Help return a species from the edge of extinction, one snail at a time.

Dreaming of a tropical island escape? Now a snail can go in your place!

Tiny, rare, and remarkable, the Partula snail is a survivor of epic proportions. Once declared extinct in the wild, this pea-sized Polynesian snail is making a comeback thanks to decades of work by Woodland Park Zoo and our global partners.

And now, you can be part of that story.

For just $25, you can name a Partula snail raised at Woodland Park Zoo before it returns to the French Polynesian island of Tahiti. These little snails play a big role in keeping island forests healthy by breaking down dead plant material and supporting the balance of their ecosystem. Your gift supports our Zooing it All fund, helping power conservation efforts locally and globally, including the care and reintroduction of these remarkable creatures.

Tiny Facts, Mighty Impact

• 501 snails currently live behind the scenes at Woodland Park Zoo
• Adults grow to about the size of a pea
• Newborns are about the size of a candy sprinkle
• They snack on a gourmet mix of trout chow, nettle powder, and custom vitamins
• 7,000+ Partula snails will be released this year across 4 islands, including Tahiti
• Newly found wild-born snails are proof the program is working

How long will the Name a Partula Snail recognition page be up on the zoo’s website?

Indefinitely! We’ll update the list of names periodically throughout the year.

Where can I find my snail’s name on the zoo’s website?

The Name a Partula Snail onsite recognition list is available online. View the list here: zoo.org/snailnames

How soon will my snail’s name on view on the zoo’s website?

It may take us a week to add your snail’s name to the recognition list, but we will continuously update the list throughout the year.

Is there a limit to the number of characters in my snail’s name or restrictions on what I can name my snail?

We ask that you please limit your snail’s name to 30 characters, including spaces. Woodland Park Zoo promotes a family-friendly environment, so please keep all snail names in that spirit. Woodland Park Zoo reserves the right to exclude snail names from public recognition at our discretion.

Will I receive an email confirmation of my Partula snail naming?

When making your gift online, a Name a Partula Snail confirmation email will be sent to the email address you have provided immediately after you submit your contribution. If you are making your gift through the mail or in person, confirmation and a tax receipt will be mailed to your address within two weeks. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at donations@zoo.org or 206.548.2491.

Can I give a Name a Partula snail magnet to as a gift?

Yes! If you would like to give a Partula snail a name as a gift, please select the “Dedicate my Donation” option on the donation form. We will send a note with the commemorative snail magnet to the name and address provided. Please allow up to 10 business days for fulfillment. Please contact us at donations@zoo.org or 206.548.2491 with any questions.

For an instant gift option, select “Dedicate my Donation” on our Name a Partula snail giving form when making your contribution. You can then send a personalized e-card with a custom message to a special recipient’s email.

What is the price to name a Partula snail at Woodland Park Zoo?

We ask for a minimum donation of $25 to name a Partula snail at Woodland Park Zoo. We have a limited number of snails available for naming each year. Donations of all sizes make an important difference in our work to save species around the world, restore Partula snail populations, and educate millions of visitors about the importance of biodiversity. With a gift of $1,000 or more in a calendar year, donors can join our Wild at Heart society (link to zoo.org/wildatheart), and gain access to special experiences, perks and zoo news as well as a family zoo membership.

How will the zoo use the proceeds from the Name a Partula snail campaign?

Name a Partula Snail gifts support Woodland Park Zoo’s Annual Fund, which helps sustain all operations at your community zoo, including daily animal care, veterinary check-ups and procedures, engaging educational programming and vital conservation initiatives, like our Partula Snail breeding and reintroduction program.

Can physical items from the Name a Snail program be shipped internationally?

Due to shipping and customs limitations, physical items from the Name a Snail program can only be shipped within the United States. International supporters are still warmly welcome to participate and will receive a digital certificate, a donation receipt, and have their chosen snail name featured on our website; however, physical items cannot be fulfilled outside the U.S.