Hug This Animal: Zoo Memberships

There’s an animal called zoo memberships?

Yes, several. And memberships help support them all. Zoos catch a lot of flack from some groups, but good zoos are helping to preserve endangered species through Species Survival Plans within zoos. Some zoos also perform important research and do field work as well.

Plus, there are many reasons spring is a good season to buy a zoo membership:

• Enjoy the outdoors and get exercise while the weather is moderate.

• See the zoo babies!

• Gaze upon the butterflies. (Many zoos have butterfly exhibits open only during the spring months.)

• Have somewhere close by to take the kids during spring break.

• Receive discounts at zoo camps.

• Get discounts at many reciprocal zoos as you travel this summer.

No matter when you purchase your zoo membership, you’ll most likely visit more often since you don’t have to pay each time. This means you won’t feel like you have to take it all in during a single visit.

Here are some endangered animals I’ve written about here that you may see at the zoo:

Fishing Cat

Mountain Gorilla

Polar Bear

Red Panda

Bonobo

Oryx

Cheetah

Do you have a zoo membership? If so, what do you love about it?

Red panda image via Peggy Rowland.