The Georgia Zoological Society

07/30/2026

A Historic Win for Georgia Conservation!

The Georgia Zoological Society proudly celebrates the designation of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge as Georgia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site!

With this historic recognition, the Okefenokee now stands alongside some of the world's most treasured natural places, including Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Everglades National Park, Yosemite National Park, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It also becomes the 27th UNESCO World Heritage Site in the United States.

The Okefenokee is far more than a breathtaking landscape. It is one of the world's largest intact freshwater wetlands, home to extraordinary biodiversity and a living classroom that inspires curiosity, responsible outdoor stewardship, and conservation. This designation recognizes its outstanding universal value and ensures its story will be shared on a global stage for generations to come.

Congratulations to everyone whose vision, dedication, and advocacy made this extraordinary achievement possible!

Educate the People. Protect the Wild. Lead the Change.

07/23/2026

Congratulations to our own Chris Lambert on this well deserved recognition from the Georgia Historical Society!

Chris gives generously of her time, leadership, and heart to our community and we are proud to have her serving on the Georgia Zoological Society Board of Directors! Her passion for education, conservation, and community stewardship helps advance our mission of creating meaningful conservation education experiences that inspire curiosity, connection, and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

Congratulations, Chris! We are grateful for your leadership and proud to celebrate this well deserved honor!

Congratulations to Christine Lambert, recipient of the Georgia Historical Society’s 2026 John Macpherson Berrien Award!

Presented in recognition of lifetime achievement in and service to Georgia history, the award honors Lambert’s decades of leadership in historic preservation, civic life, and public service in Madison and across the state.

GHS President and CEO Dr. W. Todd Groce presented the award during the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center’s 50th anniversary celebration—an especially fitting occasion for one of the Center’s co-founders and longtime trustees.

Please join us in congratulating Christine Lambert on this well-deserved recognition!

07/04/2026

Have a safe and happy 4th!

07/02/2026

July is Wild About Wildlife Month! 🦋🦅🦎

Show us your favorite wildlife photo!

It could be:

A bird in your backyard
A butterfly on a flower
A deer in the woods
An unforgettable zoo or safari memory

Post it in the comments and tell us where you spotted it!



Photo: Harbor seals by our Executive Director - Brandie Anderson, June 21, 2025 - La Jolla, CA

06/30/2026

Attention Georgia Educators!! Are you looking for a conservation and wildlife-based field trip for your students?

The Georgia Zoological Society is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Conservation Explorers Title I Field Trip Program!

This year's featured experience is the Safari Trek Program at Georgia Safari Conservation Park, an immersive educational adventure that aligns with a variety of Georgia Standards of Excellence while inspiring students through hands-on conservation learning.

Applications are now open for Fall 2026.

Our program can help offset the cost of your field trip for eligible Title I schools.

One full grade-level sponsorship is available for a Title I school in Morgan, Putnam, or Greene County.

Additional assistance may be available for Title I schools outside of Morgan, Putnam, and Greene counties. For more information or to request an application, email: [email protected]

Together, we're inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders, one field trip at a time!

06/04/2026

June is Zoo and Aquarium Month!

This month is a great opportunity to celebrate the vital role accredited zoos and aquariums play in wildlife conservation, scientific research, education, and species survival.

Many people are surprised to learn that for some endangered species, animals living in human care serve as an important safeguard against extinction. In some cases, zoological institutions maintain assurance populations and breeding programs that help preserve genetic diversity and support future conservation efforts.

Did you know that right here in Georgia, three zoological facilities are making meaningful contributions to wildlife conservation!

Georgia Safari Conservation Park maintains a breeding herd of critically endangered addax, one of the rarest antelope species on Earth. With fewer than 100 Addax believed to remain in the wild, managed breeding programs play a critical role in helping secure the future of the species.

Zoo Atlanta supports field conservation projects around the world, including partnerships with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to protect gorillas in Africa. Closer to home, Zoo Atlanta has been a leader in the recovery of the Eastern Indigo Snake, a federally threatened species native to the southeastern United States. Through conservation partnerships, breeding programs, and releases into protected habitats, the zoo is helping restore this important native reptile to the wild.

Georgia Aquarium is conducting groundbreaking whale shark research and conservation work that is advancing our understanding of the world's largest fish while also contributing to marine animal rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts around the globe.

Modern zoos and aquariums are far more than places to see animals. They are centers for conservation, education, veterinary medicine, scientific research, and species recovery. They connect people to wildlife, inspire future conservationists, and help protect species both in human care and in the wild.

At The Georgia Zoological Society, we are committed to inspiring conservation action and leadership through meaningful wildlife engagement, helping connect people of all ages to the animals, ecosystems, and conservation challenges that shape our world.

Visit our website to learn more about our mission, programs, and ways to support our work as we help connect people with wildlife and conservation!



📸: Georgia Safari Conservation Park

06/03/2026

Big dreams start with opportunity!

We are incredibly proud to recognize Morgan County seniors Kloe Christian and Sophia Richard as the inaugural recipients of the The Georgia Zoological Society Conservation Careers Scholarship! Each student received a $1,000 scholarship to support their pursuit of conservation related careers and help continue building the next generation of wildlife and environmental leaders. The awards were presented by Society Board Member and STEM educator Alec Johnson.

From field trips and wildlife experiences to scholarships and career pathways, we believe conservation education should inspire students at every stage of life.

This is only the beginning. Our goal is to continue growing this program and expand the number of scholarships awarded in the years ahead through community and donor support.

Visit our website to see how we are helping inspire the next generation of conservation leaders through education, access, and meaningful wildlife experiences.

The Georgia Zoological Society

05/27/2026

After Memorial Day, our commitment to honoring those who have served does not end. Through our partnership with , and , the Georgia Zoological Society is creating meaningful wildlife experiences for veterans and first responders because we believe nature has the power to restore, reconnect, and heal while also deepening our connection to wildlife, conservation, and the world around us.

These experiences are about more than a day away. They create moments of peace, reflection, perspective, and conservation connection that can leave a lasting impact. Help us continue expanding this program and creating meaningful opportunities for healing, education, and conservation engagement across Georgia.

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Supporting veterans and first responders is an important part of our mission. Through meaningful wildlife and nature based experiences, we hope to provide moments of peace, connection, and reflection for those who have served our country and communities.

This Memorial Day, we remember those we have lost and honor the sacrifices made by so many families across our nation.

05/06/2026

Every future conservation leader starts with a moment of connection. A field trip. A wildlife encounter. An experience that sparks curiosity and changes the way a student sees the natural world.

Through our Conservation Explorers Program, the Georgia Zoological Society is helping students in Georgia Title I schools access meaningful wildlife and conservation based field trips beyond the classroom.

Now, we are excited to continue building that pathway through our Conservation Careers Scholarship, supporting Georgia students pursuing futures in conservation, wildlife, veterinary medicine, environmental science, and related fields!

Over the next several weeks, we will be introducing our 2026 scholarship recipients and sharing the stories of students preparing to become the next generation of conservation leaders!

To learn more or support these programs, visit:
www.thegeorgiazoologicalsociety.org

Follow along as we continue investing in the future of conservation.