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ZooWorld education director Stephanie Willard-Sinnett said all the zoo’s animals are up for sponsorship and while animals can always use additional financial support for food and other supplies, human companionship is just as important.
Depending on the level of sponsorship, which ranges from $25 to $1,000, the Adopt a Wild Child program provides one-on-one encounters with the adopted animal, zoo tours, animal updates, fact sheets and photos.
“You don’t get to take them home, but you get to help them with their home,” Willard-Sinnett said.
Donations would go “specifically” to the adopted animal’s needs.
Zoo officials attribute the low number of adoptions, in part, to a lack of available information packets about them. But, Willard-Sinnett said, if an individual wants to adopt a pet, zoo workers will put together a packet so the process could soon start.
“You can never have too many mommies and daddies and brothers and sisters,” she said, referring to sponsors. “The bigger the family, the better.”
As animals that typically remain in close contact with humans, socialization with the animals is very important, she said. Everyone is welcome to participate in socializing with the animals.
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Animal maintenance is the zoo’s second largest expenditure, and funding comes strictly from admissions fees, programs and sponsorships, Willard-Sinnett said.
“We have our Adopt a Wild Child program,” she added. “The best part is the fact that you feel a sense of ownership and closeness to the animals when you adopt something; you know you’re participating in something.”