Class Is in Session 📚🐅🐘

Knowledge is power for wildlife, too NOTES FROM THE FIELD | 2025 | No. 11

As students head into classrooms for another school year, wildlife are diving into lessons of their own. Whether learning to find food, get around, or protect themselves, animals demonstrate their inspiring ability to develop essential skills and adapt to their surroundings. Discover for yourself how species across our eight Conservation Hubs are learning to thrive in new ways every day.

THE MORE YOU KNOW

When giraffe calves are born, they learn how to stand in less than an hour, which helps them keep up with the herd and avoid predators. We recently welcomed newborn Masai giraffes at both the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, increasing the global population of their endangered species as we work to protect them through our Savanna Conservation Hub. STANDING TALL >

Practice makes perfect! Young chimpanzees imitate their mothers and siblings as they dip sticks into termite mounds and pull out tiny, tasty treats. The more they practice, the more successful they become, gaining a skill that will last a lifetime. SNACK ATTACK >

Even recess is a chance to learn. When tiger cubs wrestle, roll around, and pounce on each other, they’re actually developing important skills that will help them hunt in their Asian forest habitats. Leap over to the Zoo or Tull Family Tiger Trail at the Safari Park to encounter some of these feisty felines for yourself. ROUGH AND TUMBLE >

With age comes experience. Older elephants teach the herd where to find reliable sources of food and water, even years after their last visit to the area. Bring your own herd as you adventure through Elephant Odyssey next time you’re at the Zoo. GREAT GUIDES >

Mountain yellow-legged frogs know how to go with the flow. As young froglets grow in strength and size, they learn to navigate the powerful currents of their native California streams and lakes. Even better, doing so allows them to forage for the aquatic insects that help make up their diet. HOP TO IT >

Talk about a comeback story. ʻAlalā, also known as the Hawaiian crow, were extinct in the wild for over 20 years. As we collaborated to help a group prepare for reintroduction to Maui’s forests, they learned to form strong bonds and depend on each other, an essential skill for life in the islands. BETTER TOGETHER >

Our teams are always learning too. By caring for wildlife locally and working with partners globally, we continually gain knowledge that helps us devise creative care techniques so wildlife everywhere can thrive. BIG BREAKTHROUGHS >

The Frozen Zoo® is like a vast library, preserving genetic material from thousands of endangered species. This unparalleled resource is paving the way for groundbreaking research and innovative conservation solutions, giving hope to wildlife threatened with extinction. A VITAL TOOL >

Your monthly gift will make a world of a difference for wildlife. Friend, your ongoing support makes a lifesaving difference for vulnerable wildlife. As a Wildlife Hero, your monthly gift will take us further as we work to ensure a brighter future for tigers, giraffes, elephants, and other wildlife through our eight Conservation Hubs across the globe. As a Wildlife Hero, you bring hope to the extraordinary wildlife relying on us to thrive—and survive—each and every day. You make it all possible, and we’re forever grateful for you. WILDLIFE HEROES CHANGE THE WORLD.

BE A HERO

DONATE

Your support saves wildlife. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international conservation nonprofit and a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Tax ID# 95-1648219. With more than 100 years of wildlife care expertise and partnerships around the globe, we are saving, protecting, and caring for species worldwide. Follow along on our mission to save wildlife

You are receiving this email because you have opted into communications from
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92112    |     (619) 231-1515    |     Email Us © 2025 San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. All rights reserved.

NFTFMM0925SE