Zoo outreach organization
The Zoo Outreach Organisation (ZOO) was founded in 1985 to improve zoo standards in India, later expanding its focus to broader wildlife conservation and education efforts across South Asia. Initially working on enhancing ex situ conservation, ZOO has since shifted towards in situ conservation, species assessment, and meta-population management. The organization has played a significant role in conservation planning, conducting species assessments, and raising awareness through its research publications. Over the years, it has collaborated with institutions like the IUCN and SAZARC (South Asian Zoo Association for Regional Cooperation) to develop conservation strategies.
The organization was founded by Sally Walker, a dedicated conservationist, and is currently led by Dr. Sanjay Molur, who took over as Executive Director in 2016. Dr. Molur has extensive experience in conservation assessments, having worked on over 10,000 taxa assessments across multiple regions. Under his leadership, ZOO has strengthened its research output, with flagship publications like the Zoo’s Print Journal and the Journal of Threatened Taxa, which contribute to global biodiversity knowledge. ZOO has also been instrumental in India’s first multi-species Red Listing project, highlighting critical species that require conservation efforts.
Art for Conservation
ZooReach’s Art for Conservation (A4C) project is a brilliant initiative that harnesses the power of art to drive awareness about critical environmental issues like climate change and species loss. Launched on 1 September 2023 with support from the U.S. Consulate General, Chennai, A4C brings together expert artists to train and mentor budding artists. By blending science with creative expression, the project aims to produce impactful artworks that inspire action for wildlife conservation. The culmination of this initiative is set to be a grand exhibition, showcasing these thought-provoking pieces to a wider audience.
Grids had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with ZooReach during this initiative, hosting our “Colors for a Cause” fundraiser as part of the Art for Conservation project. The entire ZooReach team welcomed us with open arms, and their passion for conservation through creative means resonated deeply with us. Working alongside them felt natural, as we share the same vision of using art to create meaningful change. From the moment we stepped in, they embraced our mission, encouraged our work, and made the entire experience unforgettable. We couldn’t have asked for a better team to collaborate with, and we are beyond grateful to be part of such a powerful movement!
