Members of the AZA “Two Million for $2 Million” to support the Multinational Species Conservation Funds                                          

Zoo visitors can help in promoting the protection of endangered animals in the wild by taking a minute to support an important initiative.

The El Paso Zoo is one of the 210 accredited zoos and aquariums (America Zoos and Aquariums Association-AZA) across the nation seeking public support for a petition asking Congress to increase the funds it allocates to protect wildlife in their native lands.

AZA is asking Congress for $2 million to annually fund conservation and research programs that protect wildlife species that you care about: tigers, great apes, Asian and African elephants, marine turtles and rhinos. These animals face tremendous danger in the wild from poaching, habitat loss, human-animal conflict and many other serious problems. The funding AZA is seeking will help protect them through federal Multinational Species Conservation Fund, which has a 14-year track record of making a difference to protect wild animals.

Zoo visitors are encouraged to sign a petition to Congress when they visit the Zoo in February. A copy is available in the El Paso Zoological Society Office at the front gate entrance. Petitions will be sent to AZA on March 1 for a presentation in Washington D.C. on March 7.

For more information about the petition call the Zoo education office at 915-351-5340 or 521-1850 or write lobellorl@elpasotexas.gov.