Strategic Plan 2016 - 2020
Scovill Zoo Strategic Plan Decatur Park Board of Commissioners Bob Brilley II, President Chris Harrison, Vice-President Chris Riley Stacey Young Jack Kenny
Executive Director, Decatur Park District Bill Clevenger
Director of Recreation & Facilities Jamie Gower
Director of Marketing Lisa Gillen
Graphic Design Katie Myers
Zoo Staff Ken Frye, Director Dave Webster, Assistant Director Kathy Winter, Office Manager Grace Erker - Zoo Keeper Ryan Kirkland - Zoo Keeper Heather Purdeu - Registrar, Keeper Kevin Rairdin - Zoo Keeper Ben Rapson - Education/Volunteer Coordinator Mindy Weaver - Zoo Keeper Kent Winchester - Maintenance Brad Yetter - Zoo Keeper Nicole Zinn - Zoo Keeper
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Community Profile: Decatur, IL p. 2 Decatur Park District & Scovill Zoo p. 2 Scovill Zoo Mission & Goals
p. 4
Strategic Priorities 1. Education, Conservation and Research 2. Facilities and Exhibits 3. Management Structure and Financial Performance 4. Community Partnerships
pp. 6 - 9 pp. 10 - 11 pp. 12 - 13 p. 14
Looking to the Future
p. 15
Community Profile
Community Profile Decatur, IL
Fondly called “the Soybean Capital of the World,” Decatur was founded in 1823 along the Sangamon River in Central Illinois. This classic Midwestern community contains tree-lined streets, beautiful park areas, a centrally located Lake Decatur, historic brick buildings, and a recently refurbished downtown. Decatur is a college town with Millikin University and Richland Community College, as well as a manufacturing community, featuring industrial and agricultural processing production at ADM, Tate & Lyle, and Caterpillar. According to the U.S. Census, Decatur has a population of 73,254 (2015). The racial composition is 70.6% white, 23% black or African American, .2% American Indian, .9% Asian, 2.2% Hispanic, and 3.1% two or more races. In 2015, the median household income was $40,679. 24.6% of Decatur residents live in poverty. The median age is 38.8.1
Decatur Park District
Organized and incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois, the Decatur Park District is a unit of local government founded in 1924, which has the purpose of providing leisure services and facilities for the residents of Decatur. The Park Board of Commissioners is the local legislative body to which is entrusted the responsibility for planning, executing and appraising park and recreation programs and facilities. The Park District employs 500 people in full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions. More than 1,000 individuals volunteer over 9,000 hours each year at Scovill Zoo, arts, recreation, and special recreation events and activities. With 1,975 acres of park land for recreation purposes and 2,000 acres at the Park District-owned Decatur Airport, the District maintains more than 53 properties and facilities, including 32 neighborhood parks, 13 community parks/nature centers, 3 golf courses, a miniature golf complex, an aquatics center, nearly 10 miles of trails, a soccer complex, baseball complex, floral display center, sculpture park, senior center, indoor sports center, and our community gem: Scovill Zoo.
Scovill Zoo
Since 1967, Scovill Zoo has been an important part of the Decatur, Illinois community. With 400 animals spanning six continents, an Endangered Species Carousel, Z.O. & O. Express Train, community-built Project Playground, summer camps, adult volunteer opportunities, and mobile classroom programs, the zoo contributes to the education, enjoyment, and quality of life of residents and visitors from across Central Illinois. Scovill Zoo is located in the 62acre Scovill Park overlooking Lake Decatur. Fifteen acres of exhibits attract visitors from 285 zip codes. This unique recreational, educational facility offers visitor contact with exotic and domestic animals, horticultural displays and gardens, natural wooded beauty, and family picnicking, all within the confines of a park that recently benefited from the addition of a sculpture park funded by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. Though Decatur’s population has declined steadily since the early 1990’s, the zoo’s admission figures have remained strong, averaging 100,000 visits per year. Staff strives to make the facility a clean, fun, educational destination for people and a safe, healthy, happy home for the animals. Scovill Zoo understands its role in sharing conservation messages and saving animals from extinction. The zoo participates in species survival programs (SSP), educates youth during summer camps, provides action steps to zoo guests through keeper interactions, and promotes conservation through partnerships with Macon County Environmental Management and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. AZA-accredited zoos are recognized experts in animal care, and Scovill Zoo will continue to work locally and around the world to champion animals, their environments, and ultimately their survival. 2
Mission & Goals
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Mission & Goals Mission & Goals
The mission of Scovill Zoo is to inspire and educate our extended community to conserve and respect wildlife, animals, and natural ecosystems while enjoying a pleasant recreational experience.
