Conservation Pin (2026)

Help support LV Zoo's conservation efforts by donating $4 -- and you will receive our annual Conservation Pin upon check-in! The brand new 2026 pin features a Bald Eagle -- just like our very own Ephialtes -- as past of the America 250 celebration. 100% of net proceeds will be donated to [Defenders of Wildlife] (https://defenders.org/), which supports the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.** The act enforces best-management practices on corporations and “Smart from the Start” initiatives to ensure renewable energy facilities are built in the right places to minimize impact on wildlife and habitat.

YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR PIN(S) UPON CHECK-IN AT THE ZOO

Bald eagle conservation has been ongoing since the 1940s when the Bald Eagle Protection Act was passed and provided the first federal protection of this species. As populations continued to decline due to habitat loss, pesticides and illegal hunting, the bald eagle was placed on the Endangered Species Act in 1978. Conservation organizations, government workers, and scientists worked together to help protect and save this species culminating in the bald eagle’s removal from the endangered species list in 2007 after numbers had increased. This was a great success for conservation and showed that when we work together, we can make a difference!

While we consider the population rise of bald eagles to be a success, there is still work to do! One of the biggest threats facing bald eagles is toxic ammunition. Lead is a highly toxic metal that when used, tiny, fragmented pieces are left in gut piles, carcasses, or escaped prey. When eagles prey on contaminated animals, a fragment of lead the size of a rice grain can be lethal. Purchasing non-toxic ammunition is an easy way to help protect this native species.

Another easy way to help eagles is to adopt the “Leave No Trace” principles. Simple acts such as disposing of waste properly, minimizing campfire impacts, and leaving what you find can make a big impact on the environment.

Add our annual Conservation Pins to your admission while supplies last.