Staples Elementary kindergarteners presented Beardsley Zoo with a generous donation.

Organizers say the kids raised about $1,100 to benefit the new red panda habitat at the zoo.

Teachers say the fundraiser was a great teaching moment on the importance to preserving animal habitats.

"We are just trying to instill a love of community and animals in our kindergarten students at a very young age and hopefully that will carry on throughout the rest of their lives," says teacher Michelle Paciello.

St. Augustine's Academy fourth-graders in Bridgeport also presented a check to the zoo for $500.

They say that money will go toward the zoo's plans for a new tiger habitat.