PRESS RELEASE —John Ball Zoo has announced a partnership with Fifth Third Bank that will help guests double their donation to their Round Up for Conservation program.

Round Up for Conservation helps wildlife and wild places. John Ball Zoo guests are encouraged to become everyday conservationists by rounding up their purchases to the next dollar amount when visiting the Zoo. Fifth Third Bank will then generously match those donations up to $20,000.

“Conservation is really at the core of what accredited zoos do and what they’re about,” says Tom Welch, president of Fifth Third Bank. “Especially when we hear about so many species on the brink of extinction, right now is truly a crucial time to be supporting John Ball Zoo’s conservation work.”

“As one of just five zoos in Michigan accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, John Ball Zoo’s conservation efforts are making a tremendous difference for endangered and threatened species both here in Michigan as well as around the world,” said Peter D’Arienzo, John Ball Zoo’s CEO.

“Having the generous Round Up donations by our guests, paired with Fifth Third’s wonderful match, is remarkable. They’re true partners in assisting us in this important work,” added D’Arienzo.

John Ball Zoo is working in the field to save five different Michigan species. It participates in over 40 species survival breeding programs. Its Wildlife Conservation Fund supports field projects internationally. Round Up for Conservation is a primary source of funding for these critical efforts to save wildlife and wild places.