Annu Al - Zoo Miami

Annual
Report
2012
Our mission is to encourage an appreciation for the world’s wildlife and
to help conserve it for future generations.
LEADERSHIP
As chairman of the Zoo Oversight Board, I see first hand the great work Zoo Miami
and its non-profit partner, the Zoological Society of Florida (ZSF), do for Miami-Dade
County. This partnership has built a world-class institution that provides not only
educational opportunities and conservation programs, but also serves as a cultural and
recreational center, and an important economic driver for the surrounding community.
The results are gratifying.
“Both the Zoo
and ZSF
enthusiastically
champion
the cause
of wildlife
conservation.”
Zoo Miami and the Zoological Society of Florida work closely with Miami-Dade County
Public Schools and private schools to offer a wide array of educational programs to
make the classroom experience in biology and natural science more memorable and
relevant to young minds. Just as important, the Zoo helps children and teenagers
understand how their individual decisions can impact the natural world, an important
realization given the environmental stresses a growing population places on the planet.
Over 370,000 students under the age of 11 visited this past year, and I firmly believe we
made a positive change in each and every one of them.
Both the Zoo and ZSF enthusiastically champion the cause of wildlife conservation.
That mission will take on even more local relevance in coming years as we build Florida:
Mission Everglades, a major addition to the Zoo that will showcase the incredibly diverse
wildlife of the state, with an emphasis on the natural wonder that is the Everglades.
A new 800-seat amphitheater is nearing completion. This facility will provide a muchneeded venue for outdoor concerts and cultural events, as well as help the Zoo deliver
its own educational programs. The State of Florida and Miami-Dade County Department
of Cultural Affairs recognize Zoo Miami as a major cultural institution.
As an economic engine, over 880,000 people visited the Zoo in the past fiscal year, with almost one in six
coming as tourists. They generate both added sales for local businesses and tax revenue. In coming years,
we expect the Zoo to make an even bigger impact as we work toward developing the surrounding property into
a family entertainment complex. Combined with a hotel, this will drive additional tourist dollars into south
Miami-Dade. Nearer term, and in conjunction with construction of the Everglades exhibit, we are planning a
completely new entrance to the Zoo itself, to further enhance the visitor experience.
The progress we’ve made this year, and the foundation we’ve laid for future growth, is a testament to our
forward-looking community and the tireless efforts of our supporters. What was a small and inconsequential
collection of animals at the Zoo’s creation in 1948 is now one of the top zoos in the country, with increasing
global recognition and a very promising future.
With pride and conviction I can say that there has never been a better time to be associated with Zoo Miami
and the ZSF. I thank all of you for your encouragement and support for this outstanding institution.
Sincerely,
Commissioner Dennis C. Moss
District 9
LEADERSHIP
It’s a great time to be a zoo. Put simply, zoos have never been more needed.
Zoos educate. Zoos promote conservation. These are vital tasks in a world where
the human impact on the environment, especially animal habitats, becomes more
pronounced by the day.
“Zoo Miami
is both an
engaging and
important
destination for
our community
as well as a vital
conservation
organization with
projects at home
and around
the world.”
As one of the country’s leading zoos, Zoo Miami has an important role in this work.
We care for over 2,000 animals, representing more than 300 species, a number of
which are endangered or vulnerable. Many live in open range exhibits which, combined
with the tropical climate, closely replicate natural habitats, giving them a healthy,
comfortable home. We also take part in cooperative breeding programs, which help
ensure the long-term viability of threatened species by giving them a genetic lifeline as
wild populations dwindle. Outside the Zoo, we work with conservation groups worldwide
such as the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre (formerly the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife
Centre) in South Africa to bring our expertise to bear on specific areas of need.
Through our partnership with the Zoological Society of Florida we provide the venue for
a number of education programs focused on wildlife, biology, and the environment. On
a less formal basis, the Zoo gives visitors a chance to learn more about the need for
conservation. Research shows that visits to accredited zoos and aquariums often change
a person’s behavior, prompting individuals of all ages to consider their impact on the
world’s ecosystems.
The Zoo benefits the community in more ways than just education and conservation.
Zoo Miami is a place where family and friends of all ages can spend uninterrupted time
together, a low-cost luxury in an increasingly hectic and stressed age. To make that visitor
experience more engaging and enjoyable, Zoo Miami is constantly upgrading and refurbishing.
As always, our staff did a superb job throughout the year in offering a quality visitor experience while enriching
our collection, building new and upgrading existing facilities, and by paying close attention to customer service.
