Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden takes an active role in wildlife conservation. We support in situ (in the field) conservation in three ways: 1) direct monetary support 2) staff involvement in fieldwork or research 3) conservation education. Our focus is to help endangered species in North America and also support international conservation efforts of animal and plant species with a focus on those held in our collection. We support efforts that protect whole ecosystems as well as the individual species. We acknowledge that habitat destruction through degradation and modification is a leading cause of extinction. Therefore, we include and demonstrate best management practices and technologies in our operation. We also solicit donations from visitors at exhibit locations as a way for them to become involved in conservation. Explore some of our zoo's projects and learn about ways you can help.