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 adopt an animal every year?
- Yes. Just like membership, symbolically adopting an animal is renewable. When making your initial donation, you can opt-in to making an annual donation without worrying about lapsing. If you do not choose to automatically renew, you can always choose to adopt again at any time online. All individuals who renew will receive a new adoption package each year—unless they have opted out of receiving a package.
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, Snake, 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. If you choose to receive the adoption package, your tax deductible value can be seen below: Please check back for more information.
Why should I opt into making this an annual donation instead of a one-time donation?
- If you choose to symbolically adopt an EcoTarium animal annually, this takes the hassle out of choosing to readopt. We will automatically send you out your adoption package when your payment processes (unless you have chosen to make your gift fully tax-deductible). You can always choose to cancel this at any time by calling Development at 508.929.2767.
Do members get a discount?
- No. There are no discounts that apply to symbolically adopting an EcoTarium animal.
When are Meet & Greets?
- Meet & Greets will be hosted on a date previously chosen by the EcoTarium. Meet & Greets are for individuals who either purchased or were gifted a symbolic animal adoption package at the $75 value or higher. The first meet & greet will take place on November 24, 2019 at 10 am.
How many people can I bring to the Meet & Greet?
- You may bring in up to 5 guests to the meet & greet—6 including yourself. Children under the age of 2 are considered guests.
How will I get my adoption package?
- 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.
Can I go to the Meet & Greet with a combined package value of $75?
- No. If you purchase two packages that equal $75 or more, you cannot attend the meet & greet. This perk is only available for those who have purchased individual packages starting at $75.
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.
