I remember one of my teachers in school telling me the best way to read a newspaper is to stand on a table with the newspaper spread out on the floor below you, so you can see the whole picture of the news for the day.
As board members, our responsibility is to look at all aspects of the Sacramento Zoo, from animal care to veterinary services—including conservation, development, education, marketing, membership and particularly finances—all at the same time. Our mission is to set policy, govern, and raise funds for the support of all aspects of the Zoo.
2008 was a banner year for board fundraising efforts for Tall Wonders, the new giraffe habitat. Thanks to you, our dedicated supporters, the fall campaign brought in $109,755. We were pleased with the results of our first effort at a board-initiated capital campaign, particularly at a time when the economy was in a downward spiral and we were all feeling the pinch. The May Benefactor Brunch and the September donor reception for Tall Wonders kept the board in touch with our friends, our volunteers, and our Docents, without whose help this essential renovation could not take place. We take pride in fulfilling our commitment as ambassadors and advocates for our Zoo, one of Sacramento’s premier visitor destinations.
The board functions within the framework of thirteen committees, working closely with staff to provide leadership for the organization. We are fortunate to have a dedicated board of 20 volunteer members, a director with a national reputation in zoological administration, managers with a broad range of zoological training and business expertise, and a cadre of devoted animal caretakers.
We look forward to 2009 and invite you to visit the Sacramento Zoo, not only to watch the construction of our new giraffe habitat, but also to welcome our new Red river hogs and ride the handcrafted Conservation Carousel. Most importantly, we continue to take great joy in the wide-eyed excitement of children of all ages as they eagerly watch the antics of the chimpanzees or the lemurs frolicking in their playground. If you see me during your visit, please come over and share your thoughts; I’d love to meet you!
Terry Kastanis
President
Sacramento Zoological Society
From the Director’s Desk
2008 started with a significant milestone: we successfully renewed our accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in March.
The Sacramento Zoo has been accredited since 1979; this is the 29th year of AZA recognition for meeting the rigorous standards of a progressive zoological park. It has not always been easy, and the standards have changed dramatically over the past three decades, but through hard work and dedication of the staff and board of directors, we maintain this distinguished recognition.
Just as the accreditation requirements change each year, we know we cannot be content to maintain the status quo. We need to continue to evolve and transform the organization as necessity dictates. In 2008, our annual support from the City of Sacramento was reduced for the first time in our eleven-year partnership. The Sacramento Zoological Society’s Board of Directors understands the need for more self-reliance and their continued support of our development and fundraising efforts is an essential component for long-term stability.
This was also a year of intense planning for what is the largest animal habitat construction project undertaken by the Society. We finalized the design and engineering for an expanded giraffe habitat including state-of-the-art housing and an elevated viewing platform for our visitors. Working very closely with our partners at Nacht and Lewis Architects and Otto Construction, we prepared for a groundbreaking in early 2009.
It is hard to overemphasize our impact on environmental education for the children in the Sacramento region. With schools facing cutbacks at every turn, we are increasingly filling the need for science and nature programming. Our education staff works closely with teachers to ensure that we meet the science standards as mandated by the State. It is estimated that AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums reach more students than any other entity, other than the schools themselves.
The Zoo’s mission is to inspire appreciation of wildlife. I hope that every visit to the Sacramento Zoo provides an incredible experience shared among friends and family. This is a great place to connect with animals and with each other. Thank you for making it all possible through your generosity and ongoing support.
Mary Healy
Zoo Director/CEO