Scovill Zoo is committed to the following goals: • To promote the conservation of wildlife and other natural resources through public education. • To inspire our guests and community to care for our planet. • To foster respect and appreciation for living organisms and ecological communities. • To provide a pleasant park where people can experience and enjoy wild animals in naturalistic environments. • To cooperate in the management of captive animal populations for the well-being of their species. • To enhance the public’s leisure opportunities. • To strengthen collaboration with all divisions of the Park District. • To develop a long-term master plan consistent with our mission, conservation, and stewardship goals. • To ensure the long-term stability of the zoo through sound business practices and a strong partnership with the larger zoo community.
To achieve these goals, staff will: • Offer a variety of educational opportunities designed to help individuals of all ages understand ecological relationships and man’s impact on nature. • Present wild animals as highly adapted, living components of complex natural communities and products of a long evolutionary process. • Exhibit wild animals in attractive, naturalistic settings that allow for the observation of natural behavior. • Maintain the best possible husbandry practices, encourage long-term captive propagation, and provide opportunities for pure and applied research that will contribute to wildlife conservation. • Provide a quality zoological park with a variety of recreational opportunities to maximize the zoo’s potential for leisure opportunities for the public.
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Strategic Priorities
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Strategic Priorities Strategic Priorities To ensure a stable future for Scovill Zoo, staff has identified four key strategic priorities to lay the groundwork for future growth and development. 1. 2. 3. 4.
Education, Conservation and Research Facilities and Exhibits Management Structure and Financial Performance Community Partnerships
1. Education, Conservation & Research Education Scovill Zoo strives to develop and deliver engaging educational opportunities that inspire an understanding of the value of the natural world and its ecosystems, ultimately leading the community to think and act in a way that promotes conservation and ecology in their daily lives. An extensive array of educational programming is provided for ages 3 – adult. Classes, camps, mobile zoos, and volunteer programs are coordinated by a full-time education coordinator, with input and assistance from the zoo director and assistant director/animal curator. The following goals are considered in all educational programming: • Creating experiences. To make each visit such a positive, engaging, and educational experience that the guest will not only return, but will encourage others to visit, as well. • Promoting recreation. To provide opportunities for all members of the community to enjoy and learn about the Earth’s natural resources and its inhabitants. • Promoting action. To provide opportunities for the community to learn how to become involved in the stewardship of the Earth’s resources. • Increasing support. To support the zoo’s mission through increased attendance, membership, philanthropy, public relations, and revenue generation.
On-site Youth Programs
Scovill Zoo offers on-site educational programs for youth aged 3 – 17. Zoo Buddies (ages 3 – 5) discover a new species each month and take home a zoo buddy plush toy. Critter Tales (ages 5 – 6) includes a book for each child’s home library. Zoo Kids (ages 7 – 8), Zoo Camp (ages 9 – 10), and Zoo Crew offer age-appropriate animal and conservation topics and activities. Zoo Teens (14 - 17) provides opportunities for students to learn more about careers involving animals. These recreational programs are designed to educate young people about the natural world and how they can make a difference.
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Strategic Priorities Adult Education Programs
Scovill Zoo works closely with students and faculty from schools across Central Illinois. Single-visit programs, internships, and special guided tours are offered to groups at Millikin, Eastern Illinois, and Western Illinois universities. The zoo supports high school students considering careers in zoology/biology by offering service projects and job-shadowing opportunities. Special training is provided for adults who wish to assist Scovill Zoo with its Mobile Zoo, guided tours, and special events. Volunteer sessions generally include eighteen 3-hour classes.