Zoo Miami is the largest attraction in South Florida and the only one accredited by the Association of Zoos and
Aquariums. Over 880,000 area residents and tourists came to the Zoo in fiscal year 2011-2012, an all-time
record. Throughout the year we worked to further increase our visibility, creating targeted promotions, including
$5 admission on select dates. This helped us bring in segments of the community that may not otherwise have
visited us.
What’s ahead? We’re completing work on an 800-seat amphitheater which will provide a more spacious
and comfortable setting for wildlife shows and educational programs during the day and a unique venue for
entertainment and cultural events at night.
Longer term, planning is well underway for our next major project: a new entrance for the Zoo and a new
exhibit, Florida: Mission Everglades, devoted to Florida’s wildlife and wild places with a major focus on the
Everglades. We expect construction to start in 2014 with completion by late 2015. It’s part of an ambitious
20-year master plan that should propel Zoo Miami into the first ranks of zoos worldwide.
This is an exciting period for the Zoo. Our growth and the changes we’re making help us in our
education and conservation missions, making the Zoo and its resources even more engaging, more relevant and
more accessible.
On behalf of the staff, I invite all of you to come and see the progress and enjoy the ever-changing Zoo Miami.
Eric J. Stephens,
Director
Zoo Miami
LEADERSHIP
The Zoological Society of Florida (ZSF) celebrates the closing of another GREAT year
of “excellence in service” and providing stable and expanding, mission-critical support
to Zoo Miami. As the Zoo’s support organization, and one of South Florida’s largest
membership based non-profits, the ZSF builds upon our distinguished 56-year history to
leverage new benefits to the Zoo family every year. During the past two years, the ZSF
has joined the Zoo in forging the following achievements:
•
•
•
•
“The ZSF
builds
upon our
•
distinguished
•
56-year history
to leverage
new
•
benefits to
the Zoo family
•
every year.”
•
Two straight years of record setting attendance;
Grown the Zoo Endowment by over 5.2%;
Grown Zoo memberships by 18%;
Grown Social Media presence by 400%, launched a new mobile phone
application and are finalizing plans for a comprehensive website makeover
this spring; Implemented a new quarterly publication and innovative marketing &
engagement techniques;
Re-engaged and expanded our past, present and future Board of Directors –
with 15 new Directors brought onto the team;
Helped save Miami-Dade County taxpayers over $3M, annually, through
providing necessary services such as Children’s Zoo operations, educational
programming, marketing, financial management, and other key direct
support activities for Zoo Miami;
Provided an estimated $1.4M value through management of the Zoo
volunteer program;
Implemented new and improved programs for kids, including servicing
1,200 children through the “Carnival Kids” education program and through
the creation of a “Conservation Teen Scientist” program – a deep immersion
youth conservation program that engaged 55 teens toward over 200,000
positive interactions in its first year of implementation;
Significantly, we successfully “launched” the philanthropic campaign for the next large Zoo project, Florida:
Mission Everglades, the past year. To date, this campaign has raised over $2M through external sources. With
construction anticipated as early as spring 2014, we are working toward building our Zoo’s bright future.
Today, the ZSF is a fiscally sound and growing partner that is both helping forge the next great successes
on the Zoo campus and also toward achieving our shared mission of wildlife conservation, education, and
wonderment for future generations. The next group of opportunities is aimed at leveraging our status as a
“Top 10” zoo in the country, toward becoming a premier zoo, globally. As shall be reported upon in future
years in this annual report, we now turn our attention towards building grand new exhibits, creating new
zoological conservation and research programs, building public/private partnerships for an entertainment
area at our front gate, and toward building annual attendance past the one million patron mark.
This is an INCREDIBLY exciting time to be involved and active at Miami’s top rated attraction: Zoo Miami! The
Zoological Society of Florida continues our mission to support, improve, and grow this truly global resource in
our own backyard. Join us!
Benjamin H. Pingree
President & CEO
Zoological Society of Florida
EDUCATION
Improving the Future One Visitor at a Time
Zoo Miami and the Zoological Society of Florida were very excited to introduce Conservation Teen Scientists
(CTS), a new citizen-based, community service volunteer initiative at Zoo Miami in 2011. As model conservationists and ambassadors to the South Florida community, the student scientists strengthen Zoo Miami
by informing and engaging zoo patrons in dialogue on local environmental topics and basic conservation
practices. The CTS program sailed through its inaugural year with successes that greatly surpassed
expectations. In 2011, the 55 CTS members representing seven Miami-Dade high schools logged in more
than 6,000 hours on grounds and conducted over 200,000 conservation conversations with zoo patrons.
