Conservation

At the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, conservation is a part of everything we do. From animal and exhibit care to water usage and plant life, the Zoo is always working to conserve natures' resources so guests can gain a personal appreciation for these wonders.

The Zoo is a proud sponsor of conservation projects both locally and all over the world. When you visit the Zoo, part of your admission helps to support these conservation efforts.

Local Conservation Highlight

Blunt-Nosed Leopard Lizards

Endangered Species

Fresno Chaffee Zoo is home to over 40 species that are at-risk. View a full list of animals currently residing at Fresno Chaffee Zoo that are endangered, critically endangered, or extinct in the wild.

Global Conservation

Fresno Chaffee Zoo supports critical research projects that protect and preserve wildlife and wild places around the world. Since 2006, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo Wildlife Conservation Fund has worked with dozens of individuals and organizations to further research, expand conservation impact, share knowledge, and engage local communities.

Learn more about our global conservation efforts.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo is accredited through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The mission statement of the AZA is to “provide its members with the services, high standards, best practices and program coordination to be leaders in animal welfare, public engagement and the conservation of species.” To be an accredited facility, the Zoo must meet high standards in a variety of areas, including animal care, conservation, research, management and safety. Learn more about the AZA and the accreditation process.

On May 15, 2015, the 10th anniversary of Endangered Species Day, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) launched an initiative focused on bringing attention to the growing importance of working on saving endangered species from extinction.

The initiative, Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE), initially focused on 10 highly endangered species that zoos and aquariums were engaged in protecting. Each year, more species have been added to the list to help broaden their protection and increase their conservation profile. This current list of SAFE species includes: African Lion, African penguin, African vulture, American red wolf, Andean bear, American turtle, Andean highland flamingo, Asian elephant, Atlantic acropora coral, black rhinoceros, black-footed ferret, cheetah, chimpanzee, Eastern indigo snake, giraffe, gorilla, jaguar, monarch butterfly, north American songbird, orangutan, radiated tortoise, sea turtles, sharks and rays, vaquita, Western pond turtle and whooping crane.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo is currently home to many of these animals and in an effort to save these endangered species from extinction, the Zoo is committed to supporting a variety of conservation programs.