Philly Zoo & 30x30: The Plan to Protect Nature

Part of the “America the Beautiful” initiative, 30×30 is a national goal to conserve and restore at least 30% of U.S. lands, waters, and ocean by 2030.

An estimated one million species are now on the path to extinction, but it isn’t too late to reverse the harmful trends that are leading to habitat destruction around the world. 30×30 and the larger “America the Beautiful” initiative aim to provide equitable access to nature for all, calling on industries and cultural and special interest groups to help with its execution.

Leading the Charge

Since early 2021, the Zoo’s Director of Mission Integration, Dani Hogan, has participated in a working group for zoos, aquariums, and museums with staff from The Ocean Project at Frost Science, National Aquarium, New England Aquarium, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Seattle Aquarium, AZA, Aquarium Conservation Partnership, and the National Ocean Protection Coalition to outline plans to support conservation efforts and create solutions for the environment. The group created resources for AZA networks to help with introducing the program.

As a forerunner in implementing 30×30, Philadelphia Zoo was the first partner to incorporate its messaging over an entire season. At BIG TIME, guests took a pledge and signed a petition advocating for wildlife. Zoo staff collected over 10,000 postcards from April to October 31 to send to policy makers to influence change.