Did you know — there are currently 16,306 endangered species in the world, and you can meet a few of them right in our backyard.
Through educational programs + conservation efforts, we’re taking you through Happy Hollow Park & Zoo ’s work in preserving wildlife for future generations.
Get the opportunity to meet Safar, a 10-year-old fennec fox. | Photo via Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
🐾 The mission
Since 1993, Happy Hollow in Kelley Park has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), ensuring that the park maintains the best animal care + conservation. Together, AZA institutions reintroduce captive-bred wildlife into a secure or restored habitat — these efforts advance controlled + managed breeding.
In addition, Happy Hollow awards grants to local and national critical research projects that protect + preserve wildlife — like their “Quarters for Conservation ” and “Progress for Pollinators ” grants.
Meet Will Smith + Xena at the red panda exhibit in the zoo. | Photo via Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
🐾 Meet the animals
Thanks to the AZA-sponsored Species Survival Plan Program , Happy Hollow has introduced many endangered animals to their park — like the four Narragansett turkeys that were welcomed in January, and the newest addition of three northern bald ibis this month.
Other animals you could meet include:
- Saba , a 10-year-old meerkat
- Safar , a 10-year-old fennec fox
- Razoky , a 13-year-old red ruffed lemur
- Barney , a 42-year-old blue + gold macaw
Happy Hollow teaches visitors about animal care + conservation. | Photo via Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
🐾 Get involved
Happy Hollow shares its mission of conservation and sustainability through daily workshops and special events at the zoo — and luckily, there are several ways you can learn about + join their efforts.
- Participate in special programming — including the Thurs., May 26 Senior Safari or summer-long beekeeping workshops .
- Explore their education toolkit — learn animal facts and try your hand at their at-home craft activities.
- Become a volunteer — there is still time to apply, with orientation and interviews coming up on Thurs., May 26 + Sat., May 28.
- Send a donation — your gift will fund life science programs at economically disadvantaged schools, new exhibits, and more.