Tours
Educational tours are offered each day of the regular season for students in grades 1 – 12. A personalized tour incorporates a narrated explanation of exhibits and their residents.
Mobile Zoo
Mobile zoo presentations are delivered by volunteers and staff to a variety of locations across Central Illinois, including schools, day care centers, Scout groups, senior care facilities, hospitals, and community events. Presentations are either formally structured or informally delivered to groups ranging in size from half a dozen to several hundred. Mobile zoo volunteers must complete 12 weeks of instruction in biology review and animal handling techniques. In 2016, 115 mobile zoo presentations reached 9,315 individuals.
Conservation
Conserving our world’s natural resources is a daunting endeavor. Changing climates, deforestation, overfishing, and the growing human population are challenges to our vast ecosystems and the animals that inhabit them. Through a variety of means, Scovill Zoo contributes to conservation efforts and is proud to be part of the solution. We actively participate in Species Survival Plans (SSP), donate money to organizations working to save animals, and most importantly educate the visiting public to be lifelong champions of animals and the environment in which they live. The zoo will continue to look globally and in our own community for opportunities to make a difference.
Zoo Initiatives: Educational Efforts through Signage and Events
Through a partnership with Macon County Environmental Management, the zoo has established demonstration areas and signage regarding recycling, composting, rain barrels, and rain gardens. Each April, the zoo holds an Earth Day Celebration. Included are zoo keeper chats, which engage zoo guests with the issues facing animals in the wild: habitat loss, illegal pet trade, survival needs, and what people can do to help. Staff has participated in AZA social media posts regarding the Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) program. Scovill Zoo’s Facebook page has a following of 9,643. Zoo director Ken Frye has also completed multiple media interviews regarding the importance of research before purchasing exotic animals as pets. 7
Strategic Priorities Conservation Fundraising Efforts
• From 2003 – 2015, Scovill Zoo supported cheetah conservation efforts at the De Wildt Cheetah Project and then the Carnivore Conservation Programme of the Endangered Wildlife Trust ($5,000/yr.). • The zoo now makes an annual contribution to the Conservation Centers for Species Survival (C2S2) Cheetah Sustainability Program, which leverages space, research expertise, and monetary support offered by conservation centers and partners. In 2016, Scovill Zoo was one of 13 partner zoos across the country. • A rainforest “parking meter” in the zoo gift shop collects monies to benefit the Rincon Rainforest in Costa Rica via the Save Nature organization (San Francisco). • In partnership with Mae’s Candy & Cake Supplies, the zoo donates 50 cents from every chocolate sucker sold to the C2S2 Cheetah Sustainability Program. • Feathers collected from the zoo’s macaws and other non-native birds are sent to Feathers for Native Americans, an organization that collects and donates the feathers to the Pueblo Indians for use in traditional religious ceremonies. • Eagle feathers are collected and sent to the National Eagle and Wildlife Property Repository in Colorado. This is a condition of our eagle exhibition permit: MB840446-3.
AAZK
The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) formed in 1967 in San Diego, California as a resource for zoo keepers to exchange information and continue their education. Since 2007, Scovill Zoo’s AAZK chapter has assisted in conservation and animal protection efforts, both locally and globally. Each year, our AAZK partners with the Macon County Conservation District on projects such as prairie burns, retaining appropriate foliage, ridding areas of invasive plant species, and monitoring bluebird nests. The group has raised funds to adopt an Anatolian shepherd, a breed of working dogs that is an important component of cheetah conservation in Namibia, Africa. Educational booths are incorporated into the zoo’s Earth Day celebration and Zippy Zoo Days. Other organizations benefiting from Scovill Zoo’s AAZK include Bowling for Rhinos, Ethiopian Wolf Conservation, Polar Bears International, Red Panda Network, Snow Leopard Trust, Wildlife Conservation Network, Wild Care Institute for Humboldt Penguin Conservation, and Wolf Park.
