.48.png)
A decades-long partnership with a Peruvian nonprofit shows that protecting wildlife begins with supporting people. More than 3,000 miles from Metro Detroit, along the banks of the Amazon River, the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) is making a lasting impact on conservation through education. In remote rainforest villages – where pink river dolphins glide through the water and monkeys swing in the canopy – Detroit’s beloved zoo is helping local children get the books, pencils and lessons they need. It’s an unconventional approach: instead of focusing directly on animals, the Zoo is empowering the people who share their habitat with wildlife. And it’s working. This unique effort is forging a bond between Michigan and the Amazon, proving that you can’t protect wildlife without also uplifting the communities that live alongside it.
.png)
Detroit Zoological Society, Facebook
From Detroit to the Amazon: A Partnership Takes Root
The story begins over two decades ago with a simple observation. In the early 1990s, an American educator named Pam Bucur visited a one-room schoolhouse in a small Peruvian Amazon village. She found eager students and a dedicated teacher – but almost no supplies. No textbooks, no notebooks, not even enough pencils. Bucur was stunned. “How can you teach someone to read if you don’t have anything written?” she wondered. Moved by the need, she helped launch the Amazon Rainforest Adopt-A-School Program to provide basic educational materials to rural Amazonian schools, so families wouldn’t have to log the rainforest just to afford paper and books.
Around the same time, staff from the Detroit Zoo were making trips to the Peruvian Amazon for wildlife research. They stayed at Explorama Lodges – the ecotourism company that started Bucur’s nonprofit, CONAPAC (Conservación de la Naturaleza Amazónica del Perú). The Detroit team quickly realized that helping people was key to protecting the rainforest’s animals. In 1999, the Detroit Zoological Society officially partnered with CONAPAC to support the Adopt-A-School initiative. What began with about 10 villages has since blossomed into a far-reaching collaboration. Today, the Adopt-A-School program reaches nearly 50 remote communities along the Amazon and Napo Rivers, supporting thousands of children across the Peruvian rainforest. Every spring, boats loaded with school supplies – funded by donations gathered in Detroit – travel upriver to deliver notebooks, reading books, pencils, and more to these villages. The goal is simple but profound: ensure every child can get a basic education without their family having to sell timber or other natural resources to pay for it. By equipping kids with tools to learn, the program nurtures a new generation of rainforest stewards who understand the value of their environment.
This partnership has endured and adapted for over 26 years. The Detroit Zoo’s role has been pivotal – providing trusted U.S. coordination, fundraising and volunteers – while CONAPAC, based in Iquitos, Peru, works directly with local educators and families. It’s a perfect cross-continental team. As Claire Lannoye-Hall, DZS’s Director of Education, explains, “The Zoo and CONAPAC have remained steady collaborators since 1999 because we share a vision. We’re meeting the demands of an ever-changing global society by growing and adapting together”. In other words, both partners know that saving the rainforest isn’t just about biology – it’s about people and relationships.
The Zoo’s upcoming Discovery Trails project shows that local education efforts are growing, too.
Education is Conservation: Protecting Wildlife by Empowering People
Why would a zoo focus on school supplies? Because education is one of the most powerful tools for conservation. You can’t expect someone to protect something they don’t understand. The DZS recognizes that teaching children about the rainforest’s wonders builds lifelong advocates for wildlife. “You might expect a zoo to only work with animals, but this partnership proves you can’t protect wildlife without also supporting the people who share their home,” says Dr. David Dimitrie, DZS’s Director of Conservation. In other words, helping local communities thrive is directly linked to helping animals thrive.
Every year, a team from Detroit travels into the heart of Amazonia to put this philosophy into action. For veteran educators like Lannoye-Hall, the journey starts before sunrise with rubber boots and mosquito repellent. DZS staff and volunteers board small boats – sometimes trekking for miles when river levels are low – to reach isolated settlements deep in the rainforest. The days are long and often sweltering, but immensely rewarding. They arrive carrying boxes of donated school materials and a passion for teaching.
Classroom by classroom, village by village, the impact grows: Each student receiving a notebook or pencil is one more child who can focus on learning instead of worrying about scarce supplies. Each science book or storybook is a window into a bigger world. By investing in these kids’ education, the program gives them the knowledge to appreciate the incredible biodiversity around them – from the pink dolphins and macaws to tiny tree frogs – and the tools to make wise decisions about natural resources in the future. Education leads to informed choices: if communities understand the long-term value of a standing forest, they’re less likely to cut down that forest for short-term gain.
