Monterey Zoo takes great pride in contributing to and supporting both animal conservation and local community humanitarian efforts alike. It’s not always about what we can do for the animals as it is equally important to allow the animals to do what they can for people in need of their magic.
One of our first partnerships occurred in 2018 when approached by Army veteran (and now Monterey Zoo Board member) Justin Bond to consider the healing aspects our animals might have on soldiers suffering from PTSD. The addiction, divorce and suicide rate related to this disease was staggering. A trial program called “A Healing Safari” was implemented where Coast Guard jumper and quad-amputee, Dave Riley told us, “… while interacting with the animals, I actually forgot for a few moments that I was missing my arms and legs…” We considered that a HUGE success and the partnership was solidified.
OUR HEROES DREAMS is a non-profit organization that does wonders to lessen the on-going and tragic statistics related to PTSD in those who defend our country. We hope you’ll visit their website and contribute to their efforts as Monterey Zoo will continue to donate our Healing Safari tours to these men and women whenever we are needed.
Our second such Community Partnership was formed in 2022 when Monterey Zoo was contacted by the Monterey Firefighters Community Foundation to ask if our animals could participate in their annual calendar shoot, a fund-raising effort to benefit several other non-profit efforts throughout Monterey County. This led to our learning much more about what MFCF does to benefit so many. The Monterey Zoo animals contributed to their 2023 and 2024 calendar as we continue to contribute animal experiences to their cause annually. Once again, it is the least we can do for those who sacrifice so greatly to protect that which we love and care so very much about. Please visit their website to learn much more about what you can do to further their efforts to make our community a better place to all who call it home, animal and human alike.
Unravel is a non-profit pediatric cancer organization that was locally founded by Tony and Libby Kranz (below) of Gilroy California, after the loss of their 6-year old daughter, Jennifer, to pediatric cancer. Their cause was brought to our attention when one of Monterey Zoo’s most valued members (and rhino lover), three-year old Kane Carlin (above), was diagnosed with cancer in November of 2023. It became very obvious that Kane’s visits to Monterey Zoo to play with our rhinos took his mind off his treatments that would need to continue for two years. Kane’s parents, Nick and Cate Carlin introduced us to Unravel, enabling us to offer other warrior children the same brief escape from the realities of their battles. Unravel raises funding for “unrestricted” cancer research, a unique ingredient that we hope you’ll visit the Unravel website to learn much more about. We feel Unravel’s needs and efforts are very worthy of your support. Today, all Unravel child-warriors battling this terrible disease as well as their families are given complete and free access to the animals of Monterey Zoo in the hope that for any brief moments, they might take a break from thinking about the long battle they are fighting.
