As a member of the Board of Directors, I look back at 2009 and wonder how it all happened! The new Tall Wonders giraffe habitat had been an item of discussion for a number of years. Both Board and staff were committed to making the needed changes for these special animals. Consequently, a fundraising campaign was launched in a less-than-ideal economy. Our friends and supporters stepped forward with their generosity, and the necessary $2 million was raised to fund the new exhibit. We broke ground in February and construction continued throughout the year.
Another new addition was the Conservation Carousel, a beautiful collection of hand-carved, hand-painted wooden animals. An attraction for young and old alike, 32 new endangered species animals arrived in May and were soon seen spinning round and round at the Zoo.
The famous television and film star Betty White proved to be one of the Zoo’s most gracious visitors! She tirelessly entertained us in November for a day and a half, making public appearances, hosting breakfast, and helping us raise needed funds for the new Tall Wonders giraffe habitat. She praised the Zoo’s efforts in protecting and caring for endangered animals so that visitors could experience life’s amazing creatures right here in Sacramento.
The activities above couldn’t have happened without much thought and planning. Your Board of Directors and Zoo Director Mary Healy take planning very seriously. Change is inevitable, and a responsible nonprofit Board and CEO must plan for the future, or an organization will stagnate and lose credibility. For the Sacramento Zoo, continual planning and upgrades are essential or we risk of losing accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In this regard, the Board of Directors welcomed the City of Sacramento’s Feasibility Study Project to help ensure a positive future for the Sacramento Zoo.
We are fortunate to have a highly experienced director, a dedicated board of volunteer community members, an educated group of yellow-vested docents, and staff with a broad range of zoological and business expertise, including a cadre of devoted animal caretakers.
I welcome another successful and productive year at our wonderful community Zoo.
Terry Kastanis
President
Sacramento Zoological Society
From the Director’s Desk
2009 started with a bang. Bulldozers and earthmovers descended on the Zoo, leveling several 50+ year-old buildings and paving the way for construction of the new giraffe habitat, Tall Wonders. Throughout the year, we witnessed the creation of the 1,100 sq. ft. viewing deck, allowing visitors to see the Zoo’s three giraffes eye to eye. Newly expanded grounds provided additional space for leisurely giraffe walks. Most importantly, a magnificent new heated barn was erected with five indoor stalls and two outdoor paddocks, a walk-on scale, plenty of storage space for food & supplies and a work space for keepers. Most of the physical construction was completed in 2009, and we began to introduce the giraffes to their new home.
The month of May brought a new female Giant anteater to join our male, as well as a hand-crafted Conservation Carousel to the delight of Zoo visitors. Two Red river hogs, the first of the species to come to Sacramento, arrived with their grunts, squeaks and chirrups and joined the Bongos on exhibit.
We welcomed a new orangutan youngster into our Zoo family in September. Makan’s arrival, although exciting to staff and visitors, was touched with sadness. Our beloved 28-year-old male orangutan, Urban, passed away earlier from an aggressive lymphoma. Urban lived his entire life at the Sacramento Zoo. He was born here in 1981 and was a favorite with local Sacramentans who grew up with him over his lifetime.
As the dust settled on 2009, we look forward to 2010 and the promise of new beginnings, as well as reconnecting with old friends and continuing to provide a quality experience for each and every visitor who comes to the Sacramento Zoo.
Thank you for continuing to support your community and your Zoo. Please visit us often and bring your family and friends to share all the Zoo has to offer.
Mary Healy
Zoo Director/CEO