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Strategic Priorities Research
“If we are to save many wild species and restore and repair ecosystems, we need to know about how key species live, act and react. Being able to study animals in zoos where there is less risk and less variables means real changes can be effected on wild populations with far fewer problems.”2 Scovill Zoo carefully considers involvement in proposed research studies; however, projects must have a direct impact on the survival of animal species, captive or wild, and the ecosystems in which they exist. Other considerations include the cost to the zoo, impact to the well-being of the research animal, and staff availability to achieve data or sample collection. Research project proposals submitted by Scovill Zoo staff must meet the same criteria as listed above. The decision to accept or reject projects rests with the zoo director and the Animal Care and Use Committee. Formal research projects (2013 – 2015) • Evaluating the Clinical and Physiological Effects of Long-Term Ultraviolet B Radiation on Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus), a study by Dr. Mark Mitchell. Scovill Zoo provided guinea pig blood samples for the study. • “Prevalence of Baylisascaris procyonis in captive procyonid hosts and assessment of risk to human exposure.” Research study by Purdue University DVM/MS candidate Max Parkanzky. Scovill Zoo participated in the study by providing fecal samples from White Nose Coati and Red Panda. • Dietary Factors Associated with Faecal Consistency and Other Indicators of Gastrointestinal Health in the Captive Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), a research study by Katherine M. Whitehouse-Tedd, Sandra L. Lefebvre, and Geert P. J. Janssens. Scovill Zoo provided information for the study. Published in PLOS One on April 1, 2015.
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Strategic Priorities 2. Facilities & Exhibits
Zoos have evolved from cages featuring an eclectic menagerie of animals from around the world to carefully planned habitats, housing and caring for animals for the purpose of public education and survival of the species. While zoo visitors may enjoy the opportunity to see captive animals, it is the job of the zoo to educate, to be open to research, and to work with each animal’s Species Survival Plan coordinator in managing, preserving and propagating a diverse population. The goal is to provide a comfortable, nurturing environment, introduce enrichment, and prevent boredom, thereby inducing natural animal behaviors.
Scovill Zoo Animal Collection Plan Overview
The following factors are considered when facility and exhibit enhancements are discussed: • Would the new animal complement our current collection? • Would the animal fit into the current exhibit or can an appropriate exhibit be built to give the animal plenty of space, shade, shelter, and options for enrichment? • What are the needs of AZA and Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE)? • What SSP’s need more exhibit space? How can Scovill Zoo help? • What are winter and summer housing needs? • What conservation message can be told with this animal? • What are the animal’s husbandry needs and can those be met with our current exhibit space or is expansion needed? • Can the animal’s needs be met with current staffing levels? • What sort of exhibit upkeep cost will be required?
Zoo Project Plan 2017 - 2022 2017 Projects • New mesh fencing will be installed in the howler monkey and spider monkey exhibits. • A new winter holding building will give our howler and spider monkeys an area to get exercise and enrichment during the winter months. • A shade structure for the camels will create a cool, sun-sheltered location in an area visible to visitors. • A new shade structure will give the zebras a place to shelter during inclement weather. • A new storage building/maintenance workshop will provide expanded work space and storage for zoo equipment, trailers, lawn mowers, and Toolkat. • Exhibit signage will be updated for new animals and changes in messaging. • To prevent potential guest ingress into exhibits, our 2016 fence upgrade project will continue, including additional areas of the zoo. • The horse trailer and camel trailer will be painted to enhance appearance. • A new pickup truck will be secured to enable the safe transport of animals across Central Illinois. • A parking shelter will be built to house the train and cars overnight and during inclement weather. The shelter will protect the new engine, new canopy, and re-painted train cars. 10
Strategic Priorities 2018 Projects • A shade structure will be installed above the penguins’ nesting box area. • A pool will be built to add to the natural aesthetics of the eagle exhibit and give the birds an area to bathe. • The train track will be extended to the adjacent Children’s Museum of Illinois, connecting the two facilities. • Upgrades will be made to the switches in the current train track that have been worn down over the years. 2019 Projects • To stay cool, the Galapagos tortoises currently use a mud hole during the hottest days of summer. A sloped, 6-inch deep soaking pool will be added to the exhibit to give the tortoises access to water and allow for better mosquito control. • A shade structure will be installed along the west side of Project Playground to enhance the experience of visitors to this community-built play place.
