ZooParent Adoption

As you may know, my son LOVES animals. He plans on being a Paleontologist and an Elephant Zoo keeper (and he plans on owning his own zoo to help save animals). I am always looking out for ways that my son can get involved in charity work - most importantly, things that interest him. He has been helping the local shelter, we hope to do a Farmer's Market in August to help him raise funds for the Humane Society... and his goal this summer is to become a ZooParent.

Woodland Park Zoo has a program called ZooParent Adoption. For $100, you can adopt an animal (Robbie is choosing the African Wild Dogs - his favorite exhibit at the zoo) and you get a picture of the animal, some animal facts, a stuffed animal, your name at the zoo as a ZooParent... and more. It's perfect for Robbie and he's excited. While we aren't doing this for Lyssie yet, she's excited too and is playing along like she is going to adopt her favorite Humbolt Penguin.

So, today we made a chart for Robbie to monitor his goal. He received $1 from the tooth fairy last night (notice his gap :)) and immediately wanted the money to go toward the adoption. He was a little disappointed this morning when he found that the tooth fairy didn't leave $100 so that he could adopt right away :). Luckily, he's willing to work toward the goal.

I am hopeful that this new motivation will last. I would like him to get excited about helping his community - animals included. He loves to recycle and has intentions of making a difference in this world... I am doing what I can to lead by example and to help him realize that he can make a difference. Unfortunately, like everything else - it takes time and patience. This chart should be a good starting point.