Frequently Asked Questions

AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction focuses the collective expertise within AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums and leverages their massive audiences to save species. Learn more about the SAFE Species here.

SAFE IS A FRAMEWORK THAT:

• Protects threatened animals.

• Builds on established recovery plans and history of commitment.

• Prioritizes collaboration among AZA member institutions.

• Implements strategic conservation and stakeholder engagement activities.

• Measures and reports conservation progress.

While zoos and aquariums don’t often host collections of butterflies on exhibit, their staff and beautiful gardens provide an unending amount of opportunity for visitors to see conservation in action. The monarch butterfly calls zoos and aquariums across the nation home as part of its native range. SAFE Monarch was launched in 2020, acknowledging that the challenges monarchs face are vast but that the role zoos and aquariums can play in their conservation can be incredibly impactful. This butterfly’s incredible migration has inspired wonder and cultural celebration for decades, and AZA institutions recognized the need to be a part of the solution to their steady population declines.

The SAFE Monarchs Network is a growing partnership of over 100 AZA institutions and 20+ external partners and advisors ranging from coast to coast and spanning both migratory populations of monarch butterflies. This program is lead by Dr. Zak Gezon at Disney Conservation and Paige Howorth at the San Diego Zoo. Learn more by exploring our partners map. 

It's simple! Read the SAFE North American Monarch Plan. Identify what actions your organization is already taking or what actions you are planning to implement. Select one Organizational Activity to add to your conservation efforts. Get the support of your leadership and select a program representative. Finally, fill out the Program Participant Statement of Institutional Support.