Before the CTS volunteers engage with the public, they undergo comprehensive training through a rigorous
curriculum in conservation biology and interpretive naturalist practices. In addition, they receive in-depth
knowledge of natural history, taxonomy, animal behavior, wildlife conservation, and techniques on how to
effectively disseminate knowledge to zoo audiences.
With the completion of training, these young conservationists apply their knowledge and share their
experiences by educating a diverse, zoo-going public of all ages. Stationed in strategic zones of the park,
CTS volunteers are equipped with educational tools such as biofacts (bones, feathers, teeth, etc.) as they
interact with Zoo Miami patrons. In addition, CTS volunteers assist our zookeepers in the Children’s Zoo
with behind-the-scenes husbandry, enrichment and animal interactions.
The completion of the pilot year of the CTS program has been hugely successful, with 40 of the current 55
students expected to return for another full season of work in 2012-2013. All of the current CTS students
continue volunteering throughout the year on weekends and holidays. Returning students serve as mentors
for the new CTS group. By the close of 2012, we expect to invite about 130 new high school students into
CTS and of those we expect about 100 to progress through training and join us at the Zoo.
ANIMAL CARE & EXHIBITION
The most significant
birth of the year
A piece of history was born at Zoo Miami on
December 29, 2011 in the form of an Indian
rhinoceros named “Anala” – meaning fiery.
The female calf was born to an 11-year-old
one-horned rhino named “Kalu,” after almost
16 months of pregnancy. This was the first
successful birth of the vulnerable species
in the history of South Florida zoos. In the
US, it was only the third captive birth of an
Indian rhino that year.
These rhinos, whose horns have perceived
false medicinal value, are a target for
extensive poaching, leaving less than 3,000
of them in the wild. Anala’s birth was one
special occasion that marked an important
step in maintaining a healthy captive
population of Indian rhinos across the globe.
As she grows, Anala shares a love for apples,
bananas and sweet potatoes with her mother,
who was brought to Zoo Miami in 2004 from
the Bronx Zoo. Anala’s father, “Suru,” was
brought to Zoo Miami in 2003. Every day,
Anala continues to grow healthily, both
physically and mentally.
The newest animal interaction
Wings Down Under: A Parrot Feeding Adventure,
which opened in December 2011, gives guests
the feel of being in the Australian Outback.
This exhibit features a free-flight 1,656 square
foot aviary with over 300 colorful birds that
are native to Australia, including parakeets,
cockatiels and rosellas. Guests are able to surround themselves with the beautiful songs of
the birds, while the zoo staff educates them on
their habitats, behaviors and challenges. The
friendly birds will perch on visitors to eat treats
purchased for them.
ANIMAL CARE & EXHIBITION
A non-traditional farm animal experience
The Children’s Zoo at Zoo Miami got a whole lot wilder when it opened the new Wacky
Barn in July 2011. This area allows kids to get up close and personal with a new
collection of their favorite barn animals, including goats, sheep, alpaca, Shetland
horses and more. The petting zoo experience is brightened by the bold, colorful design
of the non-traditional barn. In truly wacky fashion, the grand opening of the new area
was celebrated with a good old-fashioned hoe down and special offers to guests.
The Future - the Florida: Mission Everglades exhibit and a new Front Entry Plaza
As visitors venture into Zoo Miami’s new exhibit Florida: Mission Everglades in 2015-2016, they will come to understand
our collective mission of trying to save the Everglades. Through one-of-a-kind interaction and informative exhibits about
significant animals found in South Florida, Zoo Miami will immerse visitors in an experience that is only outdone by an
actual trip to the Everglades. Florida: Mission Everglades will take visitors into the heart of Florida, bringing adults and
children into different habitats. Exploration of hammocks and pinelands will bring you face-to-face with a fierce bear or
slide you through the water where river otters play. A rickety wooden bridge and an acrylic underwater tube will introduce
you to alligators and crocodiles in a way you’ve never imagined. The encounters will excite and encourage visitors to
head for the Everglades, to experience Florida as they never have before.
The new Front Entry Plaza, part of the Florida project, will set the tone for visitors. Loaded
with artful creature features and unique design elements, the new plaza will amaze and
entertain with each visit. The signature features of the Front Entry will be artistic and
visual, including an Art in Public Places installation using pavers to create a natural flow
to the gates and a 100-foot tower with animal silhouettes and video screens. And as
visitors look up, especially at night, they will be treated to a light show from the “cloud”
structure encircling the plaza. The upgrade to the plaza will also include a new gift shop
and cafe, a multi-purpose event space, and guest relations. Of course, the zoo experience
would be incomplete without animals - so for the first time, an exhibit will be located
outside the gate, featuring our adored pink flamingos in a pond under the cloud.
