Conservation Projects

The Erie Zoo is fortunate to be able to support a number of programs designed to advance the conservation efforts of the zoo. Combined efforts with other zoos and organizations can benefit animals in the wild and provide conservation education to our visitors. For more information on how to partner with us or how to get involved in one of our conservation projects, please email us at education@eriezoo.org.

Last Chance Lagoon

The Last Chance Lagoon is a program at the Erie Zoo that provides a safe place to bring unwanted Goldfish and Koi.  New intakes will undergo a quarantine process before they enter the Last Chance Lagoon. This program hopes to prevent or lessen the amount of unwanted pet Goldfish and Koi that enter into the Great Lakes Watershed.  

Goldfish and Koi are invasive species that can wreak havoc on our local watershed.  These fish can disturb the plant bed of ponds and lakes, will compete with local fish for resources and can eventually overpopulate an area leading to loss of habitat for our native fish.   

There are many ways you can help the Erie Zoo with this program.  Please see below for some ways you can help.

• Schedule  a drop off to bring in your unwanted goldfish or Koi
• Donate to support the Last Chance Lagoon
• Volunteer to help the Erie Zoo educate about our efforts
• Donate pond supplies or pet supply store gift cards to help with this project.

Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions, suggestions or to donate. 

 email: education@eriezoo.org

Last Chance Lagoon Application