Help Us Protect Wild Animals
Take action alongside Reid Park Zoo, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Wildlife Trafficking Alliance, and Tucson International Airport to reduce the demand for illegal wildlife products.
1. Be a Traveler for Wildlife
Visit https://www.itravelforwildlife.org/tus to discover how to make better animal -friendly choices when purchasing souvenirs while traveling.
Thank you to Tucson International Airport for partnering with Reid Park Zoo to showcase the “I Travel for Wildlife” banners at TIA’s baggage claim. Be sure to check them out on your next trip!
“I Travel for Wildlife” is a collaboration among AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, airports, and state wildlife agencies. Its goal is to educate the public about wildlife trafficking and to reduce the demand for illegally traded wildlife and products encountered during travel.
Click here to download a pocket guide for travelers.
2. Choose a pet that NEEDS a Home from a Local Shelter or Rescue
The demand for exotic pets fuels the illegal capture and trade of millions of animals, many of which suffer and die during this process. Not only is the buying and selling of many exotic pets illegal, but these animals also often carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans or other animals. Instead of choosing a pet that may have been taken from its natural habitat, consider visiting your local shelters or animal rescues to find a pet in need of a home. Learn more at notapet.net.
3. Beware What You Share
Limit your social media “shares” or “likes” on posts that promote content featuring exotic pets or wild animal interactions. By sharing images or videos, you are endorsing these behaviors and inadvertently encouraging the trade in wild animals. Instead, it’s better to report such posts as inappropriate on your social platforms.
4. Support Legislation to Protect Primates, like Toto, the Squirrel Monkey
Join Reid Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo, and over 80 other AZA zoos and organizations in supporting the Captive Primate Safety Act, which seeks to federally prohibit the private ownership of primates as pets. By voicing your support for this legislation, you can help put an end to the use of primates as pets and performers. If you’re interested in helping to pass the Captive Primate Safety Act, please visit lpzoo.org/takeaction. There, you can fill out a form to receive updates, as well as tools to contact your representatives and spread the word about this important issue. Reid Park Zoo is also a part of the Wildlife Confiscation Network, which provides shelter and care for confiscated wildlife. In 2023, Toto arrived at Reid Park Zoo as a victim of the illegal wildlife trade. You can read his story here.
5. Be an Ally for Animals
Report wildlife crimes to 1-844-FWS-TIPS (1-844-397-8477) or online at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Wildlife Crime Tips page.