What does it mean to symbolically adopt an animal?

• When you symbolically adopt one of our animals, you do not retain any legal rights to them in any way. Instead, this is an opportunity to give direct financial support to an animal of your choosing and to help maintain their health and happiness here at the EcoTarium. Your donation will go towards their food, enrichment, veterinary visits, treats, and so much more.

Can I adopt more than one animal?

• Yes. There is no limit to the number of animals you can adopt. You can also choose to adopt the same animal more than once.

Can I take my adopted animal home and/or hold it?

• Unfortunately, all of our animals must remain in the care and custody of the EcoTarium. You are also not permitted to hold, touch, or feed any of our animals for both your safety and theirs. As this is a symbolic adoption, you do not officially own any of our animals.

What is a Keeper Report?

• Keeper Reports are filled out by the EcoTarium staff member that works directly with the animal you adopt. This will include information such as your animal’s favorite snack and how their training is going.

Does every level get a plush animal?

• Unfortunately no. Plush animals are available at the $75 and $125 packages for the Rabbit, Otter, Turtle and Turkey Vulture. Plush otters are also available when opting in to the Otter Adoption package which is a monthly payment plan of $25 or more per month, for 12 months (or more). For more information on this package, please email Development at bjohnston@ecotarium.org or call 508.929.2767.

Do members get a discount?

• No. There are no discounts that apply to symbolically adopting an EcoTarium animal.

Is my donation fully tax-deductible?

• That depends. You can make your gift fully tax-deductible by opting out of receiving any of the items offered in the adoption package. By doing this, the entirety of your donation becomes tax-deductible.

When are in-person Keeper Chats and Otter Encounters?

• The event will be hosted on a date previously chosen by the EcoTarium. They are available for individuals who either purchased or were gifted a symbolic animal adoption package at the $75 value or higher.

How many people can I bring to the Keeper Chat & Otter Encounter?

• You may bring in up to 3 guests to the Keeper Chat & Otter Encounter - 4 including yourself. Children under the age of 2 are considered guests.

• Packages purchased at the $25 value will be emailed to the purchaser. All other packages will be mailed to the address provided by the purchaser. You may also pick up your package in person on a date agreed upon by yourself and the development department. 

If I am donating $25 monthly, what do I receive each year?

• For the first time donating, you will receive the Adoption Package for the $25 monthly. Each year afterward, you will continue to be invited to the Keeper chat and Otter Encounter, and your choice of an Otter or Mountain Lion Breakfast.

About the Animals

• As animals are living creatures, they can be moved off exhibit for a number of reasons, including but not limited to: veterinary checkups, illness, death, etc. If your animal passes away during your support period, you will be notified and your donation will continue to be used to care for our remaining wildlife.