GEICO Sends Gecko to Tour Zoos for Conservation

Government Employees Insurance Company (GEICO) has kicked off a campaign that uses its gecko mascot to promote wildlife conservation and the role of American zoos and aquariums in the fight to preserve species.

A live exhibit of geckos from Madagascar and appearances by the GEICO gecko costumed character are part of a sponsored display that will remain at the San Diego Zoo’s Children’s Zoo until Feb. 17. The promotion is scheduled to move to other zoos and aquariums in the U.S. over the next three years, with GEICO making a contribution to wildlife protection at each stop.

“The power of the GEICO gecko to reach the public combined with the power of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoos and aquariums to reach 157 million visitors every year is a winning combination,” AZA president and CEO Jim Maddy said in a statement.

The GEICO-AZA partnership has already produced a series of television spots pairing the animated gecko with real-life zoo animals. The GEICO gecko will also play a part in AZA’s “Party for the Planet” this coming Earth Day, April 22.