Animals have an instinct for survival, but they can’t do it without our help.

The “wild” is shrinking – virtually all animals are experiencing some sort of challenge. There is good news, though! Countless people have dedicated their lives to conservation efforts. These animal advocates need financial support from people like you and me to continue their important work.

By providing grants to conservation leaders in more than 40 countries, the Zoo puts your donation to work on the ground where it really matters.

Your gift will advance conservation research, build capacity among local populations, strengthen environmental education, promote community involvement, and foster behavior change that benefits wildlife and people. More than 85 unique species—from smooth-shelled sea turtles to orange-haired orangutans—were positively impacted through our recent conservation efforts. We need conservationists like you to continue fighting extinction, celebrating beautiful biodiversity, and securing a better future through a gift to the Wildlife Conservation Fund.

Partners In Conservation: Our Work in Rwanda

In 1991, Columbus Zoo gorilla zookeeper Charlene Jendry met with Zoo volunteers to discuss a grassroots initiative that would benefit wild mountain gorillas. Today, Partners In Conservation (PIC) continues to help its partners convert their ideas into action. PIC’s guiding principle is that helping local populations earn livable wages—without poaching or deforestation—is the key to conserving wild places. PIC projects span a variety of humanitarian, conservation and education efforts. With education and employment opportunities, people and animals co-exist peacefully.

PIC provides an alternative solution to people who previously had to choose between caring for their families or the rainforest. Helping people helps gorillas—and your gift to PIC changes lives.