Conservation Ambassadors – Zoo To You

About Conservation Ambassadors – Zoo To You

Conservation Ambassadors is a nonprofit organization recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the federal tax code. Its stated mission is "giving a worldwide voice to wildlife by providing a permanent, loving home for displaced, abused, abandoned or permanently injured wild and exotic animals." The organization says that sharing these animal ambassadors helps it educate learners of all ages about conservation.

The group operates two campuses. The South Campus, branded Zoo To You, is at 2445 Adobe Road in Paso Robles, California. The North Campus, branded Wild Things, uses a mailing address in Weimar, California, and has its own website, wildthingsoutreach.org. This article covers the Paso Robles campus. The organization is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Zoo To You is not a walk-in attraction. The organization states that its rescue zoo is not open to the public and that it offers private animal encounters instead. Guests book an encounter, an overnight stay or a school visit in advance.

History

The organization says that over a million California schoolchildren have experienced its style of education, which it describes as blending live animals, storytelling and a conservation message, through the Zoo To You and Wild Things programs.

Exhibits and habitats

The animals at Conservation Ambassadors are presented as ambassadors rather than as exhibits on a walking route. The private encounter page describes an outback habitat where guests are surrounded by kangaroos, and names Tucker and Ollie, two North American river otters. The same page lists a capybara, lemurs, a monkey, owls, eagles and reptiles among the animals guests may meet. Photo captions on that page name Wesley the capybara, a capuchin called Route, and a black-and-white ruffed lemur called Bacari, and show wallabies, a bald eagle and an eagle owl.

The overnight stay page says guests will meet kangaroos, a capuchin and capybaras, and notes that the tents sit inside the working rescue zoo, where keepers may be caring for animals early in the morning or late in the evening.

Conservation and programs

Programs listed on the organization's website include:

• Wildlife Connections private encounter. A two-hour customized, private experience that includes the outback habitat, the otters and other animal ambassadors, plus a basecamp with snacks and drinks. The website says all ages are welcome and that encounters have a two-person minimum.
• Wild Night at the Zoo. An overnight stay in a safari tent inside the rescue zoo. The website lists an African tent and an Australian tent, each accommodating up to five guests, with bedding, a coffee machine, continental breakfast, a barbecue, a fire pit, an outdoor kitchen and a central bathroom with shower. Check-in is at 4 p.m. with a keeper and an animal ambassador, and check-out is at 10 a.m., as listed on the website. An animal encounter must be purchased before an overnight stay can be booked.
• Zoo To You educational outreach. One-hour live-animal programs delivered to schools across California, each featuring five to six animals, according to the website. Schools more than 50 miles from a campus face travel fees and a two-show minimum.
• You to Zoo education. An on-site program for school groups at the Paso Robles location only, combining a 30-minute wildlife show with animal interactions. The website lists a group size of 30 to 75 guests, availability Monday through Thursday, required waivers, and no dogs.

The organization also lists volunteer and internship opportunities, hiring for animal care positions, gift cards, and a fundraising partnership with Chewy.com.

Planning your visit

Visits are arranged in advance through the organization's website, and the South Campus phone number and email address are listed there for direct questions. Ticket and program prices are given on the organization's website. For overnight guests, the website notes that downtown Paso Robles is about 10 minutes away for dinner, that food delivery services reach the zoo, and that guests may bring their own food to barbecue.