This summer the Indianapolis Zoo welcomes two new species of oversized reptiles: American alligators and Orinoco crocodiles. These two species are on opposite sides of the conservation spectrum and show the impact conservation efforts can have on animals.
American alligators are one of the United States’ greatest conservation success stories. After being listed as an endangered species in 1987, American alligator populations have fully recovered across their native ranges. Even though populations are thriving, habitat loss and conflicts with humans remain a concern.
Native only to the Orinoco River basin in Colombia and Venezuela, Orinoco crocodiles are critically endangered. Historically, these crocodiles have been hunted for their hide, but more recently, the illegal animal trade, pollution and human development have become growing threats.
Both alligators and crocodiles serve as apex predators in their habitats. This means that they are at the top of the food chain and keep the populations of their prey species from growing out of control. Without this crucial ecological function, ecosystems can become out of balance and eventually not be suitable for any life.
Like all our animals, the alligators and crocodiles at the Indianapolis Zoo are ambassadors for their counterparts in the wild. Through the Animal Amigo program, you support the care of these reptiles at the Zoo and support the Indianapolis Zoo’s Orinoco crocodile conservation efforts in Venezuela.
For a donation of $50 or more, you’ll receive an Animal Amigo package, which includes one alligator or crocodile plush, photo, certificate, trading card and recognition on the Animal Amigo donor board.*
*Animal Amigo donor board is located inside the Oceans building and updated each March with the previous year’s donors.
The largest land mammal requires a lot of care, and your gift will support our herd of five elephants.
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Stop by the lion chat to watch your support in action as our Zookeepers provide care and training for our pride.
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Our three impressive cats are ambassadors for their species, helping guests understand the challenges endangered tigers face in the wild.
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Your gift helps guests connect with our pod of 10 energetic dolphins through educational programs like our free Dolphin Presentations.
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Take a trip to our cheetah exhibit and test your speed at the Race-A-Cheetah attraction. Then consider supporting these cats as your Animal Amigo.
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As the only zoo in the country with long-tailed macaques, your gift will help our visitors get to know this unique and playful primate species.
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See our flocks flying through the Zoo during the Magnificent Macaw presentation. Our daily chats are all made possible with help from your gift.
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Guests come face to face with these adorable Desert dwellers during meerkat chats. Your support as an Animal Amigo helps us provide these educational opportunities.
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From our dominant male Azy to our youngest ape Mila, your gift helps each of our unique orangutans at the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center.
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Our walrus Aurora and Pakak weigh more than 3,000 pounds combined — and they eat around 10 times that much seafood in a year! Your support helps provide all that fish.
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Help our guests get to know the world’s tallest land mammal. Support our giraffe herd through the Animal Amigo program.
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With your gift to the Animal Amigo program, you’re helping to provide the highest-quality care for our active troop of ring-tailed lemurs.
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Support the penguins at the Zoo through the Animal Amigo program. Watch your support in action during a penguin feed!
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Several of the sloths you’ll meet at MISTery Park were rehabilitated at APPC, a wildlife rescue center in Panama. Help sloths here and in the wild as an Animal Amigo.
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As the threats to white rhinos increase in the wild, your support as an Animal Amigo helps us offer opportunities for guests to connect with this endangered species.
Learn MoreAnimal Amigo donations make great gifts! You can purchase one as an individual or as a group. However, please note that only one of each item will be enclosed per Animal Amigos packet.
