Saving Animals from Extinction

Birds

Birds play a crucial role in ecosystems, acting as pollinators, seed dispersers, and natural pest controllers. They help maintain the balance of plant and animal life, contributing to biodiversity and the health of our environment. However, birds today face several challenges. Habitat loss due to urbanization, deforestation, and climate change threatens their survival. Many birds also collide with glass windows and high-rise buildings, often leading to injury or death. Light pollution disrupts migratory patterns, causing disorientation and increasing vulnerability. To address these issues, various conservation efforts are underway globally, including the creation of bird-friendly habitats, building design modifications to prevent collisions, and reducing light pollution through policies and awareness campaigns. These efforts are critical in ensuring birds continue to thrive and fulfill their essential roles in nature.

Trumpeter Swan

Our Conservation Commitment:

The Topeka Zoo is dedicated to supporting bird conservation in various meaningful ways. 

  • Bird-Friendly Windows

    We help make environments safer for birds by using window decals to alert them to glass, preventing collisions with buildings. 

  • Wildflower Oasis

    We also plant wildflowers to provide vital nectar for pollinators and seed resources for birds. 

  • Habitat Renewal

    Our commitment extends to habitat restoration, ensuring that birds have the spaces they need to thrive. 

  • Swan Reintroduction Initiatives

    We actively participate in programs like the swan reintroduction, helping restore populations when needed. 

Historically, the Topeka Zoo has also played a key role in bringing the golden eagle back to its native range, including Kansas, contributing to the recovery of this majestic species.

motus wildlife tracking system bird 2

motus wildlife tracking system

The Motus Wildlife Tracking System is an international collaborative research network that utilizes coordinated automated radio telemetry to study the movements, ecology, and conservation of migratory animals, including birds, bats, and insects. Established in 2014 by Birds Canada, Motus comprises over 1,500 receiver stations across 34 countries, primarily in North America. The system employs lightweight transmitters, some weighing as little as 0.2 grams, allowing for the tracking of even small species like bees and butterflies. This technology enables researchers to collect real-time data on animal movements without the need for recapture, significantly enhancing the understanding of migration patterns and informing conservation strategies.

By Jakub Fryš - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77677970

Trumpeter Swan Restoration & Management

The Trumpeter Swan Society’s Restoration and Management Program has been instrumental in recovering trumpeter swan populations across North America. Since the 1980s, the program has focused on habitat restoration, monitoring, and public education to address threats like hunting and habitat loss. As a result, swan numbers have significantly increased in several regions. The Topeka Zoo continues to work with the Society to support these efforts and ensure a sustainable future for this iconic species.

Cardinal
SAFE Program

North American Songbird

The vision of SAFE North American Songbird is North American songbirds thriving throughout their annual life cycles due, in part, to the contributions of zoos, aquariums, and their guests, taking collaborative action to reduce threats.

By Adrian Pingstone (Arpingstone) - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2986460
SAFE Program

Andean highland flamingo

SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) Andean Highland Flamingo supports the recovery and conservation of Andean, Chilean, and Puna (James’s) flamingos through research, public engagement, targeted training, community outreach, and education. AZA members work with Chilean partners to support activities outlined in the country’s Andean highland flamingo conservation plan, fill research gaps, and assist with the identification, prioritization, and designation of critical flamingo habitat in Chile’s northern Andean highlands.

Red Siskin

Red Siskin Initiative

The Venezuelan red siskin is a small neotropical bird, native to our northern mountains. It is currently classified as Critically Endangered in Venezuela, with its main threats including capture for the illegal pet trade and habitat loss due to agricultural and urban expansion. The Red Siskin Initiative is an international partnership of public and private institutions communities and people working to understand, protect and restore sustainable populations of the Red Siskin.

Join the Fight to Save Endangered Species

Together, we can make a difference. By supporting Topeka Zoo’s SAFE initiatives, you’re helping protect vulnerable species, restore habitats, and ensure a future where wildlife can thrive. Join us in taking action today!