Climbing to new conservation heights ·                                                                                               
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance  San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
NOTES FROM THE FIELD | 2023 | No. 5
Fijian Iguana Conservation

Long, spindly toes and sharp claws carry Fijian iguanas across the lush canopies of the tropical forests they call home. These arboreal lizards spend almost their entire lives in the treetops, only leaving to lay eggs or seek shelter during storms. With neon green scales, sometimes accented by blue or white bands, they blend in effortlessly with the vibrant vegetation. But even with this impressive camouflage, Fijian iguanas can’t hide from the increasing threats to their survival.

Habitat loss and nonnative predators including feral cats, rats, and mongooses are putting pressure on Fijian iguana populations. Today, all subspecies are endangered, some critically so. With you as an ally, and together with our partners, we’re working to save them through our Pacific Islands Conservation Hub.

Your support fuels sustainable conservation solutions, as we collaborate with partners and local communities to help Fijian iguanas thrive. From protecting existing populations to headstarting and reintroducing the next generation, together we can ensure these tree-dwelling lizards have a future on the islands. Climb right up to explore how you’re making all the difference for unique island species found nowhere else on Earth.

ISLAND TIME
Red Panda
TALL TAILS

Nimble experts of the forest, red pandas use their long, bushy tails to keep balanced when they’re high in the treetops. Watch these acrobats navigate the trees with ease, and discover how two red pandas at the San Diego Zoo are helping to secure the future for this endangered species.

ARBOREAL ACROBATS
Thick-billed Parrot
SWOOPING TO SAFETY

A flash of green with a splash of crimson is all you’ll see of the thick-billed parrot as it swoops down from the sky, and back into the pine forests of northern Mexico. These skilled fliers can escape from larger birds of prey by diving toward the ground and into the safety of the trees. You’re helping save endangered thick-billed parrots through our Southwest Conservation Hub–including two chicks that fledged at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park last year.

TAKE FLIGHT
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Adventures
AMONG THE GREAT WHALES

Set sail for the voyage of a lifetime on this San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Adventure to experience up-close magical moments with one of the world’s largest mammals, the gray whale. Hosted by our vice president of Wildlife Health, Dr. Hendrik Nollens, you’ll venture into the sheltered lagoons of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula to witness mothers and calves beginning their long migration together. This will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity to immerse yourself in the wildlife of Baja California—sign up today!

BOOK YOUR TRIP
WILDLIFE HEROES
CHANGE THE WORLD.
John, you are making a lifesaving difference for vulnerable wildlife around the globe. As a Wildlife Hero, your ongoing monthly support will fuel vital conservation efforts where they’re needed most—from the pines of northern Mexico to the vibrant Fijian rainforests and beyond, in every corner of the world. You are bringing hope to the extraordinary wildlife relying on us to thrive, and survive, each and every day. And as a Wildlife Hero, the sky is the limit for your conservation impact. Thank you for joining us as we strive toward a world where all life thrives, together.
Your monthly gift will secure the future for wildlife around the globe.
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