2020 | Annual Report
Giant Anteaters, Olive and Traci South America’s Pantanal
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 | Revenue Innovation 3 | Connecting to the
Community
4 | COVID – Animal Care
16 | Wildlife Friendly Spaces
28 | TXU Energy Presents
17 | Waste Reduction
18 | Awards/Recognition
30 | Zoo Ball and Donor Clubs
Zoo Lights
20 | Texas Wildlife-saving
5 | COVID – Opening
Highlights & Successes
6 | New Animals
22 | Turtle Flight
8 | South America’s Pantanal
24 | Partner Successes
12 | New Orangutan Habitat
26 | Conservation Partners
14 | Galápagos Islands
34 | Charting our Progress 36 | Annual Support
& Affiliates
STRATEGIC PLAN PRIORITIES Look for these icons to learn how activities outlined in the 2020 Annual Report contributed to specific priorities of the Strategic Plan for the Houston Zoo.
SAVING WILDLIFE BRAND
CREATE MEANINGFUL GUEST EXPERIENCES
CONSERVATION EDUCATION
WORKPLACE OF CHOICE
WORLD CLASS GUEST EXPERIENCES
OPERATE SUSTAINABILITY
HIGHEST QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ANIMALS
For more information, visit:
houstonzoo.org/strategicplan
Cover Image: Jaguar, Tesoro South America’s Pantanal
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
With Strength & Resilience
Lee Ehmke & Stacy Methvin in South America’s Pantanal
At 7:00 p.m. on March 13, 2020, we closed the gates of the Houston Zoo as a preemptive step to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. What we hoped would be a temporary measure turned into a surreal crisis fraught with unimaginable challenges, gut-wrenching decisions, and an upending of what a typical day in our Zoo should look and feel like for guests, staff, and animals. And yet, our Houston Zoo emerged with strength and resilience. In this 2020 Annual Report, you will read the hopeful stories that powered our organization through the most difficult days of the pandemic. We found new ways to connect people with animals, even if we could not be together. Our daily live streams from the Zoo during the closure became an anchor of normalcy for fans and families in Houston and around the world. With virtual conservation education programs, we brought the Zoo into online classrooms. To help care for our animals, we started an Emergency Zoo Fund that precipitated an incredible outpouring of philanthropy. More than 6,000 friends and supporters contributed $1.5 million. By the end of 2020, we received nearly double the number of gifts compared to a typical year. This was a truly humbling response to our call for help.
This generous giving combined with the skill of our animal teams allowed for the continuity of excellent care our animals would receive. For some animals—like baby Asian elephant Nelson—that care was lifesaving. And even the pandemic could not stop us from continuing our work to save wildlife. Every team member pulled together for our animals and our Zoo. As a result, we were able to create a safe environment for our reopening and finish construction on South America’s Pantanal. The Houston Zoo would not be here without the community of supporters like you who believe so deeply in our mission to save wildlife. We are grateful for our friends at the City of Houston and every individual, foundation, and corporate partner who joined with us to build a bridge to brighter days in 2021 and beyond. Thank you!
Lee Ehmke
Stacy Methvin
President and CEO
Chair, Board of Directors
2 | Houston Zoo Inc.
COVID
Financial Impact
SURGE OF SUPPORT PROTECTS OUR ZOO In the days following our closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we started the Emergency Zoo Fund to help cover the cost of caring for our animals. We were stunned by the response. More than 6,000 generous individuals, foundations, and corporate partners gave more than $1.5 million. We also received thoughtful in-kind donations, including hand sanitizer and food for our animals. Thanks to your support of the Emergency Zoo Fund, our animals thrived. Animals continued to receive enrichment to exercise mind and muscle. Our veterinary team never skipped a beat as they provided our animals with check-ups and medical procedures. Truckloads of hay, meat, fish, fruit, and greens kept our animal nutrition specialists busy prepping meals to cater to hundreds of appetites.
