“Saving wildlife is the core of our mission…”
“Saving wildlife is at the core of our mission…”
Conservation means different things to everyone. For some, it means minimizing the use of resources like conserving water, energy or fuel. For accredited zoos and aquariums, like the Buttonwood Park Zoo, it means saving wildlife, which is at the core of our mission. To us, conservation is about saving species on the brink of extinction or ensuring species never reach that threatened state. Our work is about making sure future generations not only experience and learn about a vast array of wildlife but that they gain an appreciation for it and a desire to protect it.
We are currently supporting 12 CONSERVATION EFFORTS around the globe dedicating financial and staff resources to the preservation of species on the verge of extinction.
1. THE VIETNAM ELEPHANT INITIATIVE is committed to supporting the Dak Lak Elephant Conservation Center in protecting a sustainable wild population of elephants in Vietnam by providing high standards of care for captive elephants, and ending the use of elephants for riding, circuses and shows. Buttonwood Park Zoo funded the purchase of a portable scale to help manage and care for orphaned elephants.
2. GOLDEN LION TAMARIN (Brazil) New World Primate TAG
3. MURIQUI (Brazil) The Muriqui Project of Caratinga protects these critically endangered primates. Hunting and widespread destruction of their forests has led to their near extinction. Today only 300 muriquis live at a privately owned and federally protected reserve near Caratinga, Brazil, up from 50 in 1983. The Muriqui Project helps regenerate the forest, create corridors to connect forest fragments, and preserve and manage all conservation, research and education activities at the preserve.
4. BRAZILIAN MERGANSER (Brazil) Brazilian Merganser Recovery Program
5. SEA TURTLE (Venezuela) The Center for Research and Conservation of Sea Turtles
6. COTTON-TOP TAMARIN (Colombia) The Proyecto Tití group works to conserve these critically endangered tree-dwelling monkeys through multi-disciplinary on-site conservation programs, including manufacturing of products made by local communities using recycled plastics. The Zoo is purchasing titi posts, which are fence posts made of recycled plastic instead of wood. The result? The tamarins’ trees are saved and we help to reduce and recycle plastic in the environment.
7. JAGUAR (Belize) Belize Audubon Society
8. BIRDS OF THE CARIBBEAN (The Caribbean)
9. VAQUITA RESCUE PROJECT (Vaquita, Mexico)
10. KARNER BLUE BUTTERFLY (USA) The New Hampshire Fish and Wildlife Service
11. MONARCH BUTTERFLY (New Bedford, MA) The Zoo maintains a seasonal butterfly garden to attract local pollinators, as well as two active beehives. In collaboration with Buzzards Bay Garden Club, New Hampshire Fish & Game Department, Bristol County Beekeepers Association, Friends of Buttonwood Park, local schools, and Monarch Watch, the Zoo is helping to design habitats and develop programs to help local pollinators, while educating the public about the importance of these beautiful species.
12. CHINESE MERGANSER (China) East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) Scaly-sided Merganser Task Force
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