Protecting our most precious resource
Water is essential to all life on Earth, yet its availability is under threat. At the Topeka Zoo, we are committed to conserving water resources through sustainable practices, innovative programs, and community education to ensure a thriving future for both people and wildlife.
Water is a vital, finite resource that is essential for life on Earth. It supports all living organisms, helps regulate temperature, and is critical for agriculture, drinking, and hygiene. As a limited resource, it’s increasingly important to conserve water to ensure its availability for future generations. Efforts such as reducing water waste, using efficient irrigation practices, and protecting water sources are key to maintaining a sustainable water supply, supporting healthy ecosystems, and preventing water shortages. Conserving water helps preserve this life-sustaining resource for both people and the planet, ensuring that future generations can continue to live, grow, and flourish.
What Is Your Topeka Zoo Doing:
Protecting the Kansas River
Storm Drain Art Initiative: A collaboration with local partners we are raising awareness about stormwater and its impact on the Kansas River, encouraging proper waste disposal.
Community outreach
Promotes awareness about the ecological importance of freshwater mussels and their declining populations.
Sustainable Seafood Choices
Zoo follows the Seafood Watch program’s recommendations to serve responsibly sourced seafood.
Xeriscaping and Water Conservation
Promote xeriscaping on-site to encourage drought-tolerant landscaping.
Celebration of Water Days
Observe World Water Day, World Oceans Day, and World Rivers Day to raise awareness.
Partnerships with Friends of the Kaw
Collaborate on protecting the Kansas River watershed and raising public awareness.
Boat Ramp Adoption
We adopted a boat ramp through Friends of the Kaw to model waterway care and maintenance.
Water Usage Study
Evaluate water footprint to reduce water usage on-site.
Stormwater Management
Ensure water leaving the site does not harm the Kansas River; properly dispose of chemicals.
Seafood Watch
Seafood Watch, a program by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, empowers consumers and businesses to make sustainable seafood choices. By providing science-based recommendations through easy-to-use guides and a mobile app, Seafood Watch helps protect ocean ecosystems and ensure a future of healthy seafood. It also collaborates with fisheries, aquaculture farms, and restaurants to promote environmentally responsible practices.
Zoo Conservation Outreach Group
Zoo Conservation Outreach Group (ZCOG) is dedicated to advancing wildlife conservation in Latin America and the Caribbean by fostering collaboration between zoos, aquariums, and conservation organizations. Through education, capacity building, and scientific initiatives, ZCOG supports efforts to protect biodiversity and endangered species in the region.
Red Panda Networks
Red Panda Network is committed to the conservation of wild red pandas and their habitats through community-based initiatives in the Eastern Himalayas. By engaging local communities, providing education, and implementing sustainable practices, they aim to protect this endangered species and ensure a thriving ecosystem.
SAFE Program
Maned Wolf
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) approved the SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction program for the maned wolf on October 5, 2022. This initiative brings together AZA-accredited facilities, government agencies, and various stakeholders to support maned wolf conservation throughout their range. Efforts include rescue, rehabilitation, and repatriation of confiscated and injured wolves, as well as public education and habitat preservation. The program also celebrated the first Maned Wolf Day on October 5, 2023, raising awareness about the species across the AZA community.
Photo by Jonathan Wilkins - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33061605
SAFE Program
Freshwater Mussel
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has initiated the SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction program for North American freshwater mussels, recognizing the urgent need for research, recovery, restoration, education, and advocacy on behalf of these vital indicator species.
With 303 species across the United States and Canada, freshwater mussels play a crucial role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. The SAFE program aims to address the significant decline in mussel populations by uniting AZA-accredited institutions and partners to implement conservation strategies, including propagation and reintroduction efforts. For instance, the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium has reintroduced over 19,000 endangered or threatened freshwater mussels, contributing to improved water quality and ecosystem health.
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!