Zoo Atlanta

The K9 Unit at Conservation South Luangwa (CSL), a significant conservation partner of Zoo Atlanta, goes the extra mile every day to protect wildlife in Zambia’s South Luangwa Valley – and you can too by sponsoring one of CSL’s working dogs! From Dutch Shepherd Earl, CSL’s longest-serving member of the K9 team, to the two newest recruits, Labradors Ody (pictured) and Cassi, there are five remarkable dogs awaiting sponsorship to support their vital conservation work. We're so proud of this conservation partnership, and we hope you'll check out the link to learn more about how you can help! (photo: Rachel Rebibo) https://lnkd.in/ezwW293j

It’s a momentous year for Zoo Atlanta’s giant panda program. As we anticipate the pandas’ travels to China later this year, we’re also filled with gratitude as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the giant panda program at Zoo Atlanta. This is an extraordinary legacy, not just in the immense joy the pandas have spread over the last quarter-century, but in the incredible progress that’s been made in giant panda conservation efforts. The pandas at Zoo Atlanta have made such an amazing impact, not just on our community here in Atlanta, but for people around the world who have followed Lun Lun, Yang Yang, and their offsprings’ journeys over the years. Let’s take a moment to celebrate this rich history. #OnlyZooATL Full story: https://lnkd.in/erkjFgXJ

Happy Pride Month! As a wildlife conservation organization, we here at Zoo Atlanta are in constant awe of the natural world’s incredible diversity. Our Earth benefits immensely from the unique attributes not just of different species, but of each individual. It takes all types to form the complex webs that not only maintain ecosystems, but allow them to thrive. Humans are no exception, and the full rainbow of human sexual and gender identity is one way our species is able to expand our perspectives and possibilities. This applies to any field, but LGBTQIA+ perspectives are vital in wildlife and conservation sciences, which not only seek methods for preserving the natural world, but ask fundamental questions about the behaviors and social structures found across the animal kingdom. It’s a field that demands we deconstruct our often heteronormative human biases to understand how we can best protect the animals and ecosystems that form the foundation of our work.  It’s more important than ever to celebrate these contributions, so we’re excited to highlight five LGBTQIA+ scientists working hard to push global conservation efforts forward. We hope you’ll read more about their incredible work, this month and beyond! #OnlyZooATL #PrideMonth #Pride Full Story: https://lnkd.in/ejFb6xN2

Following a competitive nationwide search, Zoo Atlanta is thrilled to welcome Gina Ferrie, PhD, to the executive team as Vice President of Collections and Conservation. Dr. Ferrie joins Zoo Atlanta from Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where she served most recently as Science Operations Manager. During her more than 16 years at that organization, she also served in the capacities of Research Manager and Population Biologist and Research Associate. Her prior professional zoological career also includes husbandry of both terrestrial and aquatic species. The author or co-author of more than 30 peer-reviewed publications in applied zoo and aquarium science, biology, and conservation journals, Dr. Ferrie brings a passion for applied scientific and evidence-based practices that will enhance animal care, wellbeing, and conservation at Zoo Atlanta. In her new role, she will oversee the Zoo’s Animal Care and Research divisions while leading Zoo Atlanta’s conservation initiatives with an expert, long-term perspective in keeping with the Zoo’s established objectives as outlined in the organization’s Conservation Strategic Plan. “Zoo Atlanta is excited and energized to welcome an innovative, proven leader with a breadth of experience in so many areas that matter integrally to our mission: outstanding animal care, scientific research, and conservation,” said Raymond B. King, President and CEO. “Dr. Ferrie will be a powerful asset as the leader of our world-class Animal Care and Research Teams and will bring invaluable insights to our Senior Leadership Team and to Zoo Atlanta at large as we continue to strive to move our organization forward in mission-based excellence.” Dr. Ferrie has a PhD in Conservation Biology from the University of Central Florida, a Master of Science degree in Conservation Biology from Columbia University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Evolutionary and Environmental Biology from Dartmouth College. Her academic teaching experience includes Zoo Biology and Management and Population Management at the University of Central Florida and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Professional Development School. Learn more about Zoo Atlanta’s mission and programs at zooatlanta.org. #OnlyZooATL

The illegal wildlife trade is a major threat to wildlife. Over the past 10 years, our conservation partner Conservation South Luangwa (CSL) has been at the forefront of this struggle in the South Luangwa Valley. An integral part of their work is the K9 Unit, where dogs like Gene (pictured) work to intercept trafficked ivory, animal skins, bushmeat, pangolin scales, firearms and ammunition, ensuring they never reach the black market. You can support the CSL K9 Unit’s work by sponsoring one of five dedicated working dogs, including Gene! #OnlyZooATL (Photo: Marcus Westberg) Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ezwW293j

Memorial Day weekend’s one-of-a-kind festival favorite returns at Brew at the Zoo on Saturday, May 25, 2024, and time is running out for tickets to an event which has been known to sell out in advance. The 21-and-up event will feature more than 80 samples from over 35 of Georgia’s top breweries and cideries; live music at venues throughout the Zoo; evening wildlife viewing until dusk; special Keeper Talks; and more. The 2024 music lineup will bring tunes in a variety of sounds and styles, including 80s tribute band The Breakfast Club; acoustic soulful covers from Lilac Wine; and R&B, soul, and pop covers from Kenneth Kelly. Making its exclusive debut at Brew at the Zoo this year is Panda Shandy. Created by partners at SweetWater Brewing Company in honor of the 25-year legacy of giant pandas at Zoo Atlanta, this limited-time brew is a refreshingly crisp lager with citrusy notes of pineapple, orange, and lemon. Panda Shandy will be available through the summer at Zoo Atlanta’s SweetWater Beer Garden and at the SweetWater Atlanta Taproom.   As part of an ongoing commitment to sustainability, Zoo Atlanta has partnered with r.World to offer reusable r.Cups to reduce single-use waste. Guests are encouraged to return these sampling cups to designated bins before leaving Brew at the Zoo; once collected and sanitized by r.World, r.Cups can be reused hundreds of times.   VIP tickets are now sold out. General admission tickets are available at $60 for Zoo Atlanta Members; $70 for non-Members. Advance ticket purchases are strongly encouraged. Get tickets at zooatlanta.org/brew

h the 2024 expiration of Zoo Atlanta’s giant panda agreement with China, preliminary plans are underway for Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun, and Xi Lun to travel to China later this year. Zoo Atlanta has applied for the pandas’ international travel permit, and the bears are expected to travel to China sometime in the fourth quarter of 2024. No more specific information on timing of the pandas’ travels is available at this time; timing will be identified collaboratively with official partners in China. #OnlyZooATL Full Story: https://lnkd.in/eZzsMsV2

Today Zoo Atlanta turns 135! It has been QUITE the journey. Check out a brief history of the Zoo below, and thank you for being a part of our story! #OnlyZooATL

We're delighted to announce the Safari Camp Scholarship Program will be returning for summer 2024. Scholarships will include Camp tuition, daily lunch and snacks, a Safari Camp T-shirt, and an extended care option for 41 children ages 5 to 11 from Title One Schools in metro Atlanta. Check out the link to learn more details. Applications are due April 5! #OnlyZooATL We are deeply grateful to our partners at Cox Enterprises for supporting 35 scholarships and Southwire Company, LLC for supporting six scholarships. https://lnkd.in/eyEj9tSW

Growing up, Celyn didn't see many Black people in her field, so she's hoping to inspire Black kids who may want to work with animals. Watch to learn more about her story and what she does at the Zoo! #BlackHistoryMonth #OnlyZooATL