City  Nonprofits

Celebrate World Wildlife Conservation Day in the Tampa Bay area

The global event raises awareness about the dangers animals + their habitats are facing.

December 1, 2023 • 
Patrick Sidwell
A Florida panther looks into the camera. It's a closeup and there is sun shining on the animal's back.

There are ~200 Florida panthers left in the wild.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Our Tampa Bay area is home to several endangered species, including Florida panthers, and of course, manatees. But now is your chance to help — Dec. 4 is globally recognized as World Wildlife Conservation Day.

Not only is it an opportunity to raise awareness about endangered species, but also gives us the chance to contribute, donate, and learn about them.

Here’s a few ways to do your part in the Tampa Bay area:

  • ZooTampa at Lowry Park is a non-profit zoo whose conservation efforts help local animals like manatees + Florida panthers.
  • Next time you’re at the DMV, grab a Save the Manatee license plate — the funds go directly to the nonprofit, Save the Manatee.
  • Busch Gardens is renowned for its wildlife conservation efforts, where visitors can learn about + see a range of endangered species.
  • There are a bunch of volunteer options in the Tampa Bay area which work to preserve habitats for endangered species like manatees, turtles, alligators, bears, and bald eagles, including the Tampa Bay Estuary Program + Tampa Bay Waterkeeper. We rounded up some others, too.