As an organization dedicated to science, conservation, education, and the highest standards of animal care, we were disheartened to hear yesterday’s announcement that the U.S. will withdraw from the Paris Agreement. But we are also hopeful. Over the last 24 hours, we’ve watched world and local leaders, including Chicago’s own Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and businesses pledge to conform to the agreement and do more to reduce our carbon output. This pledge can have an enormous impact.
Here at Lincoln Park Zoo, our scientists and staff understand that climate change is one of the biggest threats to the wildlife populations we study and care for, as well as the people who share ecosystems with those species. Our Green Team is working hard to identify ways we can shrink our carbon footprint and other environmental impacts. We are looking ahead to determine new ways for humans and wildlife to share the planet in our rapidly urbanizing world.
With both local and global efforts, Lincoln Park Zoo will continue to work for conservation and biodiversity every day – here are just a few of the ways that we do so:
- Lincoln Park Zoo hosts the Population Management Center (PMC) in partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This center conducts demographic and genetic analyses and prepares breeding plans for Species Survival Plan species. In other words, the PMC supports a nationwide network of zoos and aquariums fighting to save species from extinction due to forces like climate change, and ensure biodiversity for the future.
- In addition to free admission, we offer free daily learning programs that help visitors of all ages connect with wildlife, understand the threats that species face, and become empowered to take action on behalf of wildlife and wild places. By connecting kids and communities with the nature around them we can inspire and support the next generation of environmental stewards.
- Our Urban Wildlife Institute studies the interaction between urban development and the natural ecosystem to develop scientific standards for minimizing conflict in places where humans and animals coexist – an increasingly large percentage of the planet – as the human population exponentially grows, leaving less pristine habitat for our wild counterparts.
- In partnership with the Goualougo Triangle Ape Project, Lincoln Park Zoo research scientist Dave Morgan is working with logging companies in the Republic of Congo to both protect resident communities of chimpanzees and western lowland gorillas and help logging companies earn Forest Stewardship Council certification, which ensures sustainable harvesting of wood.
Just by visiting Lincoln Park Zoo, you support this work and so much more. If you feel frustrated by yesterday’s news, there are additional positive actions you can take:
- Donate to environmental conservation organizations like Lincoln Park Zoo, or those focused directly on climate change policy and mitigation. Our partners at Polar Bears International have great guidance on how to make positive choices for the climate.
- Walk, bike, or take public transit to work to help reduce carbon emissions.
- Wash only full loads of laundry (and use cold water), or in your dishwasher to conserve natural resources.
- Eat one (or more!) meat-free meals per week, and choose chicken or pork instead of beef to reduce methane in the atmosphere.
No matter how you contribute, thank you. Lincoln Park Zoo is proud to be part of a local and global community that cares because the planet matters: For wildlife. For all.
Megan Ross, PhD
Executive Vice President
