ABOUT WALK FOR THE WILD CAMPAIGN
You know the Los Angeles Zoo as an oasis in the heart of Los Angeles that is home to thousands of animals, many of them endangered. Now, here’s your chance to explore parts of the Zoo that you don’t know, on a virtual walk “around the world” to explore the global conservation impact of the Zoo. Along the way, you’ll learn about efforts to save threatened animal species in far-flung locations, from South Africa to India to Paraguay and beyond. It’s all part of a fundraising adventure benefitting the L.A. Zoo and the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), the nonprofit organization that supports the Zoo and plays a central role in making its vital, species-saving work possible.
 
 
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
“Walking for the wild” couldn’t be easier! Just follow these simple steps.
 
 
STEP 1: REGISTER and set up your account anytime between now and May 21. Once you register, you will have your own web page that will track your team’s combined distance and funds you raise together.
 
 
Registration: $45/participant (proceeds go toward your overall fundraising goal) includes a t-shirt.
 
With a $65 registration, receive a t-shirt and completion medal.
 
 

T-shirt pick-up information: Registrants can pick up their T-shirt at the Zoo on select dates and times. (See below.) Please bring a valid photo ID and proof of registration. A friend or family member may pick up another registered participant’s T-shirt with a copy of their photo ID and registration confirmation email. Parents picking up T-shirts for their children under the age of 18 are not required to present an ID for the child if one is unavailable. Participants will be given the T-shirt size they selected during the registration process.

Pick-up dates:

  • Thursday, May 27 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Friday, May 28 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 29 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

If you can’t make it to the Zoo to pick up your T-shirt during these times, don’t worry! Any T-shirts that haven’t been picked up in person will be mailed to registrants after May 29, along with medals and fundraising rewards, as eligible. Please allow five to 10 business days for processing and shipping.

 
STEP 2: RECRUIT team members from anywhere in the world to join you. Decide together on your goals for distance and fundraising. Get the most out of your experience by forming a team with friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers and competing with other teams!
 
 
STEP 3: USE YOUR INFLUENCE AND REAP REWARDS. Connect using emails built into your Charity Footprints account and to your social network to help raise awareness and reach your fundraising goals. Share your progress regularly by posting pictures and short videos to spread the word. Remember to tag @LAZoo and include #WalkfortheWild to be a part of the larger social media movement! The more you raise, the more funds for conservation and #WalkfortheWild rewards you earn. Your registration is applied to your fundraising balance.
 
 
 
STEP 4: SET UP YOUR DEVICE AND GET ACTIVE! Set up your fitness device using the How It Works instructions or download our Charity Footprints Apple or Android app. Consider joining or starting your own team to help motivate activity and healthy competition with other teams. Track your steps/miles during the fitness challenge kicking off on Earth Day (April 22) with a virtual Opening Ceremony and concluding on Endangered Species Day (May 21) when winners of the Top Fundraising and Longest Distance awards will be announced, along with the total amount raised.
 
 
 
HOW THIS WALK IS DIFFERENT
 
Unlike a traditional walk/run/bike fundraising event, this virtual “race” uses technology and takes social distancing into account. Participants can choose when and where to walk or get active in whatever way you choose, tracking their real-world steps on an integrated virtual map to eight global destinations and unlocking special content at each stop. Don’t walk, run, or bike to stay active? No problem! Maybe you golf, swim, spin, dance, row, box, or even do house or yard work. It all counts! As long as you can move, you can go the extra mile for wildlife and wild places with Walk for the Wild. Collectively, participants are challenged to walk 14,000 miles around the globe to raise awareness for work to save endangered species and funds for the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association.
 
 
Need help converting your activities to miles? Use this handy chart.
 
