Potawatomi Zoo AAZK
AAZK stands for American Association of Zoo Keepers and is a nonprofit volunteer organization made up of professional zoo keepers and other interested persons dedicated to professional animal care and conservation. The national AAZK fosters a professional attitude in animal keepers through publications, conferences, and chapter activities at local zoos. As well, the national AAZK and local AAZK chapters hold many fundraising events to support wild animal conservation and promote public awareness and education.
The keepers at Potawatomi Zoo worked with the national AAZK to create our current chapter in 2014. You can often find an AAZK table at special events at the Zoo, and we often have AAZK merchandise available to buy in the gift shop. All proceeds from merchandise we sell goes to animal conservation efforts. We look forward to contributing to animal conservation in the coming months and years.
For upcoming events or more information about how you can get involved or join AAZK, please visit our Facebook page @potawatomizooaazk or email us at potawatomizooaazk@gmail.com
Potawatomi Zoo AAZK
AAZK stands for American Association of Zoo Keepers and is a nonprofit volunteer organization made up of professional zoo keepers and other interested persons dedicated to professional animal care and conservation. The national AAZK fosters a professional attitude in animal keepers through publications, conferences, and chapter activities at local zoos. As well, the national AAZK and local AAZK chapters hold many fundraising events to support wild animal conservation and promote public awareness and education.
The keepers at Potawatomi Zoo worked with the national AAZK to create our current chapter in 2014. You can often find an AAZK table at special events at the Zoo, and we often have AAZK merchandise available to buy in the gift shop. All proceeds from merchandise we sell goes to animal conservation efforts. We look forward to contributing to animal conservation in the coming months and years.
For upcoming events or more information about how you can get involved or join AAZK, please visit our Facebook page @potawatomizooaazk or email us at potawatomizooaazk@gmail.com
Potawatomi Zoo Conservation
Through Potawatomi Zoo Conservation, the Potawatomi Zoo has taken an active role in the preservation of some of the world’s most endangered species by supporting conservation efforts for animals across the globe.
Some of the organizations we’ve supported in the past include:
- Painted Dog Conservation
- Painted Dog Research
- Red Panda Network
- Bowling For Rhinos
- Okapi Conservation Project
We are also involved in Association of Zoos and Aquariums SAFE programs. SAFE is a conservation framework that stands for Saving Animals From Extinction. SAFE programs utilize the expertise and experience of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, in partnership with conservation organizations, to save species around the world. SAFE programs use concrete objectives to create recovery plans, collaborate with other institutions, implement strategic engagement activities, and report measurable progress.
For us, being part of a SAFE program means we’ve committed to financially supporting conservation of certain species as well as supporting species through education, research, and public awareness. The SAFE programs we’ve chosen to support at the Potawatomi Zoo are ones that have a strong need for conservation efforts, ones that are engaging to our visitors, and ones that we have a strong history of connection with. With your support, we look forward to expanding this list in the future!
Potawatomi Zoo Conservation
Through Potawatomi Zoo Conservation, the Potawatomi Zoo has taken an active role in the preservation of some of the world’s most endangered species by supporting conservation efforts for animals across the globe.
Some of the organizations we’ve supported in the past include:
- Painted Dog Conservation
- Painted Dog Research
- Red Panda Network
- Bowling For Rhinos
- Okapi Conservation Project
We are also involved in Association of Zoos and Aquariums SAFE programs. SAFE is a conservation framework that stands for Saving Animals From Extinction. SAFE programs utilize the expertise and experience of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, in partnership with conservation organizations, to save species around the world. SAFE programs use concrete objectives to create recovery plans, collaborate with other institutions, implement strategic engagement activities, and report measurable progress.
For us, being part of a SAFE program means we’ve committed to financially supporting conservation of certain species as well as supporting species through education, research, and public awareness. The SAFE programs we’ve chosen to support at the Potawatomi Zoo are ones that have a strong need for conservation efforts, ones that are engaging to our visitors, and ones that we have a strong history of connection with. With your support, we look forward to expanding this list in the future!
Species Survival Plan®
The mission of an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) cooperatively managed Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program is to oversee the population management of select species within AZA member institutions and to enhance conservation of this species in the wild. Each SSP Program coordinates the individual activities of participating member institutions through a variety of species conservation, research, husbandry, management, and educational initiatives.Â
SSP Programs are led by expert advisors who cooperatively work together to maximize genetic diversity, appropriately manage the demographic distribution and long-term sustainability of TAG recommended Animal Programs within AZA member institutions.Â
You can learn more about Species Survival Plans at www.aza.org/species-survival-plan-programs.
Species Survival Plan®
The mission of an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) cooperatively managed Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program is to oversee the population management of select species within AZA member institutions and to enhance conservation of this species in the wild. Each SSP Program coordinates the individual activities of participating member institutions through a variety of species conservation, research, husbandry, management, and educational initiatives.Â
SSP Programs are led by expert advisors who cooperatively work together to maximize genetic diversity, appropriately manage the demographic distribution and long-term sustainability of TAG recommended Animal Programs within AZA member institutions.Â
You can learn more about Species Survival Plans at www.aza.org/species-survival-plan-programs.
Wildlife Rehabilitation
The Zoo occasionally works with licensed wildlife rehabilitators to bring animals to the Zoo. We only take an animal if it has been determined to be unable to survive on its own in the wild. Some of the species the Zoo has helped rescue from injuries sustained in the wild include our birds of prey and some of our ambassador animals.
We do not take animals from the public. If you have found an injured animal or one you are concerned about, please contact the appropriate Department of Natural Resources or check for a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area.
Wildlife Rehabilitation
The Zoo occasionally works with licensed wildlife rehabilitators to bring animals to the Zoo. We only take an animal if it has been determined to be unable to survive on its own in the wild. Some of the species the Zoo has helped rescue from injuries sustained in the wild include our birds of prey and some of our ambassador animals.
We do not take animals from the public. If you have found an injured animal or one you are concerned about, please contact the appropriate Department of Natural Resources or check for a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area.