The Zoological Society of Florida and Zoo Miami are committed to building Florida:
Mission Everglades and the new Front Entry Plaza, but we cannot do it alone. This $44
million project requires a lot of public support and private philanthropy. Along with funds
garnered through a 2005 voter approved General Obligation Bond and state monies, the
Zoological Society of Florida and Zoo Miami are enlisting private support from individuals and organizations. If you would like to support this project, please contact our Vice
President of Development, Cindy Eisaman, at 305.328.8828/[email protected].
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
Conservation and Research at Zoo Miami
As the Crandon Park Zoo in the 1940’s and as Miami Metrozoo in the 1980’s, Zoo Miami has a rich history
of involvement in conservation and research programs. In 2011, a renewed dedication occurred through the
formation of a Conservation and Research Department with staff members Dr. Frank Ridgley and Dustin Smith.
The department’s mission is to conserve the natural resources of South Florida and imperiled areas around the
world through community education, active research and field work, establishing a culture of sustainable
practices, and collaboration with our partners.
Signature programs
Queensland Koala
Zoo Miami has partnered with the San Diego Zoo since 1988 to support efforts to protect this iconic
species in its native range. The Zoological Society of Florida has funded the yearly commitment since
koalas were brought to the Zoo after Hurricane Andrew.
Queensland Koala
Komodo Dragon
Cheetah
Komodo Dragon
Since the Zoo received its first Komodo dragon in 1995, it has been involved with the conservation and
research of these impressive reptiles. Our General Curator, Steve Conners, visited Komodo Island in 2012
to participate in a long-term population monitoring program and Zoo Miami has also produced many
offspring that now reside around the world.
Puerto Rican Crested Toad
For almost 10 years, Zoo Miami has been involved with the Puerto Rican Crested
Toad Species Survival Plan (SSP) by supporting a captive assurance colony. The
Zoo houses these toads in their own designated area to allow for the toads to
breed. If breedings are successful, the tadpoles are sent back to Puerto Rico for
release to support the wild populations. Dustin Smith is involved in monitoring
crested toad populations and conducting disease surveys, tadpole releases and
habitat surveys in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rican
Crested Toad
Harpy Eagle
On behalf of Zoo Miami, Ron Magill developed and directed the creation of
a state-of-the-art “Harpy Eagle Center” in Panama in conjunction with the
government of Panama in 1998. Zoo Miami staff remains on the Board of
Directors for the national Harpy Eagle non-profit conservation organization in
Panama and has also participated in several expeditions to tag and track this
species throughout the Panamanian rainforests. Together these efforts make
Zoo Miami the single greatest U.S. zoo supporter.
Harpy Eagle
Cheetah
Through Ron Magill’s efforts, Zoo Miami began a partnership with the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre in
South Africa in 1996. To date, Ron Magill’s Conservation Fund has provided for the purchase of support
vehicles, veterinary supplies, and remote trigger cameras to facilitate a precedent-setting wild cheetah
census.
FrogWatch USA
Managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for more than four years, FrogWatch USA is a
citizen science program that allows anyone to become a field scientist. Field scientists collect important
data while learning more about amphibians, wetlands, and the local environment. If you are interested in
becoming a Zoo Miami FrogWatch USA volunteer, please e-mail [email protected].
FrogWatch USA
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
A Sampling of Significant Animal Births
Malaysian Giant Turtle
Endangered
Giant River Otters
Endangered
Somali Wild Ass
Critically Endangered
Golden Poison Arrow Frog
Endangered
Cuban Crocoodile
Critically Endangered
Jamaican Iguana
Critically Endangered
Black Headed Spider Monkey
Critically Endangered
Established in 1998, the Zoo Miami Conservation
and Research Fund has awarded grants to more
than 75 different projects across the globe.
Indian Rhino
Vulnerable
Conservation and Research in Belize
The first international project for the Conservation and Research Department was a collaborative effort with the
University of Florida, Lamanai Field Research Center, and Lamanai Outpost Lodge on a variety of programs in
Northern Belize. Together they have discovered how the cats of Belize are adapting and interacting with people, how
the local communities perceive and utilize the wildlife and habitats in the area, and lastly, about how the downward
population trends of the critically endangered Hicatee turtle might be reversed.
Zoo Miami Green Team
In order to minimize our impact on our environment and use of natural resources, Zoo Miami and ZSF created a Zoo Miami
Green Team comprised of members from many departments at the Zoo. The team was tasked with examining many
different areas of the Zoo to determine where the Zoo could be more efficient, use less materials and create less waste.
