FOSZ Efforts

Friends of Sunset Zoo's Conservation Scholar Program

This annual scholar program supports the next generation of conservation-minded professionals by awarding the Robert Klemm, PhD, Conservation Scholar Award. The award covers an active college student's expenses related to a field conservation project and is named in honor of Sunset Zoo's first Director of Conservation and Research, Robert Klemm, PhD. The Friends of Sunset Zoo will fund up to four awards of up to $2,000 every year. 

Robert Klemm, PhD, Conservation Scholar Awards may be used for direct costs related to the Scholar's field work, including research that helps protect species in the wild, or protection of species or ecosystems in situ; awareness-building through informational/educational materials conducted on behalf of a non-governmental organization (NGO) that publicizes conservation; or outcome-oriented education programs that target an audience that directly impacts the species or habitat of concern. The complete definition of "field conservation" can be found from the AZA (PDF).

The 2026 submission cycle is closed. 2027 applications will open March 1st, 2027.