After a record-breaking winter season in 2019, the Houston Zoo was ready to begin a very ambitious 2020. No one could have foreseen that on March 14, the Zoo would be forced to close indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A first-amongst-peers decision was made to close in order to ensure the safety of its staff, guests, and animals. But just because the gates were closed, work at the Zoo did not stop.
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
PULLING TOGETHER As the financial impact of the pandemic became clear, a Revenue Innovation Team was formed with staff from every department to fast-track new revenue streams. By the end of 2020, programs created by the team yielded more than $1 million. The effort also changed how we create new programs that contribute to our financial stability but are still mission centered.
2020 Annual Report | 3
COVID
Connecting with Communities The Zoo launched several new programs to continue to connect with the community while the Zoo was closed to the public. Camp Zoofari TV Eight episode, 30-minute television program written, filmed, and produced by the Zoo, and aired on FOX 26 affiliate MY20 CLICK HERE TO WATCH
CAMP ZOOFARI TV
Facebook Live Created a months-long campaign, Bringing the Zoo to You, reaching nearly 6 million people, with live programing daily throughout the closure CLICK HERE TO WATCH
BRINGING THE ZOO TO YOU
Virtual Camp Zoofari Hosted 295 virtual campers from across the country Virtual School Programs Reached more than 1,500 participants from sea to sea Virtual Zoo Crew Took the program online with 73 teen members Twilight Safari Developed brand-new evening private tour offering
During this time Houston Zoo’s wildlife conservation partners provided the Zoo with videos and social media content from Africa, Asia and Central and South America encouraging visitors to support/donate to the Zoo to save wildlife.
4 | Houston Zoo Inc.
COVID
Care for Animals Continued Unyielding care for animals continued, with keeper teams alternating to maximize social distancing. In the early hours of April 10, a male Schmidt’s red-tailed monkey was born to mother Njeri and was named ‘Peter Rabbit’ in honor of Easter weekend. Peter was hand-raised by keepers and veterinary staff members throughout the pandemic after the infant could no longer hold on to his mother immediately after he was born. Peter is reunited with his mom and flourishing.
In May 29-year-old Asian elephant Shanti gave birth to a 326-pound male calf. Immediately following his birth, the elephant team and veterinary staff saw that he was hemorrhaging severely from his umbilicus. The team acted quickly to sedate the one-hour-old calf and get him into emergency surgery. The Houston Zoo veterinarians preformed the 30-minute procedure to find the torn vessel, stop the bleeding, and repair the umbilicus. The calf, named Nelson, is thriving in the care of his mother, herd, and animal care team. Other animals born during the pandemic made less eventful entrances to the world. A male giant anteater, Traci, was born, three lesser hedgehog tenrecs were hand-raised by their keepers, and a baby okapi kept the animal care team busy all summer.
CLICK HERE TO
MEET BABY NELSON
HIGHEST QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ANIMALS
COVID
2020 Annual Report | 5
Reopening to the public After nearly three months of being closed to the public, the Houston Zoo reopened to guests on June 3, with special member previews on June 1 and 2. It was a whole new world. The Zoo developed new protocols to ensure we could open while keeping visitors and employees as safe as possible. At the time, the operating protocols included timed ticketing for all entries, a one-way path, limited food-service options, and focused disinfecting of high-touch areas. The Zoo has since restored a free flow path and re-opened all restaurants. Along with attendance limits that supported social distancing, other health and safety initiatives included online ticket sales, touchless transactions, requiring staff and guests to wear masks, and enhanced cleaning methods. Several interactive experiences, including giraffe feedings and the Wildlife Carousel, temporarily closed but have since reopened.
6 | Houston Zoo Inc.
New Additions to the Houston Zoo Family In 2020 we had quite the baby boom as we welcomed several new additions to our herd, including Nelson the Asian elephant, Kivuli the okapi, Peter Rabbit the Schmidt’s red-tailed monkey, Traci the giant anteater, three bongos, and more.
