Take Action
Take Action

You have the power to make a difference

Take Action

Everyone has the power to help save wild things and wild places.

That power is your individual voice, your awareness and your actions. In addition to visiting the Zoo and meeting our animal ambassadors, here are some simple suggestions that will help you protect their counterparts in the wild.

Learn more about each species below.

  • African Elephant
    • Pledge to never purchase ivory products, and to support legislation that bans the trade of ivory.
  • Amur Tiger
    • Recycling electronics, like cell phones, protects wild habitats by reducing the demand for mining precious metals. Eliminate your old electronics in an environmentally friendly way during our Power Recycling Days.
  • Bees, Butterflies and Other Local Pollinators
    • Plant native wildflowers, especially milkweed, that provide food and habitat for important pollinators. Take the extra step and grow your garden into a certified wildlife habitat.
    • Go chemical-free and switch to natural treatments to deter pests in your yard.
  • Brown Bear
    • Do not feed wildlife, as it can have a drastic effect on the health of animals and the safety of human beings.
    • When you go camping, secure all of your food and trash items to avoid attracting bears and other wildlife into campsites.
    • Follow the Leave No Trace principles whenever you’re spending time in nature.
  • Cheetah
    • Participating in the Zoo’s Race-a-Cheetah experience helps support the Cheetah Conservation Fund’s efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
  • Dolphin and other Marine Species
    • Skipping plastic straws and plastic bags when you eat out and shop can help reduce plastic pollution and help save wildlife.
    • Plant a tree together! Its roots help keep water and soil in place.
    • Start a compost pile. Feeding your lawn or garden with compost instead of fertilizer means fewer chemicals are introduced into the environment.
    • Plant a rain garden together using native plants. Putting plants in a wet area of your yard keeps soil from eroding, and native plants don’t need fertilizer to grow big and strong.
  • Eagle, Hawk, Owl and other Raptor Species
    • Using non-chemical rodent control can help keep birds, pets and children safe.
  • Gibbon, Lemur and Other Forest Primate Species
    • Shop smart and only purchasing paper products that are certified through the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
  • Lion
    • By switching to IPL’s Green Power option, we can help curb climate change and its effects on lion habitats.
  • Macaw
    • Help protect forest habitat, which is being cut down to make room for cattle pastures and pineapple fields.
    • Choose foods that are grown locally or seasonally, or participate in Meatless Monday.
  • Orangutan
    • You can help orangutans in the wild by supporting companies whose products are made using certified sustainable palm oil.  You can find “orangutan-friendly” products using the Palm Oil Scanapp managed by Cheyenne Mountain ZooPalm Oil Shopping app when purchasing products.
    • You can also donate to the Kutai Reforestation Project in the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center.
  • Python and Other Snake Species
    • Do your research before adopting a pet to make sure you can provide a good home for it over the course of its lifespan.
  • Rhino
    • Pledge to never purchase rhino horn products, and to support legislation that bans the trade of rhino horns.
  • Sea Lion
    • Help keep wildlife wild by giving animals their space in nature and appreciating them from afar.
  • Shark and Ray Species
    • Use Seafood Watch, which identifies sustainable seafood helps us make smart shopping choices, thereby helping wild sharks and other marine life.
  • Sloth
    • Shop smart and only purchase paper products that are certified through the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
    • Be mindful of your ecotourism choices and interactions with wildlife, especially when it comes to selfies. The perfect picture should never put you or an animal at risk.
  • Walrus and other Arctic Species
    • Carpooling reduces carbon emissions and therefore lessens the impacts of climate change.
    • Adjust your thermostat just a few degrees to reduce energy consumption. For each degree a thermostat is adjusted up for the summer or down for the winter, a family, school or business can save 1% of their cost. More importantly, this action conserves energy and reduces greenhouse gas pollution, according to Polar Bears International.
Help the Zoo make a difference!

Learn about all of the ways you can help support animal conservation.