- Home
- Support the Zoo
- 2008-2009 Annual Report
2008-2009 Annual Report
Dear Zoo Friend,
As I look back on the previous year at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, ironically it is people that seem to dominate my thoughts, because more so than ever people were the catalysts for achieving the Zoo’s mission. It takes the hundreds of people who are employed by and volunteer at the Zoo to carry out the daily responsibilities of caring for the animals, maintaining the grounds and facilities, educating students and visitors, paying the bills, raising money, working in conservation, and planning for the future.
One of the fruits of our labor is the millions of people who utilize the Zoo’s facilities and programs each year. “Now wait a minute,” you might say. “Aren’t zoos for animals?”
To which I respond, “Mmmm, maybe.”
Biologist Edward O. Wilson hypothesized that people are laden with “biophilia,” which he describes as an instinctive bond between human beings and other living systems. We may not consciously realize it, but we want to be around other living things. Whether it is through pets, gardening, bird watching, whale watching, or going to the zoo, we humans seek out those connections. There is even a growing body of evidence that it is good for our physical and mental health. Yet the more we are urbanized, the harder it becomes to find those connections.
In conservation lingo the term “umbrella” is used to describe an animal species that utilizes a large, complex area of habitat. It is argued that by saving an umbrella species’ habitat we also save innumerable other species in that same realm. Tigers and elephants are examples of umbrella species. They not only inhabit large areas, but they are also charismatic, which may cause people to want to support their conservation. In doing so we inadvertently, but fortunately, support the conservation of species we know little or nothing about.
Zoos can take advantage of our inherent biophilia to cultivate empathy for wildlife. If we are successful, human beings could be the ultimate of umbrella species, protecting and conserving all living systems versus competing with them. As such, this Zoo is for people and wildlife. Thank you for nurturing your biophilia at the Los Angeles Zoo. And thank you for your ongoing support.
John R. Lewis
Los Angeles Zoo Director
 |
||
Dear Zoo Friend,
Despite the landscape-altering changes in our economy during fiscal year 2009, the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association continued to advance its mission of supporting the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. We made significant new commitments to Zoo improvements and held steady in our fundraising and concessions revenues.
In 2009, as GLAZA began transferring initially promised funds for the Pachyderm Forest to the City of Los Angeles for construction, we increased our commitment to this signature habitat fourfold to more than $19 million. It is our largest commitment to a single zoo project and relieves the City of its obligation of funding beyond bonds voted by the citizenry. It is a pleasure to note that the Pachyderm Forest is moving rapidly toward a timely completion in 2010.
A major gift from the Moss Foundation allowed GLAZA to commission the Moss Family Conservation Carousel, a hand-carved wood “endangered species” merry-go-round from Carousel Works in Ohio. Ridership will provide not only fantastic family memories to generations of Angelinos, but a steady and significant new source of annual income to support the operations and programs of the Los Angeles Zoo. We look forward to celebrating its opening with you.
Membership revenue for 2009 achieved its highest level in GLAZA history, climbing to nearly $4.4 million as 66,000 households participated in Zoo membership during the year. The annual Beastly Ball, honoring Zoo supporter and trustee Laura Wasserman, exceeded budget expectations, bringing in more than $1.2 million.
Nevertheless, nonprofits, like all businesses and our own families, are not immune to recessions. The most pressing reality of the economic downturn was the return on our endowment investments, which suffered a substantial loss for the fiscal year. However, I am happy to report that through December 2009, we have recovered much of that loss.
GLAZA’s support helps keep Zoo ticket prices low and accessible to the people of Southern California. Its capital program support makes possible tremendous improvements to animal facilities and care. In these coming years, and we will continue to work to broaden, deepen and strengthen our reach into our community to help the Zoo achieve its full potential. We thank you, our donors, for your abiding support in advancing this wonderful institution. And we invite you to come and enjoy your Los Angeles Zoo.
| Connie Morgan | Tom Mankiewicz |
| President | Chairman of the Board |
Archive
 |
||
