98: Here Kitty, Kitty, Panda, Elephant, Giraffe, Rhino

National Zoo Lovers Day was gorgeous here in NEO, so I chose the Cleveland Zoological Society for today's Donations by the Dozen. I haven't been in many many years, but I feel like most zoos are tending toward creating better habitats and lives for their animals. I do love the idea of seeing animals I could otherwise only see in pictures, though I do go on my online video binges of them occasionally. I mean, who doesn't want to see those red pandas playing - or otters - or pretty much anything, actually.

CZS's black rhino program seems to be doing well with another pregnancy. Hear that, April, somebody's having a baby? Another feature I am living about zoos and aquariums is the event expansion. Kids can try out things like a slumber party or checkout Boo at the Zoo, and adults can attend various events like date nights or behind the scenes specials. The Rain Forest at the Cleveland Zoo offers warmth and variety in the winter too. 

CZS offers a variety of ways to help fund the safety and happiness of these myriad species, too. Tickets, store purchases and traditional zoo fun help. Donations and event support are crucial. One of the coolest support systems offered is adopting an animal, which helps our zoo and animals in the wild. 

The Zoo and Zoo Society are proud supporters of 50 conservation projects in 30 countries. On the list of adoptees, you will see that many (but not all) of the species can be found right here at your Zoo. By participating in the Adopt an Animal program, you can be proud to know you have enriched the lives of the Zoo’s animals while connecting to important work being done in the wild. - See more at: https://www.clevelandzoosociety.org/donate/adopt-an-animal#sthash.DpgCULik.dpuf

The level of your donation offers various features/benefits as you can see from the adopt an ocelot page. https://www.clevelandzoosociety.org/donate/adopt-an-animal/ocelot. I know from experiences that zoo veterinarians also actively support each other and help animals in distress with the expertise other vets or zoos may need. If you want a break from April's live feed, check out some of the animals at CZS or a zoo near you. So many wonders. Speaking of which, ever wonder what happens with leftover Christmas trees?

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Thanks and cheers to charity