Committed to Conservation

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee is committed to saving wildlife and preserving biodiversity at local, regional, and global levels. From the globally significant Great Lake in our own hometown to the endangered species in our backyards and beyond, conservation is truly at the heart of what we do.

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Conservation Opportunities

We are committed to uplifting the next generation of conservation leaders in Wisconsin through our internship and grant opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral students. Our programs do change throughout the year so we encourage you to check back frequently if you’re interested in participating.

Please check back for future opportunities.

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Zoo Conservation & Research Support

The Zoological Society works together with the Milwaukee County Zoo to support conservation and research programs that protect species in human care and in the wild. The Zoological Society provides important funding and the Milwaukee County Zoo provides the staff expertise and time to conduct beneficial research. Initiatives have included Milwaukee zookeepers and Zoo staff helping bring two species of iguanas back from the brink of extinction in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, studying giraffes in Africa, and helping wildlife biologists in Belize collar Baird’s tapirs.

Our Joint Efforts

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Local & Regional Initiatives

We understand that cooperation leads to stronger conservation. We are proud to work with area organizations on endangered species recovery and outreach for important pollinators in our region. Our work supports the preservation of natural habitat and conservation of endangered native species in partnership with other organizations committed to bolstering and conserving our local biodiversity. The Wild Birds Program works to conserve resident and migratory birds that call the Milwaukee County Zoo home.

Our Initiatives

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Global Initiatives

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee supports and contributes to programs around the world. We have been involved in learning about and protecting bonobos in human care and in the wild. A designated member of our Conservation Department is also involved in the bonobo SSP® that ensures the genetic diversity and demographic health of captive bonobos. The Conservation Department also supports a variety of conservation campaigns that work toward raising awareness of best consumer practices to conserve species in the wild.

Our Global Initiatives

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Green Initiatives

The Zoological Society strives to incorporate as many green practices in our everyday operations as possible. Our green initiatives have included creating gardens on Zoo grounds that will support pollinators in Southeastern Wisconsin, implementing a composting program for staff, and limiting the use of plastic bags.

Our Green Initiatives

Conservation continues at home with your help!

You can help preserve and protect wildlife in your backyard and across the globe by making sustainable choices and getting involved in wildlife conservation projects.

Find out how

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Join the Kids Conservation Club

Give kids a chance to make a difference, too! For $25 a year (per child), children can join the Kids Conservation Club and sponsor an endangered animal at the Milwaukee County Zoo. They’ll receive an animal fact sheet on that year’s animal, get collector cards with endangered animals on them, and their name will be in the Peck Welcome Center. Kids Conservation Club members are also invited to special educational workshops that include crafts, zookeeper talks, and much more!

Join Now Printable Form

History of Conservation

Conservation is a consistent cornerstone to the Zoological Society’s mission and has deep roots in our community and beyond. The Society has helped financially support the Zoo and its keepers in past projects such as the Bonobo & Congo Biodiversity Initiative to study and protect bonobos in the wild, increasing the trumpeter swan population in Wisconsin, studying birds in Wisconsin and Belize to help both areas learn how to protect the birds that migrate annually between the countries and much more.

Our Conservation History

Please contact us at conservation@zoosociety.org with any conservation questions you may have.