Rusty Patched Bumblebee on flower
Your Purchase Can Help Protect Wildlife

Round Up For Conservation

Round Up Your Checkout to Restore Wildlife Habitats

When you visit the gift shop at the Indianapolis Zoo, simply ask to “round up” your total to the nearest dollar, and your spare change will go directly toward preserving wildlife and restoring habitats.

Our current campaign focus is the Daubenspeck Community Nature Park, helping to re-create spaces where native bees like the rusty patched bumble bee can thrive again. This nature park is nearly 22 acres of rare, green space on Indianapolis’ northwest side. It’s free and open to the public year round, dawn to dusk.

These micro-donations can really add up and make a positive impact on our world’s most vulnerable species. Thanks for being part of it!

Rusty Patched Bumble Bee
Meet the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee

The rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) is one of 21 bumble bee species found in the U.S. Once common throughout the Midwest and Eastern states, it’s now critically endangered. Workers and males sport a distinctive rusty-colored patch on the second segment of their abdomen—a key identifier for this native species.

Like other bumble bees, they’re large, fuzzy, and crucial to pollinating crops and wildflowers. But their numbers are dropping fast.

FAQ's

Where Do I Round Up My Purchase?

When you visit the Indianapolis Zoo gift shop, simply ask to “round up” your total to the nearest dollar to donate to conservation.

Your spare change will go directly toward restoring habitat at Daubenspeck Community Nature Park, helping to re-create spaces where native bees like the rusty patched bumble bee can thrive again.

Why Are These Bumble Bees Disappearing?

Sightings in Indiana are especially rare. The last verified local observations were at Daubenspeck Community Nature Park in 2009 and 2010. Since then, this native bee may be locally extinct in our state.

  • Habitat destruction
  • Pesticide exposure
  • Diseases spread by non-native honeybees
How Can I Help Bring Them Back?

Whether you’re a gardener, a neighbor, or a visitor to the Zoo, you can make a difference:

  • Plant native flowers that bees depend on
  • Remove invasive plants that compete for space
  • Reduce or eliminate pesticides in your yard
  • Spread the word about protecting pollinators