Beyond delivering supplies, the Detroit Zoological Society and CONAPAC team up to host teacher workshops each year. They bring together dozens of educators from different villages for hands-on training in environmental education. These sessions might cover rainforest ecology, sustainability, and fun ways to engage kids in conservation. For example, teachers learn citizen-science activities like observing birds and frogs around their community – knowledge they can take back to their students. The emphasis is on connecting the abstract idea of “rainforest conservation” to everyday life. Workshops often demonstrate how everyday actions, even by people thousands of miles away, affect the health of the Amazon. This empowers local teachers to instill pride and stewardship in their students. One recent workshop even dispelled myths about birds and helped teachers start a WhatsApp group to share their students’ nature projects – showing that even in areas with limited internet, a network of passionate teachers can flourish.
The Adopt-A-School program doesn’t stop at education – it also strengthens communities through service projects. The DZS organizes annual volunteer expeditions to Peru (usually three trips a year) open to Metro Detroiters and other zoo supporters. These volunteers work side-by-side with local residents on projects the villages choose. In some communities, they’ve built or refurbished a meeting house for communal gatherings; in others, they might repaint a school or repair a footbridge. Clean water is another focus – the program has helped install water purification systems so kids have safe drinking water at school. Volunteers also join villagers in planting native fruit trees, helping reforest areas and provide sustainable food sources. Of course, a big part of each trip is delivering the crates of school supplies to each Adopt-A-School village – often with the volunteers personally handing out notebooks and smiling alongside the children who receive them. These experiences can be life-changing for the volunteers, too. Many participants return home to Michigan with a deeper appreciation for the Amazon and lifelong friendships formed in the jungle. The volunteer program creates a two-way exchange: Detroiters contribute their labor and love, and in return gain insight into a vibrant culture and ecosystem few get to see.
For the Peruvian communities, the benefits are tangible. In exchange for support, villages sign a conservation agreement – agreeing to practice sustainable resource use, prioritize education, and maintain organized leadership. Regular evaluations by CONAPAC and DZS teams help ensure the partnership stays on track. By empowering local leaders and students, the program has nurtured a grassroots conservation ethic. Parents who received supplies as kids years ago are now raising their own children with those same values, creating a positive cycle. The end result is not only better-educated children, but also communities more capable of managing things like clean water, agriculture, and habitat protection on their own terms.
Metro Detroit has great summer camps that spark curiosity and connection, too.
.png)
Detroit Zoological Society, Facebook
Impact and Inspiration: Changing Lives in the Rainforest
One of the most powerful measures of the program’s success is the stories of children whose lives have been transformed. Take Andrea Asipali Apintuy, for example. Andrea grew up in a tiny rainforest village called Palmeras II Zona. When she was in first grade, the Adopt-A-School program reached her community – for the first time, she had her very own notebook and textbooks. “Those supplies gave me the chance to focus on learning,” she recalls, “and to discover the world through books.” Andrea’s curiosity blossomed. She worked her way through primary school and beyond, her education fully supported by the program each year. Fast forward to today: Andrea, now 27, is a schoolteacher in the city of Iquitos – the very same city that coordinates much of the Adopt-A-School effort. She even spent time studying in Michigan, an opportunity she never imagined as a child in the jungle. Currently pursuing her master’s degree, Andrea is living proof of the program’s long-term impact. “It changed my life,” she says. “Adopt-A-School was more than just an opportunity for me. It’s an opportunity for other young girls to keep studying and look forward to a better future.”
Stories like Andrea’s have become increasingly common as the program matures. In fact, the DZS and CONAPAC teams now see a legacy unfolding: an entire generation of Amazonian kids has grown up with access to education. Many of the earliest students supported in the 1990s and 2000s are now adults in their twenties and thirties. Some have become teachers, nurses, or community leaders. They, in turn, are guiding their own children and communities to be mindful of the environment. “We’re starting to see the program’s legacy,” says Bucur, the CONAPAC founder. “I’m meeting parents who once received Adopt-A-School supplies and now have children receiving those supplies. We now have a full generation of educated parents. That leads to better ecological decisions for the communities and the rainforest.” In short, the seeds planted decades ago are bearing fruit. Nurtured by educational support, these communities are more resilient and more committed to conservation than ever.
