Quarters for Conservation

Your Vote Counts

Each year, the funds collected are calculated. One third of the funds support our three featured Q4C projects. Each project will get a substantial funding gift, determined by the distribution of tokens or “votes”. One third of the funds are dedicated to our conservation projects and partners around the globe, and the other third supports our on-site conservation projects.

Making a Difference

A remarkable shift in the role zoos play in the world of conservation emerges as Quarters for Conservation takes the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) by storm. With over eighteen zoos already involved and more planning to launch, saving wildlife is possible!

Oakland Zoo's 2024 Quarters for Conservation Programs

This year’s Quarters for Conservation projects focus on one of our planet’s most critical issues: habitat loss. Thanks to our members and visitors, we are Taking Action for Wildlife with the goal of a shared planet.

Black-Crowned Night Herons:

The distinctively funky Black-Crowned Night Heron is the official bird of Oakland, yet growing up as this iconic bird is not easy. Their chosen rookery is surrounded by city streets, people, and cars. Fledglings learning how to fly can fall from their nests onto concrete and streets, often resulting in injury or death. Oakland Zoo is ensuring the Town’s birds get the help they require with an alliance of partners giving herons and the people who share their habitat a safe place to call home.

Mountain Lions:

Native to the Americas, mountain lions have the largest geographic range of any land mammal in the Western Hemisphere and are essential to the Bay Area ecosystem, but their habitat is threatened by fragmentation caused by highways and buildings. They need large territories and safe movement corridors to survive and find mates. Oakland Zoo is committed to protecting their habitats and building alliances for a healthy mountain lion population in the Bay Area.

African Lions:

The iconic African lion symbolizes the beauty and majesty of the animal kingdom, but lions are in serious trouble. Lions require an extensive home range, meaning they live and travel across various areas, including national parks. In Queen Elizabeth Park in Uganda, scarce wild plant options lead lions to prey on livestock, challenging life within the park villages. Oakland Zoo supports innovative community nature connections and habitat sustainability efforts, ensuring a legacy for lions in Queen Elizabeth Park.

Vote When You Visit

Two kiosks make voting easy! Located inside the Main Entrance in front of the Flamingo habitat & at the Lower Entrance near the Wayne & Gladys Valley Children's Zoo, all change, from pennies to quarters, make a big impact on our conservation work.