, and Furry Friends
Some of the best gifts come with a laugh, and AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums have put together the best “reviews” of your favorite animals. Order your copy on Amazon or Bookshop.
“Zoos and aquariums have poked wild fun at their animal friends—and their “product reviews” will leave your pack howling! Packed with adorable animal photos and laced with wit and humor, Animals Reviewed is a must-read for animal lovers of all ages. Proceeds benefit the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ mission to advance animal welfare, public engagement, and conservation.”
3. A Membership to Your Local, AZA-Accredited Zoo or Aquarium
Zoos and aquariums need your help now, more than ever. AZA members are working hard to provide gold-standard care to their animals and support conservation around the world. Your membership supports local jobs and helps save animals in the wild. Many annual memberships include admission for the whole family, as well as concessions and gift shop discounts. Find the closest accredited zoo or aquarium to you and your friends or family.
4. Gift Guides from Your Local AZA-Accredited Zoo or Aquarium
Members across the AZA community have put together gift guides featuring memberships, gift store favorites, and other ways to support your local accredited zoos and aquariums. Supporting your local AZA members support the highest standards of animal care and welfare, as well as conservation around the world. Take a look through gift guides from across the AZA membership:
Adventure Aquarium
Zoo New England
John G Shedd Aquarium
Saint Louis Zoo
Indianapolis Zoo Indianapolis Prize
National Aviary
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Akron Zoo
Sedgwick County Zoo
South Carolina Aquarium
Kansas City Zoo
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Zoo Atlanta
Hero photo: 2021 Connect Photo Contest. Gray Wolf © Jennifer Harte, Detroit Zoo
Karlyn Marcy is the digital media coordinator at the association of zoos and aquariums
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