With long limbs and wide eyes, three curious baby spider monkeys swing from branches and explore the world around them. The little ones are thriving at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park—growing, playing, and learning every day. They’ve come a long way to get to this point. When they were just two months old, these endangered spider monkeys were rescued from the illegal wildlife trade in critical condition.

Our dedicated teams answered an emergency call in the middle of the night, bringing the infants to our veterinary hospital for urgent attention. After weeks of around-the-clock care, this tenacious trio made a full recovery. But as illegal wildlife trafficking continues to pose a threat for many vulnerable and endangered species, they’re the lucky ones.

Through your support, we’re working with partners to find solutions for this critical global issue. Together we provide expert care and—when needed—a new home for rescued wildlife. And in our Conservation Hubs worldwide, we’re working to address this challenge at the source. As a wildlife ally, you make all the difference. Find out how you can be the change and prevent the illegal wildlife trade.

Orphaned at six weeks old, three little mountain lion cubs left alone in the California wilderness needed help. Together with our partners, we jumped into action, embarking on an extensive weeklong search to track down the newborns, bring them into our care, and nurse them back to health. Follow along for updates on the cubs, and discover more about the ongoing conservation efforts you make possible for this local species.

It’s not just animals that are victims of the illegal wildlife trade—plants are at risk, too. As a Designated Plant Rescue Center, the San Diego Zoo is a refuge for endangered and trafficked flora, including prickly cactuses and succulents, fascinating carnivorous plants, and over 900 orchid subspecies. Come check out our accredited gardens to “smell the roses” and see what’s in bloom. And dig into a world of botanical wonder by joining us for Plant Days and Orchid Odyssey on the third Friday of each month.

All our efforts to rescue and protect threatened wildlife begin with you, our committed allies. Your support is vital to our conservation work around the world, and when you symbolically adopt a species, you have a direct impact for your favorite wildlife. Start your rescue mission today!