CONSERVATION

Zoosiana is a privately owned, accredited, award-winning zoological facility in Broussard, Louisiana and does not receive any city, state, or federal funding. Zoosiana's mission is simple: to connect guests with animals and fun. Our love and passion for animals are at the core of everything we do, and we seek to add a level of fun and excitement to inspire interest, core memories, passion, and, ultimately, action in the hearts of our guests and members.

Zoosiana is a center of excellence with an unwavering commitment and dedication to the care and welfare of the animals living within our facility. Matt Oldenburg, owner and director of the zoo, is often quoted saying "the incredible team members at Zoosiana are the stewards of these wonderful, beautiful animals, and we do so on behalf of today's and tomorrow's children of the Acadiana region. We aspire to inspire true care in the hearts of our guests for the animals who share this world with us."

Through its success in constantly striving to meet its mission, Zoosiana does indeed cultivate a strong love for animals in its guests and members. This love of animals and continued support of the zoo allow Zoosiana to provide financial support to conservation organizations around the world who work tirelessly to improve the lives and promise for countless endangered, threatened, and otherwise vulnerable species.

Zoosiana works domestically by partnering with other accredited facilities and enrolling in Animal Management Programs through the Zoological Association of America. These efforts help to connect viable animals with potential mates for reproductive efforts, manage genetic diversity of animal populations in managed care, and establish long term plans for these animals.

Our in-situ support (for efforts in the natural and native habitats of the species involved) extend around the world. We believe habitat protection and restoration are two of the most critical components in conservation - and we, therefore, focus our resources on organizations and programs working in those areas.

ZoosianaCARES campaign seeks to enhance Conservation Awareness through Respect, Education, and Sharing. Because Zoosiana cares so deeply about conservation, the ZoosianaCARES initiative supports the following conservation programs.

• Giraffe Conservation Foundation Giraffe numbers have dropped by up to 95% in some regions once considered prime habitats, and giraffes have lost nearly 90% of their historical range over the last three centuries. The Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) is a science-based conservation organization providing innovative approaches to save giraffe in the wild. GCF is working to secure a future for giraffe and the conservation of their habitat in Africa. Zoosiana specifically supports GCF's Reticulated Giraffe Conservation in Kenya program, which reduces habitat loss and fosters community engagement and government-wide partnerships in Kenya. You can support the ZoosianaCARES initiative for giraffe by donating here.
• Cheetah Conservation Botswana The cheetah is Africa's most threatened "big cat," with nearly 25% of the world's remaining cheetahs in Botswana. Cheetah Conservation Botswana (CCB) works to preserve the nation's cheetah population through scientific research and promoting coexistence between humans and carnivores. Zoosiana supports CCB's Livestock Guarding Dog Program, which protects livestock from wild carnivores, reducing lethal control methods. You can support the ZoosianaCARES initiative for cheetah by donating here.
• Lemur Conservation Foundation Lemurs are only found in Madagascar and are among the most threatened mammals on Earth, with over 98% at risk of extinction in the next 20 years. The Lemur Conservation Foundation (LCF) protects lemurs and their habitat while employing local residents. Zoosiana supports LCF's habitat protection and reforestation programs in Madagascar benefiting Ring-tailed Lemurs and Red-ruffed Lemurs. You can support the ZoosianaCARES initiative for lemurs by donating here.
• Kalaweit Gibbons are endangered and protected under the Washington Convention. Kalaweit, the world's largest project saving gibbons, works with local populations in Indonesia to protect natural forests. Zoosiana has long cared for White Handed Lar Gibbons and supports Kalaweit's long-term conservation efforts. You can support the ZoosianaCARES initiative for gibbons by donating here.
• Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association Grey Crowned Cranes, a cultural symbol in Rwanda, faced higher numbers in illegal trade than in the wild as of 2014. The Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA) restores habitat for biodiversity, planting over 60,000 indigenous trees near crane habitats. Zoosiana has decades of crane care experience and has been especially successful in breeding East African Crowned Cranes. You can support the ZoosianaCARES initiative for cranes by donating here.
• Macaw Recovery Network Macaws in Costa Rica have seen drastic population declines due to habitat loss, with 54% of forests lost in the 20th century. The Macaw Recovery Network (MRN) supports biodiversity conservation, focusing on integrating local communities into long-term solutions. Zoosiana cares for five species of macaws and supports MRN's habitat restoration efforts. You can support the ZoosianaCARES initiative for macaws by donating here.