Sacramento Zoological Society

Big Day. 

Tiny Hero.

Big Impact.

In a world where wildlife needs our help more than ever, a new hero has emerged...   

It’s a bird! It’s a plane!    

No… It’s a HeroRat!

Don’t let their size fool you. They may be small, but these tiny heroes have an awesome superpower.  

A super nose.

HeroRats are African Giant Pouched Rats that have been expertly trained to sniff out commonly trafficked wildlife products in Africa like giraffe hide and hair, rhino horn and elephant tusks – deterring wildlife trafficking at its source! Through their heroic efforts, these smallest of animals are protecting some of the largest animals on earth – one tiny sniff at a time.

This summer, with your support, the Sacramento Zoo will become home to three HeroRats!

Your gift today will help build three habitats for these largely solitary animals, and will provide expert care, food and nutrition from Sacramento Zoo staff. During live public demonstrations, guests will see these remarkable heroes in action and learn about the global fight against wildlife trafficking. 

Your gift will also help provide improvements to the zoo's giraffe habitat including a new fence, improved staff access for servicing the habitat, and in-habitat shade and feeding structures.  

Any additional funds will be put to work providing habitat improvements, outstanding care and animal enrichment all across the zoo. 

From our smallest animal to our tallest, your gift on Big Day of Giving will make a BIG impact!

Not every hero wears a cape. Sometimes they wear a tiny backpack. 

And sometimes, they make a gift on Big Day of Giving!

Join us and be a wildlife hero with your gift today.