Programs

Education — Education is the primary focus of the Conservation Center. Rather than taking a few animals to the schools for brief one or two hour presentations, the Great Lakes Zoological Society (GLZS) intends to bring the classrooms to the zoo. The kids will be able to view animals from all over the world, visit our gift shop, and then enter the classroom. Here the kids will learn about conservation, how animals fit into our ecosystem and be taught to recognize dangerous animals they may encounter. They will be able to touch and handle some of the animals, and without a doubt, will come away wanting to do something to contribute to conservation.

Schools, Churches, Girl scouts, Boy scouts, retirement communities, and any other groups are welcome to experience our hands-on, educational programs.

Conservation programs — With grant funding and philanthropic contributions, the Center intends to manage several conservation programs. The number of programs will depend on funding. At least one of the programs is hoped to involve propagation and release of a species indigenous to Michigan. If funding allows, other programs may involve global conservation as well.

See our Conservation Programs page for more details.

Rescue and release — The GLZS will work with the DNRE to serve as a rescue for injured and confiscated local reptiles and amphibians. After rehabilitation and with the DNRE's assistance, these animals may be rereleased or maintained in the Conservation Center if they would not survive in the wild.

Rescue and placement — A serious problem that exists in the reptile pet trade is the sale of animals purchased in pet stores that later end up unwanted or neglected. The GLZS will offer a program where these animals can be brought to the Conservation Center and we will work to place these animals within appropriate homes, schools, zoos, rescues, or maintain the animals ourselves. A tax deductible surrender donation of $39.00 is required to surrender any animal to the conservation and rescue center. In order to protect the health of all of the animals at the center, all new animals coming into the facility have to be tested for parasites. The cost of this testing is $39.00. We have to pass this cost onto the surrenderer in order to keep the center open. Click here to view the surrender agreement.