SAN ANTONIO, June 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — In a last-ditch effort to save a beloved children’s character, San Antonio Zoo has started an online campaign to adopt Geoffrey the giraffe from the owners of Toys”R”Us. The adoption plea is meant to raise awareness for giraffe conservation by utilizing one the world’s most iconic mascots.

“We think Geoffrey can live on through inspiring generations of zoo-goers to care for giraffes and learn about the challenges they are facing in the wild,” said Tim Morrow, CEO and Executive Director of San Antonio Zoological Society. “Our team is passionate about securing a future for wildlife and would like to secure a future for Geoffrey so that he can be a symbol for giraffe conservation.”

San Antonio Zoo set up a GoFundMe page to raise donations that will go to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to supporting a sustainable future where all giraffe populations and sub-species are protected and secured in the wild. With only 100,000 giraffes remaining in the wild, zoo officials hope to generate more than $100,000 in support to persuade the owners at Toys”R”Us to join the effort to save giraffes by donating the use of their most recognizable intellectual property.

Giraffes are one of the species that are going through a silent extinction. Wild populations have declined by 40% in the last three decades due to habitat loss, poaching, and human population growth. “This is a chance for Geoffrey and the great people at Toys”R”Us to leave a legacy gift that has the potential to change the world and bring smiles to children for generations to come,” said Morrow.

GoFundMe link: www.gofundme.com/SAZooSavesGeoffrey

About San Antonio Zoo

San Antonio Zoo®, operated by San Antonio Zoological Society, is a non-profit organization committed to securing a future for wildlife. Through its passion and expertise in animal care, conservation, and education, the zoo’s mission is to inspire its community to love, engage with, act for and protect animals and the places they live. The zoo welcomes more than a million visitors each year and is open year-round. San Antonio Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Zoological Association of America, and Humane Certified by American Humane.