PORT CLINTON, Ohio, April 19, 2024 — In anticipation of Earth Day on April 22, African Safari Wildlife Park has contributed $600 to local organizations dedicated to protecting native Ohio wildlife and ecosystems.

The following nonprofit organizations received $200 each:

• Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Oak Harbor, Ohio – dedicated to conserving the Lake Erie marshes through habitat restoration, infrastructure improvements and educational programming
• Back to the Wild, Castalia, Ohio – dedicated to rehabilitating orphaned, displaced and injured wildlife for release into their natural habitat
• Black Swamp Conservancy, Perrysburg, Ohio – dedicated to preserving natural habitats and family farms through land stewardship

The recipients were selected by the Park’s conservation committee, composed of employees Ashley Hamrick, Seth Hojnacki, Kelsey Keller, Makayla Kopriver, Sophie Nader, Brandon Ramsey, Dylan Shea, Danielle Tran and Elliot Zirulnik.

The contributions came from Guardian of Wildlife, the Park’s 501(c)(3) organization that exists to promote and support wildlife conservation and is funded primarily by donations from Park guests. Since 2016, Guardian of Wildlife has gifted more than $28,000 to nonprofit organizations around the world. Donations to Guardian of Wildlife can be made at www.africansafariwildlifepark.com/donate.

“We are fortunate to live in a region abundant in amazing wildlife and unique ecosystems, and we are just as lucky to have these incredible community organizations in our backyard,” said Park director Kelsey Keller.