2020 Projects • A new river otter exhibit will be constructed in place of the current prairie dog and meerkat exhibits (north of the penguin building). The exhibit will include a pool, stream water feature, large land area, filtration building, husbandry and enrichment options. 2021 Projects • Phase two of the river otter exhibit will include an expansion of the alligator exhibit. New features will include a larger, deeper pool. • A radiograph machine will be purchased for the Mike Borders Animal Examination Room, thanks to a pledge from a zoo donor. 2022 Projects • The winter holding facility will be expanded and enlarged to accommodate more species and offer better enrichment opportunities for animals that require housing over the winter months.
Major Projects Since 2000 • Completed in 2000, the Animal Care Center is used for winter housing, quarantine, diet kitchen and frozen food storage. • Scovill Zoo’s first AZA accreditation was achieved in 2001. • The zoo’s master plan was updated in 2003 and again in 2010. • In 2003, a new cheetah exhibit welcomed the arrival of 2 males, secured with the assistance of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. • The Endangered Species Carousel was unveiled on August 31, 2003. • In 2010, the Decatur Parks Foundation’s first Zoo-Rific Evening at Scovill Zoo was held to raise money for new zoo exhibits. • In 2012, a new entrance plaza, concession stand and restroom facility were unveiled, with funds coming from a State of Illinois Museum Grant. • Construction of a new $1.5M penguin exhibit was completed in August 2013, and the grand opening took place in March 2014. 11
Strategic Priorities 3. Management Structure and Financial Performance
The Decatur Park District and Scovill Zoo are committed to ensuring that zoo funding is stable. A 10-year spending plan is reviewed and revised annually, as short-term goals are realized and long-range goals are assessed. Finances for Scovill Zoo are secured in many ways. The Decatur Park District receives a levy from Decatur property taxes. Of that tax levy, the zoo receives nearly $250,000 per year. The Decatur Park District also issues general obligation bonds each year to fund capital improvements at the zoo and across the Park District. In addition, for major development projects, the Park District periodically issues alternate revenue source bonds. In the past 5 years, $3,384,085 in bond funds have been invested in zoo projects. Estate giving is another benefit for Scovill Zoo, as the interest earned on nearly $1.5 million of estate giving balances is used to offset operating expenditures. Donor contributions directly benefit the zoo, as well as designated funds from the Decatur Parks Foundation, which help with zoo operating expenses. Other operating dollars come from zoo admissions, concession and gift shop sales, mobile zoo presentations, carousel and train rides, and Friend of the Zoo memberships.
Financial Contingency Plan
In the event that situations arise whereby annual operating expenditures exceed annual operating revenues on a reccurring basis and/or capital outlays needed for new or existing facilities, exhibits and infrastructure exceed available funds, several alternatives exist to assist the zoo in meeting financial obligations and needs. Trust Funds Currently, interest income from $1.5 million trust funds established for the benefit of the Scovill Zoo is being used to offset operating expenditures. In an emergency and given Park Board approval, the principal portion of the trusts could be utilized to offset operating shortfalls and/or provide necessary funding for Scovill Zoo capital projects and acquisitions. Park District Bond Issues The Decatur Park District annually issues general obligation bonds, netting approximately $2M for capital improvements district-wide. Of this total, $187,000 on average is spent on Scovill Zoo capital projects and acquisitions. Pending approval by the District’s Park Board, additional funds for capital projects and purchases could be targeted by allocating a larger portion of the planned bond issues to the zoo, and/or increasing the size of future bond sales within legally established limits. Operating Fund Transfers In the event that additional operating funds are needed to operate and maintain the zoo, internal transfers from the Park District’s General Parks Fund will be made to the Scovill Zoo Fund. This type of transfer has been done in the past for the zoo, as well as to other operating funds of the District.
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Scovill Zoo Strategic Plan Decatur Parks Foundation
For years, the Decatur Parks Foundation has supported zoo operations and capital needs by coordinating special events such as Zoo-rific Evening at Scovill Zoo and the Scovill Zoo Open golf outing. In the past 5 years, these events have generated $324,822 for the penguin exhibit and renovations to the center of the zoo. The Foundation’s annual spring appeal also receives donations from individuals who designate their gifts for Scovill Zoo. Since 2012, $56,100 has been raised for the zoo as part of this campaign. In the event that unexpected financial needs might arise, the Decatur Parks Foundation could be approached to lead fundraising efforts for critical projects at Scovill Zoo.