 
INTERESTED IN WALK FOR THE WILD SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES?
Click here to learn more
 
MORE QUESTIONS?
If you can't find an answer to your questions below, visit www.lazoo.org/walkforthewild
 
FITNESS GOAL
COMPLETED: 28,162 miles
TARGET: 14,000 miles
FUNDRAISING GOAL
RAISED: $ 160,472
TARGET: $ 150,000
You must go on adventures to find out where you truly belong. ~ Sue Fitzmaurice
Come join us and leave your footprints around the world!
HOW IT WORKS
Register for the campaign and set your fitness & fundraising targets.
Share your story and raise funds & awareness.
Track workouts anywhere & anytime and complete goal.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
GREATER LOS ANGELES ZOO ASSOCIATION
To serve the community, we will create an environment for recreation and discovery; inspire an appreciation of wildlife through exhibitry and education; ensure the highest level of animal welfare; and support programs that preserve biodiversity and conserve natural habitat.

Read more about the organization >>

HOW YOUR PARTICIPATION HELPS
When you register and fundraise for Walk for the Wild, you’re supporting the Los Angeles Zoo and its nonprofit partner, the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), whose shared mission is to save animals from extinction and provide a safe and inspiring place for our community to build relationships with nature. In a year that has been so challenging, Walk for the Wild is your chance to step up and demonstrate your belief in that mission. Not only will you be supporting the Zoo’s conservation efforts, you’ll also help ensure that GLAZA is able to raise awareness of and ongoing funding for the Zoo’s efforts to protect wildlife today and inspire the conservation leaders of tomorrow through membership, our volunteer program, publications, and more.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Charity Footprints?

Charity Footprints is a social enterprise that connects fitness and charitable giving. We empower people just like you, to get fit & give back.

Our Virtual Races allow non-profits to challenge their patrons to run, walk or ride and raise funds just as they would in a fundraising walkathon. The best part - charities save over 45% in event and logistical costs. So, the dollars that you pay to register or fundraise, go farther.

What is the campaign registration fee?

Campaign registration fee is the amount that you'll need to pay to enroll in this virtual race. This fee (less transaction charges) will go to the non-profit running this campaign as a donation.

The registration fee along with the funds raised through your individual fundraising page will enable the non-profit to fund various programs and pursue their organization's mission.

How can I create my fundraising page?

Well, you wouldn't have to create a separate fundraising page. Once you register for this campaign, we'll give you the link to your fundraising page.

How will I track my distance?

You can track your workouts by setting up your devices (Fitbit, Garmin, Apple Watch, Health Connect By Android, Misfit, Strava), or download the Charity Footprints' iOS or Android app and track your workouts toward this campaign. ?>

If you workout indoors (treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike etc.), you can upload your workouts here.

How do I join a team on this campaign?

While registering for the campaign, select the team you'd like to join or create a new team and invite others to #GetFitGiveBack with you. If you want to join a team (or create your team) after registration, login to the campaign site and you would find a link to edit "My Team" in the menu under your profile in the header.

I am an international donor (non-US), what are my donation charges and tax-deductibility?

All donations are made in US dollars, so the donations may be levied an exchange rate fee via your bank. Donors will want to connect with their bank to determine exactly what that fee may be. Additionally, international donors will need to reach out to a tax professional to discuss if and how tax deductibility will apply to their donation.

Who can sponsor my fundraising efforts?

The short answer is - everyone. The fundraising research shows that the number one reason for people not donating is that they weren't asked to.

That said, there are things you can do to attract people to sponsor you. Adding a picture to your fundraising page, telling potential donors why this cause is so personal to you, sharing your fundraising page on social media, email, and chat groups.

Last, if your employer has a gift matching program, check with the human resources department to support your favorite cause as well.

Who can I contact if I need help?

You can contact us any time if you need help. We love hearing from our users so please don't hesitate to write to us about issues, suggestions, or to just say hi. You can also contact the non-profit administrator directly if you would like.

How do I change or switch my team?

If you want to join a team (or create your team) after registration, login to the campaign site and you would find a link to edit "My Team" in the menu under your profile in the header.