The benefits for wildlife are real, too. Educated communities are less likely to engage in illegal hunting or indiscriminate logging. In one notable spin-off of the partnership, Detroit Zoo staff helped local high schoolers start an “Amphibian Protectors Club” – encouraging teens to document frogs and salamanders in their village and understand how pollution or habitat loss affects these sensitive creatures. The project not only generated valuable data on frog species, but it also got young people excited about protecting even the smallest rainforest animals. Similarly, through teacher workshops, myths about “pest” species like bats or owls have been dispelled, replacing fear with appreciation. These shifts in attitude are crucial for species conservation. When a community takes pride in its wildlife – whether it’s a rare orchid, a colorful macaw, or a pink dolphin – that community becomes a powerful advocate for protecting it. Each positive decision, from establishing a no-fishing zone in a dolphin area to refusing a quick payout from a logging company, adds up to a healthier ecosystem.
Conservation From the Amazon to Metro Detroit
It might surprise some Detroiters to learn that their zoo is so involved in saving rainforests an ocean away. But global conservation is actually a big part of the Detroit Zoological Society’s mission – and it doesn’t come at the expense of local action. In fact, Dr. Dimitrie (who now leads DZS conservation programs) emphasizes that the Zoo’s projects span all seven continents, from the Amazon to the Arctic. “From supporting resilient landscapes in metro Detroit to working with partners globally to preserve the Amazon rainforest... the DZS participates in conservation work on all seven continents,” noted Dimitrie in a recent interview. In other words, caring for wildlife has no borders. The same values driving the Amazon program also drive efforts here at home in Michigan.
Metro Detroit locals can take pride that the Zoo is not only helping faraway rainforests but also doing critical conservation work in our own backyard. The DZS has a “Resilient Landscapes” initiative focused on Southeast Michigan’s environment. Zoo staff collaborate with local partners to restore wetlands, prairies and other wildlife habitats around Metro Detroit. They’ve planted 2,000 native trees on Zoo grounds and in neighboring communities to improve air quality and provide shade and food for birds and pollinators. They’re creating pollinator gardens that attract native butterflies and bees, and advising on bird-friendly building practices to prevent window collisions. The Belle Isle Nature Center (operated by the DZS on Detroit’s Belle Isle park) offers conservation education programs for city residents, showing that nature conservation isn’t just something that happens in distant jungles – it’s right here along the Detroit River too. By working together with communities, the Zoo envisions a greener, more sustainable future for Southeast Michigan, addressing local challenges like habitat fragmentation and invasive species in the process.
Beyond Michigan, the DZS lends its expertise to other global causes. It is a proud partner in the Wildlife Trafficking Alliance (WTA), a national coalition battling the illegal wildlife trade. This multibillion-dollar black market for elephant ivory, rhino horn, exotic birds and more is driving many species toward extinction. The Detroit Zoo contributes by educating the public not to buy wildlife products and by providing sanctuary to confiscated animals that cannot be returned to the wild. For example, over the years the Zoo has housed parrots and reptiles rescued from smugglers, giving them expert care and safe homes. Such efforts align perfectly with the ethos of Adopt-A-School: in both cases, the DZS is addressing the root causes of wildlife loss – whether it’s lack of education or greed – and focusing on solutions that involve people.
In the Amazon, the Zoo’s conservation reach goes beyond Adopt-A-School as well. DZS also partners with an organization called OnePlanet to support the indigenous Maijuna people, one of the Amazon’s most vulnerable indigenous groups. OnePlanet works with the Maijuna to protect their ancestral lands – an immense swath of pristine rainforest – by promoting sustainable income projects (like harvesting honey and fish farming) that reduce pressure to sell land to outside developers. By supporting OnePlanet and the Maijuna, DZS helps empower indigenous guardians of the forest to continue their traditional stewardship of the land. It’s another example of how local voices and knowledge are placed at the center of conservation. Together with these partners, the Detroit Zoological Society is ensuring that biologically and culturally significant areas of the Amazon remain protected for generations to come.
.png)
Detroit Zoological Society, Facebook
Leaving a Legacy and How You Can Get Involved
The partnership between Detroit and the Amazon has proven one thing above all: when communities are given knowledge and support, they become the strongest allies in conservation. What started as a few boxes of school supplies has grown into a legacy of educated young adults, healthier villages, and preserved wildlife habitat. And the story is far from over. As Lannoye-Hall puts it, “We now have a full generation of educated parents [in the Amazon]. That leads to better ecological decisions for the communities and the rainforest.” The ripple effect of education will continue to spread with each new class of children that benefits from the program.
