Contact: Nicole Spencer, Director of Development & Communications 
Phone: 707-442-5649
E-mail: info@sequoiaparkzoo.net
Saving Animals with Art at Sequoia Park Zoo
March 20, 2012—If you missed the first Conservation Lecture at the Zoo last year, or you haven’t visited the Zoo Gift Shop recently, you’re missing out on a real opportunity to directly support conservation work in Zimbabwe.
In an effort to counter rampant poaching in Zimbabwe, members of the Painted Dog Conservatory go into the bush and retrieve wire used to make snares the poachers use to trap and kill any animal unfortunate enough to step into them. Once the snares have been collected, villagers at the Iganyana Arts and Crafts Center weave the wire into intricate shapes depicting the animals of the area, including gemsbok, elephant, giraffe, rhino, warthogs, sable, and wild dog. Proceeds from the sale of these snare wire art pieces are used to educate the people of Zimbabwe about how they can benefit from wildlife conservation and to support anti-poaching programs.
“These really are unique works of art that you won’t find anywhere else in the area,” says Foundation Board Member Donna Pace. “We’re ordering new items as fast as we can to keep enough product in stock. It's wonderful—they’re selling so fast!”
Each unique piece of snare wire art brings beauty and the hope of a better understanding of how to preserve and cherish the wildlife of Zimbabwe.
The Sequoia Park Zoo Gift Shop currently has six different types of animal wall ornaments and eight different types of standing animals. Prices range from $25 to $75.
The Sequoia Park Zoo Gift Shop is owned and operated by the Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation. The Gift Shop is open during Zoo operating hours: Tuesday—Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and there’s no charge to enter the Gift Shop or Café.
Sequoia Park Zoo connects the community with animals to inspire wonder, understanding and conservation of wildlife and the natural world.
Photos: Examples of snare wire art now available in the Sequoia Park Zoo Gift Shop. Their beauty and intricacy can truly be valued when viewed in person.
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