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Dear John,
As 2022 comes to a close, we're reflecting on the momentous year you've made possible for wildlife in San Diego and across the globe. You've given us so many reasons to celebrate. You've been there for exciting conservation milestones, innovative solutions to help wildlife, new additions to our family that offer hope for the future of their species, and so much more. This year, Denny Sanford Wildlife Explorers Basecamp at the San Diego Zoo opened its doors to the world, inspiring the next generation of conservationists. And, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park celebrated its 50th anniversary all year long, marking half a century of life-changing moments, innovation, and impact. Most importantly, at the heart of it all, we're celebrating you.
You make it all possible. Each and every day, your continued support makes a world of difference for wildlife, for people, and for the planet we all share. You're by our side all year long, for the special moments and the everyday work, as we pursue a world where all life thrives. Please enjoy this look back on some of our favorite heartwarming highlights that we experienced together this year!
Together for wildlife, |
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Paul A. Baribault
President and Chief Executive Officer
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance |
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A KOALA'S BEST FRIEND
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Across the vast, rugged landscape of Australia's Greater Blue Mountains, an unlikely hero is making a big difference in koala conservation. Dogs trained to sniff scat are helping locate koalas and identify their habitats after the devastating 2020 wildfires—including in a region so fire-ravaged it was uncertain if koalas had even survived. Mapping their populations is key to protecting these Australian icons, and you make these critical conservation efforts possible. Discover how you're saving wildlife "Down Under" through our Australian Forest Conservation Hub.
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A WINNING WADDLE
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New shoes are always exciting. For Lucas, an African penguin at the San Diego Zoo, they're lifesaving. Lucas has bumblefoot, a degenerative foot condition that causes uncomfortable sores and puts his health at risk. Today, he has a new opportunity to thrive. Through a collaborative effort made possible by your support, we were able to create and fit Lucas with custom orthopedic shoes. Protecting his feet will help improve his mobility, so he can navigate his rocky habitat with greater ease. Thanks to allies like you, wildlife like Lucas get a second chance to thrive, and live a full and healthy life.
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CONSERVATION TAKES FLIGHT
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The next generation of chicks is bringing hope for these critically endangered Hawaiian honeycreepers. As increasing temperatures caused by climate change bring mosquitos into higher elevations of Kaua'i's mountain forests, avian malaria is threatening the survival of 'akikiki—and only 40 of these birds remain in native habitats. With your support, we're working to save these small songbirds—and this year, we were able to rescue one of the last 'akikiki and bring it to safety. Over the summer, we welcomed new chicks into our successful breeding program at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's Maui Bird Conservation Center. Explore how you're making a difference for 'akikiki and other vulnerable wildlife through our Pacific Islands Conservation Hub.
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CHAT BETWEEN FRIENDS
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"Every single day each one of us lives on this planet, we make some impact. And we get to choose what sort of impact we make."
– Jane Goodall, on the podcast |
In this heartwarming episode of Amazing Wildlife: A San Diego Zoo Podcast, Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, chats with Paul Baribault, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance President and Chief Executive Officer and chair of the board of directors for the Jane Goodall Institute. The two friends talk about Jane's lifelong passion for wildlife and commitment to conserving our natural world, as well as what it will take to save chimpanzees and the planet we all share. Find Amazing Wildlife online, or wherever you listen to podcasts for Apple or Android.
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FIND YOUR MOMENT
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| Join us by watching the 134th Rose Parade live from Pasadena on January 2, as we celebrate 50 years of life-changing moments, innovation, and conservation impact at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. With its theme "Celebrating 50 Years of Conservation," our float brings to life the Safari Park's iconic Wildlife Safari experience and some very special wildlife—including two new additions to our family with heartwarming stories of their own. |
| Leading the charge is southern white rhino Neville—the third "little" miracle born at the Safari Park's Nikita Kahn Rhino Rescue Center. The four-month-old is important to rhino conservation, and his birth is an enormous step forward in our efforts to save his cousin, the critically endangered northern white rhino—of which only two remain on Earth. |
| Standing tall at the back of the float is Msituni, a giraffe calf who was unable to walk when she was born in February of this year. With around-the-clock wildlife care, cutting-edge veterinary science, and several pairs of custom giraffe-sized orthotic braces, she's made a full recovery. Today, she can be seen galloping gracefully across the African savannas at the Safari Park. |
Msituni and Neville embody the miraculous conservation and innovation that happens at the Safari Park every single day. You make these moments of hope and inspiration possible—visit the Safari Park this holiday season to find your moment.
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WILDLIFE HEROES
CHANGE THE WORLD. |
| You are without a doubt our most important ally, and you are vital to conservation worldwide. Your ongoing monthly support as a Wildlife Hero will make a lifesaving difference for vulnerable wildlife relying on us each and every day. And as a Wildlife Hero, your sustained generosity will allow us to continue conservation efforts and plan for long-term programs that save critically endangered species. |
| Your monthly gift will be put to work immediately to save, protect, and care for wildlife around the globe. |
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Photo Credit | Koala Release: Science for Wildlife/Ian Brown; Scat Survey: Victoria Inman
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