Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo's Conservation Fund, established by the Connecticut Zoological Society in 2002, supports conservation programs worldwide that protect threatened wildlife and habitats.  Field study, habitat protection and restoration, environmental education projects and captive propagation programs are all appropriate for consideration.

The total of funds awarded each year currently does not to exceed $15,000, with individual grants to be awarded in $1500 increments. One third of the annual fund is dedicated to AZA committee projects, one third is dedicated to Connecticut-based conservation initiatives and one third is dedicated to international in-situ work.

To date the Conservation Fund has supported the following programs:

Alaska brown bear research 
AZA Bear Taxon Advisory Group
AZA Small Carnivore TAG
Belize Zoo
Carnivore Status Survey in Paraguay
Connecticut animal track identification training
Connecticut wetlands restoration project
International Otter Colloquium
Lion Tamarins of Brazil
Zoo Conservation Outreach program

Supporters of the Zoo’s conservation efforts are welcome to donate funds specifically designated to the Zoo’s Conservation Fund