The goal is for participants to walk a collective 14,000 miles across the globe to raise awareness and funds for work to save endangered species. (photo courtesy of the LA Zoo)

The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association is launching its first-ever fitness fundraiser – Walk for the Wild – on Earth Day, April 22, to raise critical funds to support the Los Angeles Zoo and its species-saving work.

From April 22 through Endangered Species Day on May 21, participants will take a virtual walk “around the world” to explore the global conservation impact of the L.A. Zoo and learn about efforts to save threatened species. Participants will be rewarded throughout the journey with digital fitness and fundraising badges and exclusive content, plus rewards based on fundraising level.

Join individually or as a team and participate in a little friendly competition to win prizes. Proceeds benefit the Los Angeles Zoo and GLAZA, the nonprofit organization that supports the Zoo and plays a central role in making its vital conservation work possible.

Registration begins on March 9, with registration levels that include a commemorative T-shirt and medal. To learn more and to register, visit lazoo.org/walkforthewild.

“Because it’s easy for anyone to participate, Walk for the Wild encourages the entire Los Angeles community to engage in a lifelong philanthropic relationship with the L.A. Zoo’s wildlife conservation mission, from schoolchildren to grandparents. Whoever you are, you can save species from extinction and be a conservation hero,” GLAZA President Tom Jacobson said.

From now through May 21, participants can register and create a fundraising page, set fitness goals, get moving and make an impact on wildlife conservation. Leading up to the virtual Opening Ceremony on Earth Day, there will be fun weekly challenges that will prepare and inspire participants for the walk and help them meet their fitness and fundraising goals.

Starting on April 22, participants choose when and where to walk (or bike, run, swim, dance, etc.), tracking their real-world movement on an integrated virtual map to eight global destinations, including Paraguay, South Africa and India, among others, and receive special content at each stop.

Participants’ goal is to walk a collective 14,000 miles across the globe to raise awareness and funds for work to save endangered species. The event concludes on May 21 at 11:59 p.m. The winners of the Largest Team, Top Individual and Team Fundraising and Longest Distance awards will be announced on May 22, as well as the total amount raised by this incredible global fitness adventure.

Walk for the Wild is open to the public, and participants of all abilities are encouraged to participate in the activity of their choosing – any physical movement will propel them towards their fitness goal.

Fundraising rewards start at the $150 level (inclusive of registration fee) and include a plush toys and Walk for the Wild branded merchandise.

For information, visit lazoo.org.