For Metro Detroit families, this story is an inspiring reminder that our local institutions can have global impact. The next time you visit the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, you might look at it a little differently – not just as a place to see penguins and giraffes, but as headquarters of a worldwide conservation network. The Zoo has leveraged its resources and passionate staff to touch lives across the hemisphere. That’s something our community can truly be proud of.
Most importantly, you can be a part of this mission. The Detroit Zoological Society welcomes anyone interested to join in protecting the Amazon and other wild places. Here are a few ways to get involved:
- Volunteer on a Peruvian Adventure: Every year, the DZS leads volunteer expeditions to the Amazon rainforest. This isn’t your average vacation – it’s a chance to roll up your sleeves and make a difference on the front lines of conservation. Volunteers help deliver school supplies, plant trees, and work on community projects, all while exploring one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. You don’t need any special skills, just a willingness to learn and contribute. Plus, you’ll get to experience the Amazon’s beauty – from spotting tropical wildlife to visiting indigenous markets – guided by experts. It’s an eye-opening journey that many describe as the trip of a lifetime. If you’re a Metro Detroiter with a sense of adventure, this is a fantastic way to directly support the cause. Tip: The DZS usually announces its Amazon volunteer trip dates and sign-ups on their website each year, so keep an eye out and be ready to reserve your spot.
- Support the Program from Home: If hopping on a plane to Peru isn’t feasible, you can still make a big impact right from Michigan. Donations are the fuel that keeps the Adopt-A-School program running strong. A donation of any size goes toward purchasing books, school supplies, and funding educational workshops for both students and teachers. And because the Detroit Zoological Society is a registered nonprofit, contributions are tax-deductible and 100% of the funds go directly to the program’s work in Peru – not overhead or middlemen. Even sharing information about the program with friends, or encouraging your child’s school to do a fundraiser, can help spread the word. You can donate through the Detroit Zoo’s official website (look for the Amazon Rainforest Adopt-A-School Program under their giving opportunities) or through CONAPAC’s site. Every pencil and notebook you help provide is a tangible piece of a brighter future – one that benefits both people and wildlife.
By educating, engaging, and supporting communities a continent away, the Detroit Zoological Society has built a bridge from Metro Detroit to the Amazon. It’s a bridge of knowledge and compassion – and it stands as a model of how local action can ripple outward to global change. The next chapter of this story is being written now, with each new volunteer, each donated book, and each child who realizes that their rainforest is worth protecting. In a world where environmental challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, this partnership offers a hopeful example of what genuine, grassroots conservation can achieve. It shows that when we invest in people, we invest in our planet’s future.
Want something local? These hands-on farms are perfect for animal-loving kids.
To learn more about the Detroit Zoological Society’s conservation initiatives – from the Peruvian Amazon to right here in Southeast Michigan – visit the DZS official website or the Detroit Zoological Society page. Consider reaching out to see how you can volunteer or contribute. Whether it’s joining an upcoming volunteer expedition, making a donation to Adopt-A-School, or simply sharing this story with others, you can play a part in this meaningful mission. As a community, metro Detroit can continue to lead by example – showing that a compassionate, educated, and active populace can empower change well beyond its borders. Together, let’s keep empowering the Amazon, one student at a time, and ensure that both people and wildlife thrive for generations to come.
DON'T KEEP US A SECRET - SHARE WITH A FRIEND OR ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
THINKING OF MOVING TO Metro Detroit, OR LOOKING TO RELOCATE IN THE AREA? VIEW A LIST OF CURRENT HOMES FOR SALE BELOW.
Metro Detroit Homes for Sale
The Perna Team and Michael Perna are the best real estate agents in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor. The Perna Team and Michael Perna have been hired as a real estate agent by hundreds of home owners to sell their homes in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor.
Michael Perna and The Perna Team sold our home in Royal Oak and helped us buy our new home in Troy. Mike was fantastic, always answering our calls and texts quickly and keeping us informed at every step. His negotiation skills got us a great deal when selling our home, and his connections made a huge difference in having our offer accepted in Troy. We never felt rushed or pressured, and Mike genuinely cared about finding the right home for us. If you need an agent to buy or sell your home in Metro Detroit, Michael Perna is the one you want.
Posted by Michael Perna on
Leave A Comment