A crucial service provided by zoos and aquariums is educating people of all ages about biodiversity, habitat protection, and conservation. Through creative exhibits, informative signs, lecture series, volunteer and mentoring programs, outreach with schools, and special events, zoos and aquariums can make lessons about biodiversity and conservation come alive. Most people will probably never encounter a tiger or a shark in the wild. Seeing them in zoos and aquariums may be the only opportunity they ever have to meet these fascinating animals up close, and this may be the spark that triggers them to care more about conservation. No one wants a day to come when zoos and aquariums are the only remaining refuge for endangered species, and these institutions have a unique ability to convey messages about the importance of protecting these species in their wild habitats. These messages have truly hit their target when visitors go home with a heightened sense of purpose, inspired to do their part to save threatened wildlife."