1
2
2020 Annual Report | 7
3
4
1. ASIAN ELEPHANT
Nelson 2. GIANT ANTEATER
Traci 3. SCHMIDT’S RED5
TAILED MONKEY
Peter Rabbit 4. OKAPI
Kivuli 5. BONGOS (3) 6. SANTA CATALINA RATTLESNAKES 6
8 | Houston Zoo Inc.
Grasslands viewing in South America’s Pantanal
SAVING ANIMALS IN THE WILD
The Zoo provided support to fit tracking devices on
10
Giant Anteaters
in the Pantanal. This data helps inform conservation management plans.
CREATE MEANINGFUL GUEST EXPERIENCES
2020 Annual Report | 9
South America’s Pantanal On Saturday, October 10 the Houston Zoo opened its latest expansion project, South America’s Pantanal. The 4.2-acre multi-species environment explores the legendary tropical wetlands of Brazil — home to South America’s greatest concentration of wildlife and is the latest in the series of new habitats the Houston Zoo is planning, culminating in its 100th year in 2022. South America’s Pantanal allows guests to explore the tropical wetlands of Brazil right here in the Bayou City. The lush habitat highlights animals the Zoo is protecting in the wild, including for the first time at the Houston Zoo, giant river otters. Partnered with on-the-ground conservationists in Brazil, the Zoo offers visitors the chance to see these animals in an immersive and engaging trail that gives guests the opportunity to view jaguars, capybaras, giant river otters, dart frogs, howler monkeys, anaconda, and macaws closer than ever before in Houston. CLICK HERE TO
LEARN MORE
10 | Houston Zoo Inc.
KPRC – Saving Wildlife: Giants of the Pantanal
KPRC’s Andy Cerota interviews Houston Zoo partner, Gabriel Massocato, about his work in the Pantanal
On Friday, October 23, KPRC Channel 2 aired the one-hour feature, “Saving Wildlife: Giants of the Pantanal.” In 2019, KPRC’s Andy Cerota and crew traveled with the Houston Zoo to South America’s Pantanal, the largest tropical wetland in the world, to see some of the most mysterious and biggest species on the planet and highlight how we’re helping save these animals in the wild.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH
GIANTS OF THE PANTANAL
SAVING WILDLIFE BRAND
2020 Annual Report | 11
The Pantanal In South America, the Pantanal region stretches across Brazil and parts of Paraguay and Bolivia. Its forests, rivers, marshes, and grasslands are inhabited by a stunning variety of wildlife. The Houston Zoo provides salaries and technical support for our conservation partners in the region, who conduct research, educate, engage local people, and find solutions to protect wildlife. Through work with local landowners and communities, the partners are also unveiling the value of these iconic species as critical pieces of local ecosystems as well as through the economy generated by tourism. And by visiting the Houston Zoo guests are helping to save this special place. In the Pantanal region, the Houston Zoo partners with four wildlife conservation organizations: Lowland Tapir Conservation, Projeto Tatu-Canastra (Giant Armadillo Project), Bandeira Rodovias (Anteaters and Highways), and Projeto Ariranha (Giant Otter Project).
Houston Zoo partners work with Giant Armadillos in the Pantanal
SAVING ANIMALS IN THE WILD
106
individual giant otters monitored and 1,500 km2 protected from the devastating fires in the Pantanal
12 | Houston Zoo Inc.
Home Makeover: Orangutan Edition Orangutan, Kelly, enjoying her new habitat
In November, our team completed the final project in the Heart of the Zoo portion of the master plan – an enhanced orangutan habitat in Wortham World of Primates. The renovated space provides improved climbing structures and enrichment opportunities for the orangutans, as well as increased shaded areas for the animals. Orangutans are the only great ape species that is primarily arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees. They are semi-solitary animals by nature, so guests are likely to see one or two orangutans at one time enjoying their new space. The renovations also include an enlarged moat and a private beach for 25 endangered Asian turtles including yellowheaded temple turtles, Malaysian giant pond turtles, Fly River turtles, and painted terrapins.
HIGHEST QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ANIMALS
New Orangutan Climbing Structures
2020 Annual Report | 13
SAVING ANIMALS IN THE WILD
The Zoo provided support for
150,000 trees to be planted in Borneo
to save wild orangutans.
