By Summer:

If you have a house of animals lovers like I do (my sons, 2YO and 4YO), give to your local zoos and aquariums. Zoo and aquariums don’t only offer entertainment but they offer animal care to creatures both domestic and foreign. Ways to give to your zoo or aquarium include:

· Attendance – GO! GO! GO! By simply showing a zoo or aquarium to your children you’re supporting their animal causes. If you want to take your attendance to the next level support your local zoo and/or aquarium by purchasing a membership. Memberships also make a great eco gift.

· Adopt – Many zoos and aquariums offer animal “adoption” which is actually more like sponsorship. This helps support a specific animals for a year; you’d help feed and maintain the animal with your adoption. Your zoo or aquarium might also offer thank you gifts for your support, such as a picture and profile of your animal, a stuffed animal representation of your animal, special membership admissions and packages, year’s calendar, and other swag.

· Education – Through camps and special programs your zoo and aquarium will not only help peak the interest of animal lovers, but they will inform them as well. Thus helps the cycle of loving it so much you want to help which usually means giving, whether that’s of time or money.

· Volunteer – Nothing is really more valuable than time. Time is money but almost anyone can give money; to show you really care, give time! Check with your local zoo or aquarium for information on how you or our family can volunteer. Keep in mind so dedicated hours of training may be required. There is also usually a minimum age requirement due to responsibility.

If you’re not sure what is available in your area check out the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA also offers the same opportunities presented above though if you get or give a membership the pass applies to all the associations’ partnering zoos and aquariums nationally.

Get involved locally and give to your zoo or aquarium. This is a great cause as it’s fun at ANY age!

About Summer:

Summer is very active in our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living while cooking up a storm