One question we often hear from visitors is, “What can we do to make a difference for conservation?” Beginning May 1, 2008 you can make a big difference every time you visit the Zoo! 

That’s when Cheyenne Mountain Zoo begins designating $0.25 from each admission, $2.50 from each family membership and a small charge on education and animal programs to Quarters for Conservation, an exciting new initiative created to greatly enhance our wildlife conservation work. Through the accumulation of quarters, we’ll provide funding for new and existing wildlife conservation projects. Not only will the program significantly expand wildlife conservation efforts in our region and around the globe, it also promises to engage our employees and our visitors in the effort. 

With every visit, you’ll receive a “quarter” token and get to vote for a conservation project that inspires you. You’ll find a fun voting station located in the entry plaza near the admissions booth. Your vote is important and will help us determine how much funding each project receives. Informative graphics about selected projects are located throughout the Zoo to spark dialogue with family and friends. We’ll also offer additional suggestions as to how you can make a difference in preserving our planet’s limited resources.
 

Six conservation projects selected for voting and principal funding in 2008-09: 

• African lion conservation in Kenya

Wild African lion populations are in jeopardy. The Lion Conservation Fund protects African lions by partnering with local communities and collaborating with conservation groups. It’s a grassroots community-based conservation perspective – hiring, training and educating those living with African wildlife through scientific research, education and action they develop sustainable solutions to human-lion conflict. Please visit www.lionconservationfund.org/ to learn more about African lion conservation in Kenya.
 
• Andean bear conservation in Ecuador

The Andean Bear Conservation Project protects Andean bears from extinction through field studies and rehabilitation and release of captive bears. Their aim is to improve human understanding of these gentle creatures by studying their diet, behaviors and social interaction. Funding from Quarters for Conservation will support this scientific research and help compensate farmers for bear crop damage. Please visit www.andeanbear.org to learn more about Andean bear conservation. 
 
• Wild orangutan survival in BorneoThe Bornean Orangutan Survival Foundation protects wild orangutans and reforests their native habitats in Borneo. Funding from Quarters for Conservation supports the purchase of land and forest replanting efforts to create a sanctuary for orangutans. Displaced and orphaned orangutans learn skills in forest schools to help them survive when released back to the wild. Please visit www.savetheorangutan.org.uk/ to learn more about the Bornean orangutan conservation in Borneo.

• Endangered Colorado butterflies

Due to habitat destruction, illegal collection and environmental changes, several species of butterflies in Colorado need help. You can support our efforts to protect habitat and develop a captive breeding and release program for imperiled Colorado butterflies. With your support, we can make a significant contribution to wildlife conservation in our own backyard. Please visit www.butterflyrecovery.org/about/ to learn more about butterfly conservation and the Butterfly Conservation Initiative.
 
• Mantella frog conservation in Madagascar

Madagascar’s Mantella frogs are critically endangered.  Pet trade, habitat loss and disease threaten their survival.  You can support their survival and recovery in the wild while also assisting the Zoo in starting a captive breeding program for this species that will support their wild counterparts for years to come. Learn more about Mantella frogs in the Aquatics building at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Please visit www.madagasikara-voakajy.org to learn more about mantella conservation in Madagascar. 
 
• Endangered snow leopards in Central Asia

The International Snow Leopard Trust protects wild snow leopards by incorporating the wellbeing of both cats and humans. It acknowledges that “grass-roots” caring is ultimately what will save these animals, and encourages families to help protect snow leopards with creative incentives. Funding from Quarters for Conservation supports these efforts to protect snow leopards and the livelihoods of the people who live near them. Please visit www.snowleopard.org to discover more about snow leopard conservation.
 

• Protect hippos in Virunga National Park, Africa

Hippo populations in Virunga National Park, Central Africa, have decreased 95% in recent years due to illegal poaching. A group of elite guards, the Congo Rangers, patrol day and night risking their lives protecting the hippos.  Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is supporting these rangers’ efforts in 2008 through the Quarters for Conservation program. Learn more about hippo conservation by visiting Atamato's blog at http://atamato.wildlifedirect.org/
 
• Save one of the world’s most endangered canines

African Wild Dog Conservancy is working with local communities to protect wild dogs from disease; expand connections between habitats and monitor their populations.  Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is supporting their efforts in 2008 through the funds raised as a part of the Quarters for Conservation Program. Visit the http://www.awdconservancy.org/ to learn more about this project.
 

• Black-footed ferret 
• Wyoming toad
• Mountain tapir
• Okapi
• Mexican gray wolf