If you are looking for a fun and educational animal experience, you might want to check out Zooville USA, a small nonprofit zoo and education center in Plant City, FL. Zooville USA is not your typical zoo. It is a place where you can get up close and personal with a variety of exotic and native animals, learn about their natural habitats and behaviors, and support their conservation and welfare. Zooville USA is more than just a zoo. It is a community of animal lovers who share a passion for wildlife and education.
Zooville USA Mission and Vision
Zooville USA was founded in 2010 by a group of animal enthusiasts who wanted to provide a home for unwanted, abused, or confiscated exotic animals. The zoo mission is to provide an accessible and educational animal experience that promotes respect, appreciation, and compassion for all living creatures. The zoo vision is to be a leader in wildlife conservation and education, serving the community and the world.
Zooville USA is dedicated to the conservation of endangered and threatened species, both locally and globally. The zoo participates in several conservation programs, such as the Species Survival Plan (SSP), the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The zoo also supports various wildlife organizations, such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).
Zooville USA is also committed to serving the community and providing educational opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. The zoo offers a range of educational programs, such as field trips, camps, workshops, lectures, and outreach events. The zoo goal is to inspire curiosity, awareness, and action for wildlife and the environment.
Wildlife Care and Educational Programs
Zooville USA is home to over 100 animals, representing more than 40 species from around the world. The zoo collection includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Some of the animals you can see at Zooville USA are:
- Judah, a male African lion who was rescued from a roadside zoo in Alabama. Judah is the king of Zooville USA and loves to roar and play with his toys.
- Joop, a male African civet who was born at Zooville USA in 2012. Joop is a nocturnal animal who likes to explore his enclosure and hunt for insects and rodents.
- Poka, a female American black bear who was orphaned as a cub and raised by the zoo staff. Poka is a gentle and playful bear who enjoys swimming and climbing trees.
- Rey, a male red fox who was found injured and abandoned in a parking lot. Rey is a curious and friendly fox who loves to interact with visitors and staff.
- Kanu and Gigi, a pair of genets who were donated to the zoo by a private owner. Genets are small carnivores native to Africa and Europe. Kanu and Gigi recently moved to a new and larger habitat at the zoo, where they can run, jump, and hide.
Zooville USA provides the best possible care for its animals, ensuring their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The zoo staff includes veterinarians, animal keepers, trainers, and volunteers who work together to meet the animals’ needs. The zoo follows the highest standards of animal husbandry, nutrition, enrichment, and veterinary care.
Zooville USA also offers a variety of educational programs that aim to entertain and inform the public about the animals and their conservation. The zoo programs include:
- Online Edutainment: A series of live and recorded videos that feature the zoo animals and staff. The videos cover topics such as animal facts, behaviors, habitats, diets, enrichment, training, and conservation. The videos are posted on the zoo website, YouTube channel, and social media platforms.
- Conservation Education: A program that teaches the public about the threats and challenges facing wildlife and the environment, and how they can help. The program includes activities such as quizzes, games, crafts, and challenges that encourage people to take action for wildlife. The program is available online and on-site.
- Animal Encounters: A program that allows visitors to get up close and personal with some of the zoo animals, such as the lion, the civet, the bear, and the fox. The program includes a guided tour, a presentation, and a photo opportunity. The program is designed to foster a connection and appreciation for the animals and their conservation.
Impact of COVID-19 on Operations
Like many other zoos and attractions, Zooville USA was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the zoo to close its doors to the public for several months in 2020 and 2021. The closure had a significant impact on the zoo operations, as it relied on ticket sales, donations, and grants to cover its expenses.
However, Zooville USA did not give up on its mission and vision. The zoo adapted to the new situation by focusing on its online presence and platforms. The zoo increased its online edutainment and conservation education programs, reaching thousands of viewers and followers around the world. The zoo also launched a fundraising campaign, asking for the public support to help the zoo survive the crisis.
Thanks to the zoo efforts and the community generosity, Zooville USA was able to reopen its gates in June 2021, with safety measures and protocols in place. The zoo welcomed back its visitors, who were eager to see their favorite animals and learn more about them. The zoo also resumed its on-site educational programs, such as animal encounters and field trips, with limited capacity and social distancing.
Community Engagement and Support
Zooville USA is more than just a zoo. It is a community of animal lovers who share a passion for wildlife and education. The zoo engages with various groups and individuals in the community, such as families, non-adult children, parents, and widows/widowers, offering them a unique and meaningful animal experience.
Zooville USA also provides opportunities for the community to get involved and support the zoo mission and vision. Some of the ways the community can help are:
- Volunteering: The zoo welcomes volunteers who want to contribute their time, skills, and talents to the zoo operations. Volunteers can assist with animal care, education, maintenance, administration, and special events. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and commit to a minimum of four hours per week.
- Donating: The zoo accepts donations of any amount, which help the zoo cover its costs and improve its facilities and services. Donations can be made online, by mail, or in person. Donors can also choose to sponsor an animal, adopt an animal, or join the zoo membership program, which offer various benefits and perks.
- Visiting: The zoo invites the public to visit and enjoy the zoo animals and programs. The zoo is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The admission fee is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and $6 for children. The zoo also offers discounts for groups and military personnel.
Conservation and Wildlife Education
Zooville USA is not only a place to see and learn about exotic animals, but also a place to appreciate and protect native wildlife and their habitats. The zoo is located on a 10-acre property, surrounded by natural vegetation and wildlife. The zoo strives to preserve and enhance the natural environment, by planting native plants, creating ponds and wetlands, and providing shelters and feeders for wild animals.
Zooville USA also educates the public about the importance of native wildlife and their conservation. The zoo features several native species, such as the red fox, the raccoon, the opossum, the skunk, the bobcat, the alligator, the turtle, the snake, the frog, the owl, the hawk, and the vulture. The zoo teaches the public about the roles and benefits of these animals, as well as the threats and challenges they face. The zoo also encourages the public to respect and coexist with wildlife, and to take action to protect them and their habitats.
One of the stories that illustrates the zoo role in wildlife conservation and education is the story of Rey, the red fox. Rey was found injured and abandoned in a parking lot, after he was hit by a car. He had a broken leg, a severe infection, and a missing eye. He was too weak and traumatized to survive in the wild. The zoo staff treated his wounds and nursed him back to health. Rey is now a healthy and happy fox, who loves to interact with visitors and staff. He is also an example of the zoo dedication to educating the public about native wildlife and their habitats. Rey is a ambassador for his species, raising awareness and funds for fox conservation.
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How to Support Zooville USA
Supporting Zooville USA is a direct way to contribute to wildlife conservation and education. The zoo welcomes donations, volunteer work, and other forms of support, enabling it to continue its valuable work. By getting involved, individuals can make a tangible difference in the lives of the animals and the broader mission of conservation.
Conclusion
Zooville USA is a small zoo with a big heart. It is a place where you can get up close and personal with a variety of exotic and native animals, learn about their natural habitats and behaviors, and support their conservation and welfare. Zooville USA is more than just a zoo. It is a community of animal lovers who share a passion for wildlife and education. Zooville USA is a place where you can make a difference for both local and global wildlife.
If you are interested in visiting, supporting, or learning more about Zooville USA, you can visit their website at www.zoovilleusa.org, or contact them at (813) 555-1234 or [email protected]. You can also follow them on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where you can find more information and videos about the zoo and its animals.
Thank you for reading this article, and we hope to see you soon at Zooville USA, where you can experience the wonders of wildlife. 🐾
