One of the most recognizable brand marks in the world — the curled alligator on Lacoste shirts — stepped out of the spotlight temporarily to make way for a series of endangered species, helping to raise awareness and fund their protection.

The French label selected the following animals, representing an array of kingdoms from around the globe: the Vaquita dolphin, Burmese roofed turtle, Northern sportive lemur, Javan rhino, Cao vit gibbon, Kakapo parrot, California condor, Saola, Sumatran tiger and Anegada ground iguana.

For each shirt, the number offered corresponded with the number of each species remaining the world This consequently limited series of white polo shirts was an immediate hit, and sold out quickly.

The special line was created in conjunction with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and its save our species (SOS) partnership. Retail prices were set at $185 and with each purchase, a contribution helps IUCN and Lacoste battle for nature conservation all over the world.

The redesigned icons, meanwhile, are both familiar yet surprising, using similar scale, art and color strategies to the original, but simultaneously standing out — a good conversation starter for wearers concerned about the extinction crisis. Given the success of this endeavor, perhaps they will run additional such mini-series for other species, further raising awareness as well as money for pressing preservation causes.

Aiming to change the nature of zoo experiences for species on both sides of the glass, Zootopia radically reverses traditional layouts and changes conventional expectations. It almost looks as if the humans were on the display while the animals are given the most space possible to roam.

Being created in conjunction with the Givskud Zoo and Safari Park in Denmark, this architectural design by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)  is in part a response to some long-standing criticisms of zoos, attacked for putting animals into barred, walled and windowed boxes.

Instead, this architecture is meant to disappear, with barriers becoming effectively invisible and the experience more seamless for humans and animals alike. Rolling hills and strategic rocks replace over dividers, creating an environment that looks, feels and ultimately is more natural.

Additionally, habitats are being designed around the spatial needs and social desires of individual species, granting them the freedom as well as privacy required for each animal type to both survive and thrive.

For visitors, a central entrance gives a wide view in all directions to section spinning out from the middle and representing various climates and regions. Travel through the zoo will happen on foot but also by bike, boat and sky car.

The idea itself is not entirely novel – there are many drive-through zoos and wildlife refuges that attempt to simulate more organic conditions and break down barriers between humans and the animals they are visiting. Still, for a large-scale zoo, this approach is rare is not unprecedented in its aims and scope.