Our Mission

Inspire and educate our community toward conservation action and leadership through meaningful wildlife engagement.

access to education

did you know?

In Georgia, nearly 1,500 Title I schools serve students who face economic barriers that often limit opportunities beyond the classroom. For many, field trips and enrichment experiences are no longer accessible due to transportation costs and limited resources. As a result, students miss opportunities for meaningful, hands on exposure to wildlife and conservation, experiences that can spark curiosity, build connection, and shape how they understand and engage with the natural world around them.

access to conservation education programs

Access to conservation education programs through zoological attractions and wildlife parks can help bridge this gap. Time spent in nature and hands-on encounters with animals not only deepen science learning, but also improve critical thinking, empathy, and wellbeing. Research consistently shows that connecting with wildlife inspires curiosity, encourages stewardship of natural resources, and can even spark dreams of future careers in conservation, veterinary science, and other STEM fields.

removing barriers

Removing barriers for Title I schools to participate in these programs is essential. When students step into a zoological park, many see giraffes, rhinos, or elephants for the first time. That experience creates lasting memories and a sense of wonder that textbooks alone cannot provide. By ensuring access to conservation education for all students, regardless of income or geography, we invest in the next generation of environmental leaders and protect the future of our shared natural heritage.

Our Programs

Conservation Starts with connection

At the Georgia Zoological Society, we believe conservation begins with connection. Our programs provide meaningful, experience-based opportunities that spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and inspire lifelong stewardship of the natural world.

Here's how we’re making a difference:

1. Conservation Education & Outreach

Inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders

Expanding Access for Schoolchildren: Through the Conservation Explorers program for Title I schools, which serve a high percentage of children from low income families, the Georgia Zoological Society provides field trip scholarships directly to schools to support conservation focused experiences and expand access to meaningful wildlife engagement outside the classroom. These early, hands on opportunities foster a deeper appreciation for wildlife and ecosystems and can play an important role in shaping how students understand and engage with conservation.

2. Wildlife Conservation & stewardship

Supporting Conservation at Home and Beyond

The Georgia Zoological Society supports wildlife conservation efforts through strategic funding and partnerships with organizations working in Georgia and around the world. By investing in initiatives that protect wildlife, preserve habitats, and promote biodiversity, GZS contributes to meaningful conservation outcomes both locally and globally.

These efforts reflect our commitment to conservation beyond the classroom, reinforcing the connection between education, engagement, and real-world impact. By supporting conservation in action, we help ensure that the experiences we provide today are tied to a broader mission of protecting wildlife and natural spaces for the future.

3. Community Engagement & Impact

inspiring conservation beyond the experience

The Georgia Zoological Society works to inspire conservation action by engaging the community in meaningful ways. Through education, outreach, and strategic partnerships, GZS connects individuals to conservation issues and provides opportunities to learn, participate, and make a difference. By fostering awareness and encouraging involvement, we help build a community that understands, values, and actively supports the protection of wildlife and natural spaces.

4. conservation careers & leadership

turning passion into purpose

The Conservation Careers Scholarship invests in the next generation of conservation leaders by providing a $1,000 dollar scholarship to high school seniors planning to pursue studies in wildlife, environmental, and other conservation related fields.

The program empowers passionate individuals to continue their education and pursue careers dedicated to protecting wildlife and natural spaces. Building on early experiences that spark curiosity and connection, each scholarship represents not just support for a student, but a continued investment in shaping the next generation of conservation leaders.

THe History of GZs

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Madison, Georgia, the Georgia Zoological Society, Inc. (GZS) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing wildlife conservation through education, access, and meaningful engagement.

GZS works to protect wildlife and natural spaces by creating opportunities for people to connect with the natural world in ways that inspire understanding and action. Through experience-based programs, strategic partnerships, and support of conservation initiatives in Georgia and beyond, the Society fosters a deeper appreciation for wildlife and the role we all play in its protection.

At its core, GZS is committed to making a lasting impact by helping shape a more informed, engaged, and conservation-minded community, building a pathway that connects early exposure to long-term stewardship and future conservation leadership.