Protecting our planet for a better future
Join us by supporting our chapter through our conservation initiatives.
About AAZK Chapter at Lion Country Safari
Our Mission
Our mission is to advance excellence in the animal-keeping profession, foster effective communication beneficial to animal care, support deserving conservation projects, and promote the preservation of our natural resources and animal life.
Our History
The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) is a non-profit organization founded by professional animal care staff and related persons interested in promoting zookeeping skills and animal care as a profession. The local Lion Country Safari Chapter participates in several events and fundraisers yearly to promote animal keeping and raise money for various efforts benefiting animals. The views and opinions expressed on this page are those of individual members of AAZK - Lion Country Safari Chapter and do not represent the company's views. Established in 2001, the AAZK Chapter at Lion Country Safari has been working towards educating and promoting the importance of animal conservation for over 23 years.
Our Team
Our team consists of dedicated individuals who are passionate about conservation. We have AAZK officers who work together to plan all the projects, events, and fundraisers throughout the year.
Shores to safari intitiative
Objective
The Shores to Safari initiative by the AAZK Chapter at Lion Country Safari aims to bridge the gap between ocean and terrestrial conservation efforts. By focusing on the protection of vital marine species such as the great hammerhead shark, alongside the conservation of terrestrial wildlife, the initiative seeks to create a unified approach to preserving biodiversity across both land and sea. Through public education, partnerships with ocean conservation organizations like The Reef Institute, and active fundraising efforts, Shores to Safari will raise awareness and mobilize resources to ensure the health and survival of key species in both ecosystems.
Goal
The goal of the Shores to Safari initiative is to foster a deeper connection between terrestrial and marine conservation efforts, with a primary focus on the protection of species such as the great hammerhead shark and other endangered wildlife. By engaging the community, raising awareness, and supporting targeted conservation programs, the initiative strives to generate the necessary funding and partnerships to safeguard biodiversity in both oceanic and land ecosystems. Through these efforts, the Shores to Safari initiative aims to inspire lasting change and ensure the protection of crucial wildlife for future generations.
Projects
Beach Cleanups, Snorkel & Learn, Supporting Ocean Film Festival, Turtle walks, field work and much much more.
Environmental Stewardship
The Shores to Safari initiative demonstrates the AAZK Chapter at Lion Country Safari’s commitment to environmental stewardship by actively engaging in the protection and preservation of both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The initiative fosters responsible conservation practices through sustainable partnerships with ocean conservation organizations like The Reef Institute, alongside its ongoing efforts to protect wildlife on land. By promoting education on the importance of biodiversity, supporting habitat restoration projects, and encouraging sustainable practices, Shores to Safari strives to reduce human impact on ecosystems. Through collaborative conservation strategies, the initiative empowers the community to participate in protecting the natural world, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.
Community Development
The Shores to Safari initiative is dedicated to fostering a strong sense of community engagement and collective responsibility for environmental conservation. By connecting local communities to both ocean and land conservation efforts, the initiative creates opportunities for people to actively participate in preserving wildlife and ecosystems. Through educational programs, fundraising events, and hands-on conservation activities, Shores to Safari empowers individuals to become environmental stewards in their own right. By collaborating with local schools, businesses, and conservation organizations, the initiative promotes awareness and inspires action that extends beyond the Lion Country Safari grounds, creating a ripple effect of positive change in the community. This collaborative approach strengthens bonds between residents, conservation professionals, and organizations, driving a unified effort to protect the planet’s biodiversity for future generations.
Get Involved
Join us in making a difference. Whether you want to donate, volunteer, or simply learn more, there are many ways to get involved and support our work.
Conservation Partners
Bat Conservation International
Our AAZK chapter works with Bat Conservation International to scan for different species of bats that visit the park overnight. We are proud to have discovered eight different species that fly by, one of them being the endangered Florida Bonneted Bat.
Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge
We are working with The Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge to bring awareness. We are bringing awareness to the importance of saving the Florida panther. We are hosting a fundraiser this year for them, as well as selling a necklace. The proceeds from the necklace sales will go to The Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge.
Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association
Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association
Our chapter has joined the Palm Beach Beekeepers Association. We joined to do our part in helping save the bees
The Reef Institute
Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association
Florida reefs are suffering just like the reefs around the globe. Our chapter has joined up with The Reef Institute in order to combat their decline, and preserve these lush ecosystems in the face of pollution, disease, and destruction.
Purple Martins
Purple Martins
We have purple martins houses throughout our park. We will be working on studying them to see there travel patterns. One of our houses is located right next to our Splash pad.
AAZK Chapter at Lion Country Safari Community Partners
KB Social Artworking
KB Social Artworking
KB Social Artworking
KB Social Artworking: We bring the paint party to you!
We offer Canvas Creativity – Unleash your inner artist on canvas with our guided sessions. From serene landscapes to vibrant abstracts, there’s a masterpiece waiting to be painted.
The Tasting Room
KB Social Artworking
KB Social Artworking
Our unique concept operates and looks like a small underground "Winery Tasting Room" out of wine country, but with a modern-industrial flair. We are casual, friendly, approachable and all about wine but we leave the obnoxious Snob attitude out of the picture. Our Goal is to offer our community the opportunity to taste great wines, learn
Our unique concept operates and looks like a small underground "Winery Tasting Room" out of wine country, but with a modern-industrial flair. We are casual, friendly, approachable and all about wine but we leave the obnoxious Snob attitude out of the picture. Our Goal is to offer our community the opportunity to taste great wines, learn and enjoy in a dynamic, but private atmosphere. We also take care of all your wine needs at home through our wine club membership, which offers the most competitive prices & local delivery.
K & E Travel
Sugar Creek Boutique
Sugar Creek Boutique
Looking to book a cruise or vacation this or next year. Look no further, reach out to Mark from K&E Travel. If you book with K&E Travel and mention AAZK they will donate a portion of the commissions.
Sugar Creek Boutique
Sugar Creek Boutique
Sugar Creek Boutique
Our chapter has partnered with Sugar Creek Boutique to sell beautiful animal cups. Just click below and check out the cool designs. Mention our chapter's name and a portion of your purchase will come back to our chapter.
AAZK Chapter at Lion Country Safari Projects
Got Sneakers Program
We collect old sneakers and get them rececyle so they don't go to the landfill.
Butterfly Garden
We planted a butterfly garden at the front entrance to the park. Giving the butterflies in our area a place to eat and live.
Ink Recycling Program
We recycle all the ink cartridges from the printers at the zoo.
Florida Orchids
We have some Florida orchids growing by our petting zoo area.
Community Outreach
We do speaking engagements to local groups, schools, networking groups. If interested in having us come speak to your organizations please reach out to us at aazklcs@gmail.com
"Wildlife is something which man cannot construct. Once it is gone, it is gone forever. Man can rebuild a pyramid, but he can't rebuild ecology, or a giraffe."
JOY ADAMSON
Who We Supported
Meet our 2025 AAZK Officers
President
Conservation Officer
Vice President
Frank Verney
Vice President
Conservation Officer
Vice President
Ryan Guia
Conservation Officer
Conservation Officer
Andrew Guia
Secretary
Communication Officer
Meghan Gillespie
Treasurer
Communication Officer
Communication Officer
Open position
Communication Officer
Communication Officer
Communication Officer
Alyssa Thibodeau
Welcome
Thank you for visiting our website. Enjoy learning about all the cool things our chapter is doing and working on.