Donation Supports the Association of Zoos & Aquariums SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction

Members of the Moody Gardens Education Department and the SAVY (Society for the Advancement of Volunteer Youth) present a donation check for $2,000 towards the AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) program.
Members of the Moody Gardens Education Department and the SAVY (Society for the Advancement of Volunteer Youth) present a donation check for $2,000 towards the AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) program.

The Society for the Advancement of Volunteer Youth (SAVY) is proud to announce its donation of $2,000 to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction program. This program is dedicated to protecting threatened animals and implementing crucial conservation strategies.

Members of SAVY use an educational, interactive cart while speaking to visitors inside the Rainforest Pyramid.
Members of SAVY use an educational, interactive cart while speaking to visitors inside the Rainforest Pyramid.

Funds for the donation were raised by SAVY teams through public engagement about the animals in the pyramid attractions. Volunteers staffed interactive educational booths, speaking with visitors before they entered the attractions. The majority of the SAFE donation came from these visitor contributions. As a Moody Gardens youth volunteer group, SAVY directly supports Moody Gardens’ mission to utilize nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research.

SAFE works to safeguard species at risk of extinction by creating recovery plans, connecting AZA facilities, and measuring conservation efforts. SAVY’s interactive educational display at Moody Gardens has played a key role in this initiative, teaching guests about the SAFE program and highlighting the specific animals that Moody Gardens supports through SAFE.

SAVY, offers a unique opportunity for individuals aged 13 to 17 to engage in community service while gaining hands-on experience in various career fields, including biology and education.

Through their involvement, SAVY members contribute to Moody Gardens’ educational and conservation efforts, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to its mission. SAVY members have played a crucial role in supporting the SAFE program, demonstrating their commitment to conservation and community involvement.

Applications for the Summer SAVY program will open in December of 2024, offering new volunteers the opportunity to contribute to important projects and gain valuable skills.