Sustainability Initiative

Slow the Threat of Extinction

  1. Conservation & Sustainability»
  2. Extinction Threat»

A Future Where Wildlife Thrives

We share a deep love and passion for all animals—both those under our care and those in the wild. The rapid rate of extinction is a growing concern, and it is our obligation to help slow and ultimately stop this trend. We believe future generations deserve to experience and benefit from wildlife, and we are committed to being part of the solution.

At the Topeka Zoo, protecting wildlife and their habitats is central to our sustainability mission. We recognize that the rapid loss of species is a pressing crisis, and if we do not act now, future generations may never experience the beauty and value of biodiversity. That’s why we are dedicated to slowing the current rate of extinction. Through conservation efforts, research, and community education, we aim to inspire action that safeguards wildlife for the future, ensuring that animals in our care and in the wild can thrive for generations to come.

turtle habitat protection

What Is Your Topeka Zoo Doing:

  • Purchased Trees for Habitat Restoration

    Donated trees to the City of Topeka's Forestry Department and Shawnee County Parks Department for planting in local parks and public spaces, enhancing local habitats.

  • Increasing Pollinator Habitats

    Continually creating and expanding pollinator gardens around the zoo and out in the community to support bees, butterflies, and other vital pollinators.

  • Host Awareness Days

    Organize special events throughout the year to raise awareness about the challenges faced by wildlife in their native ranges and promote conservation efforts.

  • Docent Education Carts

    Docents engage visitors with hands-on educational carts, including the Backyard, Recycling, and Pollinators Carts, providing interactive learning experiences on sustainability and conservation.

  • Adopted a Boat Ramp

    Maintain a boat ramp by keeping it free of debris and trash, ensuring clean waterways and protecting the surrounding wildlife habitats.

  • Planting Milkweed

    Support local pollinator populations by planting milkweed, a crucial plant for monarch butterflies.

  • Seeding Native Prairies

    Participate in prairie restoration efforts by seeding local prairies with native grasses and plants to support local ecosystems and wildlife.

  • Advocate for Sustainable Palm Oil

    Educate the public on the importance of sustainable palm oil production (RSPO-certified) and its role in protecting wildlife habitats.

  • Monarch Waystation Gardens

    Partner with local schools to establish and maintain Monarch Waystation Gardens, promoting conservation efforts for the iconic monarch butterfly.

Slow the Threat
of Extinction
How the Community Can Help

The community in Topeka can play a key role in slowing the threat of extinction by taking various local actions that contribute to broader global conservation efforts. Here are some ways people can help:

  1. Support Habitat Restoration Efforts: Just as the zoo has purchased trees to restore habitats, local community members can participate by planting native trees, supporting local reforestation projects, or working with organizations focused on habitat restoration. They can also volunteer or donate to these causes.

  2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Encourage sustainable practices such as reducing waste, recycling, and reusing materials. Reducing pollution is crucial for protecting ecosystems and wildlife.

  3. Create Wildlife-Friendly Spaces: People at home can create wildlife-friendly gardens by planting native plants, building birdhouses, or setting up pollinator-friendly environments. These actions support local biodiversity and provide safe spaces for animals to thrive.

  4. Educate and Raise Awareness: Attend zoo-hosted educational programs or share conservation efforts on social media. Educating others about the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitats can inspire more people to help.

  5. Support Local Conservation Initiatives: Join us in our mission to protect endangered species and their habitats. By supporting the Topeka Zoo, whether through volunteering, donations, or partnerships, you can help amplify our conservation initiatives. Your involvement directly contributes to our work with local and global conservation projects that benefit wildlife. Together, we can expand our reach and make a lasting impact on species preservation, ensuring a sustainable future for wildlife in Kansas and beyond.

  6. Advocate for Wildlife Protection: Join or support local wildlife advocacy campaigns, help push for laws and policies that protect wildlife and support sustainable agricultural practices that reduce habitat loss.

  7. Reduce Carbon Footprint: By adopting energy-efficient practices, driving less, or supporting green energy initiatives, the community can reduce its carbon footprint and mitigate the effects of climate change, which is a major driver of species extinction.

  8. Volunteer with Local Wildlife Organizations: People can volunteer with the zoo or other local wildlife organizations to directly support conservation efforts participating in clean-up activities or supporting education programs.