Friend of the Zoo Memberships 2016
2015
2014
2015
2014
Households 653 684 514 Members 3,466 3,285 2,977 FOZ Zoo Visits 6,994 7,474 4,452 Zoo Attendance 98,083 108,765 116,222 FOZ % of Admissions 7% 6% 4%
Zoo Summer Camps 2016 Summer Camp Revenue $22,578 Number of Participants 351
$19,239 330
$18,907 331
Train & Carousel 2016 2015 2014 Z.O.&O. Express Train Rides 57,910 45,995 66,881 Z.O.&O. Express Revenue $141,828 $145,107 $158,944 Carousel Rides 27,818 29,959 30,327 Carousel Revenue $48,934 $62,113 $48,263
Mobile Zoos 2016 2015 2014 Mobile Zoos 115 103 126 Number Served 9,315 6,935 8,500
Zoo Tours 2016 2015 2014 Tour Attendance 17,286 15,605 15,940 Tour Revenue $35,657 $35,676 $35,983 13
Scovill Zoo Strategic Plan 4. Community Partnerships
At Scovill Zoo, partnerships come in many forms, including corporate sponsors, individual donors, and volunteers. Since 2014, Team Soy Capital (Soy Capital Bank and JL Hubbard Insurance & Bonds) has contributed $15,000 per year to be the zoo’s exclusive partner. Other local businesses contribute, as well, by sponsoring special events like the Critter Egg Hunt, Earth Day, and Boo at the Zoo. Zoo volunteers donate nearly 6,000 hours of valuable time each year, assisting with tours and mobile zoo presentations, operating the train and carousel, and helping at special events. Macon County Sheriff ’s Deputies scoop ice cream during the zoo’s annual Ice Cream Safari. School groups and businesses also donate time for special projects, such as painting the train depot, raking, setting up special events, and raising funds for exhibit improvements. An individual donor helped fund the zoo’s $350,000 Animal Care Center and Exam Room. A new partnership with the adjacent Children’s Museum of Illinois has resulted in a combined annual “ZooMu Pass,” which includes benefits for each facility in one convenient pass. All of these partnerships are critical to the zoo and help ensure our long-term success and connection to the community.
Testimonials
“Scovill Zoo is a really nice community zoo! I’ve been taking my kids and grandkids there since 1978 and we never leave unhappy! The animals are always well taken care of and their areas are always clean, as is the zoo in general. The seasonal specials, such as “Boo at the Zoo,” are always fun too! It’s a great way to start your zoo experience, without having to drive to St Louis, Chicago or Indianapolis.” “We were so pleased with the zoo! Definitely will be driving over more often. Very clean! It is also the PERFECT size! We loved the train, carousel and pony rides! Snacks were super a great price, too. We will be back soon!” “I grew up going to Scovill Zoo and now I get to see my grandkids enjoy it. It has grown so much and we always have so much fun.” “Great place to spend many hours. Fun for kids and adults. The staff is terrific.”
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Looking to the Future
Looking to the Future Scovill Zoo is working hard to prepare for the future, as decisions made today will impact the zoo for years to come. The 10-Year Capital Project Plan, Zoo Strategic Plan, and Zoo Master Plan will provide a road map for steady growth and improvement, including exhibit upgrades to incorporate modern zoological practices and Species Survival Programs to provide the best possible care for our important charges. We will continue to improve services and educational offerings to our guests, as well, making Scovill Zoo the most desirable, family-friendly destination in Central Illinois. If our visitors leave with a deeper appreciation of animals and ecosystems around the world and what they can do to help locally and globally, we are fulfilling an important role.
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References 1. http://www.illinois-demographics.com/decatur-demographics 2. Hone, Dave. “Why Zoos Are Good.” The Guardian. Online at https://www.theguardian.com /science/lost-worlds/2014/aug/19/why-zoos-are-good. 3/9/17. 16