Migrations, reintroductions, and moves in conservation |                                               
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NOTES FROM THE FIELD | 2024 | No. 8
Going the Distance

Life on the savanna is always in motion. Elephants, giraffes, and African leopards roam widely to find food and water every day. Each year, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles make great migrations across Tanzania and Kenya in search of lush grasses. Even the pastoralist communities that live alongside wildlife shift grazing areas for their livestock based on available resources.

As landscapes change throughout wet and dry seasons, people and wildlife here adapt in order to survive and thrive. Unfortunately, drought and habitat degradation present increasing challenges for all who rely on these delicately balanced ecosystems.

You’re helping us find solutions through our Savanna Conservation Hub. Together we’re fueling community-led efforts to restore rangelands, address erosion, improve livelihoods, and protect threatened wildlife in the process. Explore how you’re going the distance to safeguard the savanna for all who call it home.

JOINING FORCES
Rescued Wildlife
TO THE RESCUE

When wildlife is injured, abandoned, or impacted by illegal trafficking, you step in to help. Check out how your support is creating new journeys and brighter futures for mountain lion cubs, king cobras, cactuses, and other rescued species at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

SAFE AT LAST
Young Desert Tortoise
READY, SET, GO!

In the race to save critically endangered Mojave desert tortoises, headstarts are crucial. With you by our side, we work with partners to care for vulnerable young tortoises as they grow. When they’re big enough to survive on their own, we reintroduce them into native habitat. Discover more about some of the tortoises you’ve helped through our Southwest Conservation Hub.

TORT-ALLY EXCITING
Monarch Butterfly
FLUTTER BY

Even with delicate, paper-thin wings, monarch butterflies are resilient travelers. They’re one of many butterfly species that escape cold winters by migrating to warmer weather, crossing continents and covering thousands of miles in a single year. Spread your wings to see the latest on butterfly conservation and take a closer look at some of these frequent fliers.

FLIGHT SCHOOL
All Ears
THE FUTURE’S BLACK AND WHITE

Decades of committed collaboration have led to the return of giant pandas to the Zoo. Tune into our Amazing Wildlife podcast for the latest scoop on giant panda care and conservation. You’ll hear Dr. Megan Owen share insights on our fascinating conservation journey, and what’s in store for the next chapter of conserving this iconic species.

ALL EARS
WILDLIFE HEROES
CHANGE THE WORLD.
John, your ongoing support makes a lifesaving difference for vulnerable wildlife. As a Wildlife Hero, your monthly gift will bring us further as we work together to protect savanna ecosystems, rescue wildlife from the illegal trade, headstart tortoise hatchlings, and more. And as a Wildlife Hero, you’ll bring hope to the extraordinary wildlife relying on us to thrive—and survive—each and every day. Thank you for going the distance in conservation. You make it all possible, and we’re forever grateful for you.
Your monthly gift will make a world of a difference for wildlife.
BE A HERO