Less than 15% of the world’s fisheries are considered sustainable—resulting in nearly 1,100 endangered fish species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Choosing sustainably farmed fish helps reduce the pressure on wild fisheries and allows populations to rebuild. To learn more about which sustainable seafood choices are best for you, visit SeafoodWatch.org—a service of our AZA partner, Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Protecting Endangered Species
Denver Zoo’s commitment to saving wildlife dates back more than 125 years.
Today, with at least a million species on the brink of extinction, our role as a Colorado wildlife conservation champion is more important than ever. Wondering how you, our beloved community, can support our work to save endangered species in Colorado and worldwide? Here's how to protect wild animals—both here on our campus, and around the globe.
Simple Ways to Support Denver Zoo
Visit the Zoo
Every time you visit Denver Zoo, you’re supporting our wild residents—and providing funding for our conservation efforts in Colorado + worldwide.
Become a Member
As a non-profit organization, we rely on our memberships to provide consistent funding for our animal family and our work to protect endangered species.
Make a Donation
Join the community of amazing animal advocates whose generosity ensures that our 3,000 animals and historic campus receive continuous care.
Easy Ways to Make an Impact
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
Protect endangered species by preserving their natural habitats and keeping harmful pollutants and toxins out of the environment. It saves you money, too! Learn other ways Denver Zoo protects the environment and our community through our sustainability programs.
Reduce CONSUMPTION
- Plan menus before shopping and try to buy only what you need.
- Buy responsible, local products and use services that reduce waste and carbon emissions.
- Buy second-hand clothing, textiles, furniture and toys.
Reuse when possible
- BYO reusable coffee mug, water bottle and shopping bag.
- Repair or refurbish clothing, textiles, furniture and electronics.
- Purchase products with quality and longevity in mind.
RECYCLE AS A LAST RESORT
- Sign up for recycling and composting (if available) at home.
- Find out how to handle hard-to-recycle items like mattresses, textiles and electronics.
- Donate and upcycle—one person’s trash is another’s treasure!
Shop Smart to Help Save Animals
As a zoo-based conservation organization, Denver Zoo is dedicated to giving our guests the information they need to make choices that support a healthy planet. That’s why we’ve partnered with Palm Done Right® to spread the word about palm oil and its impact on wildlife habitat.
AVOID THESE PRODUCTS
While not all products within these categories will contain palm oil, their labels are worth a second look: bread, crackers, soap/detergent, ice cream, shampoo, chocolate, makeup, cooking oil, dairy substitutes and margarine.
READ THOSE LABELS
When you're perusing product labels and nutrition facts, the word "palm" is a safe bet that the product contains palm oil. Also look for the prefixes STEAR, LAUR and GLYC, as these also indicate the presence of palm oil.
MAKE SMART CHOICES
Looking for companies who use palm-positive practices? Our partner Palm Done Right can help you make smart choices—and select products with lower impact on vulnerable wildlife and ecosystems.