Conservation Efforts

Tigers

The tiger is not only the world’s largest cat, but also one of the most endangered. Just 100 years ago, an estimated 100,000 wild tigers roamed across Asia. Today, that number has plummeted to fewer than 3,200. Tigers are now officially listed as Endangered, with their biggest threats stemming from human-wildlife conflict, shrinking habitats, and poaching driven by the illegal wildlife trade. In response to this urgent crisis, the Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation, through its partnership with the AZA’s SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program, supports vital efforts to protect and restore wild tiger populations. These efforts include reducing human-wildlife conflict, safeguarding tiger habitats, advancing research on tiger ecology, and monitoring populations in the wild. Programs supported by the Foundation are committed to increasing tiger numbers by at least 50% at key sites over the next decade by targeting the most critical threats and amplifying the impact of global conservation efforts.

Panamanian Golden Frogs

Panamanian golden frogs are among the world’s most critically endangered amphibians, emblematic of the urgent conservation challenges facing the species. Native to Panama, these brightly colored frogs have been devastated by chytridiomycosis—a deadly fungal disease that has decimated amphibian populations worldwide.

The Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation proudly supports conservation efforts to protect and preserve Panamanian golden frogs. Through rescue programs and the establishment of assurance colonies, conservationists work to safeguard the species from extinction. These initiatives include relocating frogs to specialized facilities where they receive expert care, are studied, and can breed in a controlled, disease-free environment—offering hope for future reintroduction into the wild.

Rhinos

The Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation, through its support of the AZA’s SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program, is committed to protecting one of the planet’s most threatened species—the rhinoceros. In 1900, more than one million rhinos roamed the earth. Today, due to intense poaching and habitat loss, some species have fewer than 45 individuals remaining in the wild. The illegal trade in rhino horn—driven by the false belief in its medicinal value—has pushed black-market prices to as much as $100,000 per kilogram, making rhinos prime targets for poachers and organized crime. Beyond poaching, rhinos face shrinking habitats due to agricultural expansion and conflict zones that limit conservation efforts. The Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation supports critical on-the-ground solutions such as anti-poaching patrols, surveillance systems, emergency veterinary care, and rhino conservancies working in collaboration with local governments. By investing in these vital efforts through SAFE, the Foundation is helping secure a future for rhinos in the wild.

Monarch Butterflies

The Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation proudly supports conservation initiatives like the AZA’s SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program, which focuses on protecting species such as the Monarch butterfly. Monarchs are experiencing significant population declines due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Through our support of the SAFE program, we contribute to vital education and habitat restoration efforts—including planting native milkweed, the only plant Monarch caterpillars eat, and creating pollinator-friendly gardens that support their migration. By funding these collaborative efforts, the Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation plays a direct role in protecting this iconic species and inspiring conservation action in our own community and beyond.

North American Songbirds

The Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation is committed to supporting the conservation of North American songbirds through its partnership with the AZA’s SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program. Songbirds play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by dispersing seeds, controlling insect populations, and supporting overall biodiversity. Unfortunately, many species are experiencing alarming declines due to habitat loss, climate change, window strikes, and light pollution. Through the SAFE program, the Zoo Foundation helps fund educational outreach, habitat preservation, and initiatives that raise awareness about the challenges songbirds face. This support helps ensure these beloved backyard birds continue to thrive for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.

Artificial Nest Boxes in Southeast Asia

In the forests of Southeast Asia, many bird species are struggling to find safe places to nest due to deforestation and habitat loss. The Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation is helping to change that by supporting the installation of artificial nest boxes designed specifically for cavity-nesting birds like hornbills. These nest boxes provide a safe and secure place for birds to breed and raise their young—something that’s becoming increasingly rare in the wild. By funding this critical conservation effort, the Foundation plays a vital role in protecting bird populations, supporting field research, and promoting habitat restoration across the region. It’s one more way we’re making a global impact from right here in Baton Rouge.

Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage

The Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, is a non-profit dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned, injured, and abandoned wild animals. Their mission focuses on returning animals to the wild whenever possible, providing lifelong care for those that cannot be released, and educating the public about wildlife conservation. The Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation proudly supports Chipangali’s vital work, helping to ensure the protection and care of these vulnerable animals.

Jaguars

The Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation proudly supports the conservation of jaguars through its partnership with the AZA’s SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program. Together, they work to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect these magnificent big cats, ensuring their survival in the wild. SAFE focuses on collaborative conservation strategies, including habitat protection, population monitoring, and community education to raise awareness and inspire action. Through the Foundation’s efforts and community support, vital resources are provided to help safeguard jaguars and their natural habitats for future generations.