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Efforts in Conservation

Worldwide Efforts

The Hattiesburg Zoo strives to make the world a better place. Our Conservation Wristband program helps to support two great conservation efforts across the globe. You can purchase your conservation wristbands in the Gift Shop for $2 each.

Giant Anteater Fund

The giant anteater is an iconic South American mammal that is threatened with extinction throughout its range. The scrub forests and grasslands that characterize the Cerrado biome are one of the species’ last strongholds. Unfortunately, more than half of Brazil’s Cerrado has been converted into pasture or agricultural lands for cash crops during the last 35 years (resulting in many animals, including Anteaters) being harmed or killed by farm equipment/vehicles used in modern agriculture).

Jaguar SSP Conservation Initiative

Our ZooMobile brings on-site learning adventures to area schools, completely free of charge. For more details or to set up a presentation for your school, email zooeducator@hattiesburg.org.

At Home Efforts

Ever wonder how you can help be a better conservationist at home? Follow these simple steps to help make a difference in your community.

Cleaning Up for Conservation

Twice a year, staff from across all areas of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission gather to clean up local rivers and roadsides by removing several hundred pounds of debris including old tires, plastic bags, cans, paper products and Styrofoam.

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

There are many benefits to re-purposing used materials, such as pollution prevention, eliminating litter, and reducing harmful emissions. The great thing is, you can contribute to a better environment from your own home!

Mardi Gras Bead Recycling Program

In 2019, the Hattiesburg Zoo began a Mardi Gras bead recycling program. Mardi Gras is not only a large celebration in Louisiana, but has become a growing tradition in cities and towns throughout South Mississippi. Every year thousands of Mardi Gras beads are thoughtlessly thrown away after the celebration ends. The Zoo has partnered with the ARC of New Orleans to recycle the beads. When the Zoo has a large collection of beads, they are delivered to the ARC where their staff sorts, cleans and repackages them for sale. This small effort to reduce, reuse and recycle is a win-win for the environment.