Quarters for Conservation

Your Vote Counts

Each year, the funds collected are calculated. One third of the funds support our three featured Q4C projects. Each project will get a substantial funding gift, determined by the distribution of tokens or “votes”. One third of the funds are dedicated to our conservation projects and partners around the globe, and the other third supports our on-site conservation projects.

Making a Difference

A remarkable shift in the role zoos play in the world of conservation emerges as Quarters for Conservation takes the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) by storm. With over eighteen zoos already involved and more planning to launch, saving wildlife is possible!

Oakland Zoo's 2026 Quarters for Conservation Programs

Species and Habitat Protection

Restoring natural ecosystems to protect animals and their habitats is a pillar of our conservation mission at Oakland Zoo, as we envision a world where wildlife and people thrive together.

We support and actively participate in projects that enhance biodiversity, protect wild places, allow wildlife to roam safely, prevent disease transmission, and restore populations of threatened species. Quarters for Conservation 2026-2027 highlights unique species challenged by habitat loss. With a focus on solutions for all, we are optimistic about a future for American Bison, Riparian Brush Rabbits, and Jaguars.

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American Bison:

American bison, or buffalo, shape the North American prairie, a landscape heavily degraded over the past century. Conservation efforts saved the American bison from extinction, yet fewer than 20,000 truly wild bison remain. Oakland Zoo partners with Indigenous communities to restore ancestral bison to their homelands. The Zoo breeds bison onsite to strengthen genetic diversity, then relocates their calves to Montana tribal lands. With these ongoing efforts, over 40 bison have been raised and released to the care of the Blackfeet Nation.  

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Riparian Brush Rabbits:

Riparian Brush Rabbits are an endangered, native species restricted to the remaining river watersheds in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Their numbers have fallen sharply because human development and flood control projects have destroyed much of the shrub habitat they depend on. The species also faces Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease, a fast-moving virus that has devastated populations.Oakland Zoo supports state and federal recovery partners with field operations in the wild. Zoo staff have given more than 1,500 vaccinations to wild rabbits, providing critical on-the-ground support to help keep this species from disappearing. 

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Jaguars:

As wide-ranging carnivores, jaguars play a vital role in Central America’s ecology and culture. Unfortunately, these big cats face multiple threats to their habitat. Deforestation and expanding human infrastructure have caused forest fragmentation and isolated jaguar populations. Climate change also damages their habitat and reduces prey availability. Oakland Zoo helps jaguars by supporting protected wildlife corridors where they can roam safely. By integrating traditional ecological knowledge with scientific methods and inspiring local stewardship of the natural world, we can envision a healthy future path for jaguars.

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Vote When You Visit

Two kiosks make voting easy! Located inside the Main Entrance in front of the Flamingo habitat & at the Lower Entrance near the Wayne & Gladys Valley Children's Zoo, all change, from pennies to quarters, make a big impact on our conservation work.