Recycling and composting are two of the key programs that the Green Team is working on. The combined efforts
of these two programs amount to having saved Miami-Dade County more than $100,000 this past year. The team
has also diverted more than 600 tons of waste from the landfill and converted it to compost and recycled more than
15,000 pounds of paper and plastic products. The team’s “green” efforts were recognized by the Greater Miami
Chamber of Commerce as a “Green Practices” finalist at the 2011 Sustainable South Florida Awards.
Zoological Society of Florida Board of Directors:
Chairman: R. Lee Middleton
Treasurer: Dan J. Licciardi
Secretary: Rob W. Hudson, Esq.
Alan Atkinson
Aliette Rodz, Esq.
Ana Veiga Milton
Andrew H. Weinstein, Esq.
William J. Gallwey III, Esq.
Brian Mormile
Carlos Garcia
Chris Marlin, Esq.
Diana Udel
Filemon Lopez
Flora Perez
Gordon M. Joost
Grizzel M. Gonzalez
Harlan Chiron
Harve Mogul
Hon. Dwight M. Bullard
Irene Korge
Isabell Lydecker, DVM
James A. Kushlan, PhD
Jorge De La Torre
Jose C. Romano
Katherine McDonald
Kimberly Miller
Lawrence S. Feldman, PhD
Linda Coll
Manuel Gonzalez
Merrett R. Stierheim
Minnie Bandel
Manuel J. Rodriguez
Norma Jean Abraham
Robert E. Larkin, III, Esq.
Roland Sanchez-Medina, Esq.
Scott Maddox, Esq.
Sharon MacIvor, DVM
Steven J. Schwartz, CPP
Susan Kahn
EMERITI DIRECTORS
Rodney L. Barreto
Vincent L. Berkeley
Jennifer Boin Getz
Roger Carlton
Ambassador Sue M. Cobb
Ron Esserman
Sherrill W. Hudson
Bernard Klepach
David Konfino
R. Kirk Landon
Jack Lowell
Sanford B. Miot
Edward Soto
Lawrence O. Turner. Jr.
President & CEO Benjamin H. Pingree
Zoo Director Eric Stephens
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
ZOO MIAMI
DESCRIPTION
FY 11-12
Total Attendance
Paid Attendance
Free Attendance
Total Attendance
628,682
254,131
882,813
Revenues & Support
Admissions
Food & Gift Sales
Transportation
Facility Rentals
Animal Encounters
Rides
Miscellaneous
Earned Revenue
Operating Subsidy
Total Revenues & Support
7,205,617
1,022,756
1,750,648
27,876
309,422
341,655
111,463
$10,769,430
8,045,000
$18,814,430
Expenditures
Animal Care/Medical Supplies
Horticulture/maintenance
Marketing
Utilities
Other Salaries & Benefits
Other commodities & Supplies
Total Operating Expenditures
6,237,725
3,761,194
1,215,532
1,441,616
4,646,104
1,338,149
$18,640,320
ZOOlogical society of florida
DESCRIPTION
FY 11-12
2,567,038.00
Program
79,394.00
Special Events (Net)
Investment
1,954,432.00
Total Revenue:
4,600,864.00
Total Expenses:
3,597,021.00
Surplus (Deficit):
1,003,843.00
Assets
Liabilities
14,727,620.00
1,360,690.00
Zoo Miami and the ZSF would like to thank their 2011-2012 corporate partners for their generosity and support.
• AllianceBernstein Global Wealth Management
• Assurant
• Bacardi USA
• Banfield Pet Hospital
• Bank of America Charitable
Foundation
• Baptist Children’s Hospital
• CAPTRUST
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Carnival Foundation
Comcast Cable
Dixie Crystals Sugar
Ford Motor Company
Florida Power &
Light Company
Groupon
Macy’s
• Main Street Dental
• Mercantil Commercebank
• Miami New Times
• Parrot Fish Studio
• Pepsi
• Pollo Tropical
• Ryder Charitable
Foundation
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Shutts & Bowen, LLP
The Miami Herald
United Property Management
U.S. Trust
Wells Fargo
West Kendall Baptist Hospital
Winn-Dixie
All partners have been carefully reviewed; nevertheless, errors or omissions may occur. If your company has been misprinted or omitted,
please accept our sincerest apologies. Questions or corrections can be directed to the Development Department at 305.255.5551.
12400 SW 152 Street
Miami, FL 33177
305.251.0400
305.255.5551
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