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When do YOU have an impact? Every day of the year!

Whether you’re a member, donor, visitor or community partner, your continued support reflects your belief that in an increasingly urban and technology-driven society, zoos matter more than ever. Here is where we weave together face-to-face encounters with animals, hands-on environmental learning and action-based programs that engage our community in vital, global efforts to protect wildlife and wild places. Here is how you make that possible.

Check out the full 2015 Community Impact Report including achievements like these:


1. You helped welcome Yola to the world and ensured she developed a strong bond with mom, Nadiri

Your generosity helped fund 24/7 care of baby gorilla Yola when first-time mom Nadiri did not initially show strong maternal behaviors. Through daily interactions, mom and baby have now bonded and little Yola is thriving with her gorilla family!

Yola is a natural climber. Photo: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo.


2. You helped stop wildlife poachers in their tracks

With help from zoo supporters throughout the region, Washington’s Initiative 1401 ushered in a state law that strengthens penalties and bans commerce of products made from 10 of the most trafficked endangered species groups.

Which one is truly precious? Elephant photo courtesy Wildlife Conservation Society. 


3. You helped complete Banyan Wilds and brought tigers back to our zoo

Gifts from more than 1,250 donors transformed the last "old" exhibit into a naturalistic wonder built to engage visitors in conservation efforts for the critically endangered Malayan tiger.

Cooling off in Banyan Wilds. Photo: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo.


4. You brought Northwest conservation research to new heights

Gifts supporting the zoo's Living Northwest program allowed us to partner with Microsoft Research to design an innovative tech device that facilitates winter wildlife monitoring in the North Cascades, helping better protect elusive native species such as wolverines, lynx and martens.

A WPZ grizzly tests just how bear-proof new field research technology is before zoo scientists deploy the system in the field. Photo: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo.


5. You saved a gorilla's life

Friends of the zoo jumped into action when Vip, our 400-pound male gorilla underwent two surgeries to treat recurring sinus polyps and infection. Today he is fully recovered thanks to this breakthrough veterinary procedure, the first of its kind, and he became father to baby Yola.

Zookeepers and vet staff see to Vip's care at the zoo's animal hospital. Photo: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo.


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