The Poarch Creek Indians have once again demonstrated their commitment to community support and environmental education with a $30,000 donation to the Birmingham Zoo. This generous contribution will fund up to 100 scholarships for individuals, families, and nonprofit organizations to participate in the Zoo’s conservation-centered educational programs. These scholarships will open doors for children, teens, and adults who may not otherwise have access to these engaging, nature-focused experiences.

The donation enables participants to attend Birmingham Zoo camps throughout the year. Camp offerings are designed to inspire a love of nature and conservation. In winter, participants may delve into the wonders of the Ice Age or explore their creativity with “Wild About Art.” Summer camps cater to various age groups, from K-5 students enjoying “Creature Feature” and “Zoo Ranger” programs to teens in grades 6-12 engaging in leadership activities through “Earth Force” and “Zoo Leader” camps. These programs aim to immerse participants in wildlife education, conservation principles, and community-building activities.

Tiffaney McClendon, Director of Learning & Inclusion at the Birmingham Zoo, expressed her gratitude for the Tribe’s support, emphasizing its impact on the Zoo’s outreach efforts: “This generous donation from Poarch Creek means that Birmingham Zoo is able to offer our fun and educational experiences to more students and families from around our state and region. It allows us to continue developing new programs and finding more ways to connect with our community, even those who aren’t usually able to visit the Zoo in person. These funds give Birmingham Zoo more opportunities to help children and adults discover their passion to conserve the natural world and learn how to value wildlife and wild places.”

The partnership between the Poarch Creek Indians and the Birmingham Zoo underscores a shared mission of promoting environmental stewardship and conservation. McClendon added, “Birmingham Zoo is so grateful for our continuing partnership with the Poarch Creek Indians. Their support and dedication to our mission have allowed us to inspire, educate, and engage hundreds of children and adults who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to participate in our programs. The message of conservation is able to reach more people because of support from Poarch Creek Indians.”

The Poarch Creek Indians seek to foster learning opportunities, encourage community engagement, and support Alabama’s natural resources. Through this donation, they help ensure that the message of conservation will reach a broader audience, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards across the region. 

“Our support for the Birmingham Zoo reflects our Tribe’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities that connect people with the natural world,” said Stephanie A. Bryan, Tribal Chair & CEO of the Poarch Creek Indians. “By empowering individuals and families to engage in conservation education, we hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for wildlife and instill a sense of responsibility towards preserving Alabama’s natural resources. We are proud to partner with the Birmingham Zoo to make these enriching experiences accessible to more members of the Birmingham community.”

For more information on the Birmingham Zoo, visit birminghamzoo.com.