  9. Postage: select the tiger or sea turtle or other conservation species stamps.

Guiding principle

We share a love and passion for all animals including animals under our care and animals in their range territories. If we don’t act, we fear that we will lose more and more species. It is our obligation to be part of the solution to slow and stop the current rapid rate of extinction so that future generations can also benefit from wildlife.

Advocating for Wildlife: Shaping Policy for a Sustainable Future

Leveraging Our Resources and Audience for Conservation Awareness 1
Strategy 1

Using Our Facility and Audience to Raise Awareness

We use our facility and our audience to draw attention to the needs of wildlife so that we can influence behavior in a way that slows the threat of extinction and make connections between guests and animals to inspire empathy and change.

  • Goal 1: Evaluate and establish partnerships that support the sustainable breeding and population growth of endangered species, helping to ensure long-term species survival.

  • Goal 2: Seek opportunities to participate in active wild release programs, contributing to the successful reintroduction and conservation of endangered species in their natural habitats.

  • Goal 3: Develop an in-house training program to keep staff and volunteers informed about the latest trends and efforts in wildlife conservation, ensuring they are equipped to play a key role in slowing extinction.

  • Goal 4: Host regular presentations and interactive experiences—such as Docent Discovery Carts, Keeper Chats, and Animal Encounters—designed to raise awareness of conservation issues and connect guests with animals, inspiring empathy and actionable change.

global efforts
Strategy 2

Advocating for Wildlife: Shaping Policy for a Sustainable Future

Political Advocacy for Wildlife and Wild Places.

As an organization that operates in a capital city, the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center will become aware of and active in the political environment around us.

  • Goal 1: Strengthen and amplify our voice in advocating for policy changes that benefit wildlife and protect wild places.

  • Goal 2: Stay informed on government actions, policies, and legislation that may affect wildlife and conservation efforts, ensuring we are always prepared to act.

  • Goal 3: Develop and promote an advocacy agenda that supports laws and ordinances designed to protect wildlife and enhance conservation practices.

  • Goal 4: Work to establish the Topeka Zoo as a recognized leader and expert in wildlife conservation within the state and beyond.

Making a Difference in Wildlife Preservation in Range Territories
Strategy 3

Making a Difference in Wildlife Preservation in Range Territories

Be active in making a difference in the preservation of wildlife in their range territories.

Goal 1: Focus our support on a variety of conservation programs, including SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) and others that align with our mission, prioritizing species in their natural habitats and those programs where we can make a significant impact, both globally and locally.

Goal 2: Identify and support other impactful programs, including:

  • Zoo Conservation Outreach Group (ZCOG)

  • Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF)

  • Asian Elephant Support (AES)

  • Tiger Conservation Campaign- focusing on the Sumatran Tiger

  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Programs

  • Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Programs

Goal 3: Evaluate opportunities to contribute to ecosystem conservation and restoration efforts.

Goal 4: Look for opportunities to actively support ecosystem and species preservation through hands-on, boots-on-the-ground activities that zoo staff can participate in and contribute to.

Inspiring Action to Benefit Wildlife and Wild Places
Strategy 4

Inspiring Action to Benefit Wildlife and Wild Places

Become a voice that inspires others to benefit wildlife and wild places.

  • Goal 1: Expand educational efforts to raise awareness about the rapid rate of extinction, engaging staff, guests, and the local community in understanding its urgency.

  • Goal 2: Create a Sustainability Recognition Program to honor businesses, individuals, and organizations that actively contribute to wildlife conservation efforts.

    • Define the program’s name, criteria, and frequency (monthly or quarterly)

    • Consider incorporating incentives and offer a visible wildlife-friendly decal to recognize participants’ sustainability efforts.

  • Goal 3: Establish the Topeka Zoo as the leading expert and go-to source for wildlife conservation information in Northeast Kansas and beyond, providing valuable resources, insights, and leadership.

  • Goal 4: Incorporate conservation messaging throughout our exhibits to educate visitors on the needs of wildlife and encourage them to take meaningful actions in support of conservation.

  • Goal 5: Take proactive steps to raise awareness and understanding of climate change, with a focus on its impact on wildlife and ecosystems and inspire collective action to address these challenges.

Join the Fight to Save Endangered Species

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