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