Partners in Conservation
Learn about the Zoo’s financial commitment to holistic conservation efforts in Central Africa.
Ready to walk on the w.i.l.D. side?
Say hello to a new kind of sustainability challenge—one that's fun, free, and made for life on the go.
The W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge (Walk Intentionally, Live Differently) is your chance to take simple steps that add up to big impact. Whether you're a longtime Zoo fan or just starting your sustainability journey, these bite-sized, plastic-free actions make it easy to build eco-friendly habits that stick. It's not about being perfect—it’s about walking a little more intentionally, together.
What Kind of Actions? The Kind You Can Actually Do.
You don’t need special gear, a perfect routine, or a big budget to make a difference—just a little intention and the free W.I.L.D. Challenge app, courtesy of JouleBug. Every action is designed to fit into your real life, with plastic-free swaps and sustainability tips that work at home, at work, and even during your visit to the Columbus Zoo.
From saying no to single-use plastics to packing your own water bottle or switching to reusable snack bags, these simple shifts add up. And here’s the fun part: you’ll earn points throughout the month of July every time you complete a challenge.
The app is 100% free. The challenges are free. And the impact? Wildly rewarding.
Here are three examples!
Get Started
Join the Columbus Zoo's W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge Team!
OR
Download the free JouleBug! app in the App Store or on Google
Play.
- Create your account and enter the access code: WILD2025
- Customize your profile and turn on notifications
- Join the W.I.L.D. Zero-Waste Challenge and find your local team
- Explore the app and start earning points by logging your planet-friendly actions!
How to Use the App How to Create a Team How to Log an Action
Why Participate?
- Plastic waste is a threat to wildlife. Some plastics can be mistaken for food by animals, causing a threat to their health.
- Plastic pollutes natural habitats like rivers, lakes, and oceans.
- Your efforts can have a long-lasting environmental impact, both locally and globally!
Additional Resources
Challenge Sponsors
Thanks to these great organizations for their support!