14 | Houston Zoo Inc.
Galápagos Islands Sea Lion Viewing Tunnel
Galápagos Islands Penguin Viewing
2020 Annual Report | 15
Breaking Ground on Galápagos Islands GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS SITE PLAN
SALLY LIGHTFOOT CRABS
SEA LION VIEWING TUNNEL
JELLYFISH ONE OCEAN GALLERY
UNDERWATER SEA LION VIEWING BACK OF HOUSE ANIMAL CARE
IGUANAS
SHARKS, RAYS, & SEA TURTLES
OUR SHARED OCEAN
SEA CAVE
SUBMERGED WORLDS
TORTOISE & IGUANA VIEWING
SEAHORSES
WHERE REPTILES RULE
LAVA TUBE
THROUGH THE LAVA TUNNEL
TORTOISES PENGUINS
FLIGHTLESS PERFECTION
EXIT GALLERY
SEA LION CLIFFS
SAVING OUR SHARED OCEAN
PENGUIN CARE AREA GALÁPAGOS ENTRY
SEA LION VIEWING
The largest initiative in the Keeping Our World Wild Centennial Capital campaign, opening in the fall of 2022, is the Galápagos Islands. The first major exhibit of its kind to showcase the remarkable wildlife of the legendary island chain, the exhibit will immerse guests in an environment evoking the archipelago’s unique landscapes and oceanic habitats. No place on our planet better exemplifies the wonders of unique species, the delicate balance of ecosystems, or the pressing need for conservation action than the Galápagos. The Houston Zoo provides training and support for conservation professionals in the Galápagos who lead the Zoo’s wildlifesaving projects on the islands. Our Galápagos conservation partners assisted the Zoo with the interpretive planning of the Galápagos exhibit.
SAVING ANIMALS IN THE WILD
The Zoo provided support for the protection of
29 wild sea turtle nests
and the tracking of 60 Galápagos tortoises to better understand how to protect them on the Galápagos Islands
CREATE MEANINGFUL GUEST EXPERIENCES
16 | Houston Zoo Inc.
Creating Wildlife Friendly Spaces Through Sustainable Design The Houston Zoo’s Design & Engineering Team has been leading the charge on constructing buildings that help reduce threats to animals in the wild. This year, we installed two new kiosks designed with recycled and reused materials and feature green roofs that act as pollinator gardens for bees and butterflies. In order to decrease the need for electricity, the buildings were designed with big windows to let natural light inside. Our new Cypress Food Kiosk even has solar panels on the roof to help offset energy demand for the equipment inside. Another way the Houston Zoo is protecting wildlife through the built environment is by retrofitting windows on campus with birdsafe protective film to deter bird strikes. Our bird-safe windows can be found on the Cypress Circle Café, North Admin building, and the Hamill Foundation Black Bear Exhibit. . SAVING ANIMALS IN THE WILD
Houston Zoo has
14 native plant
gardens around the Zoo help save Monarch butterflies
The new kiosk features a pollinator garden on the roof.
2020 Annual Report | 17
Reducing Waste to Save Wildlife In 2020, we expanded our composting program to continue diverting how much waste we send to landfill each year. Our animal manure composting program was expanded so now all manure generated from our elephant herd and our large hoofstock animals is composted for gardening. In addition to composting animal waste, the Houston Zoo is now composting food scraps generated from meal preparation in the Cypress Circle Café and from diet preparation in the animal departments. The Houston Zoo published a Sustainable Procurement Policy in 2020 that helps outline what materials and products align with the Zoo’s environmental and wildlife-protecting performance goals outlined in the Strategic Plan. Within this document is a single-use plastics policy that helps the Houston Zoo continue to reduce the source of waste generation from zoo operations. Through the implementation of this policy, the Houston Zoo Purchasing department identified a new soap dispenser system that will reduce plastic waste by 500 pounds every year.
Wood & Lumber Procurement The Houston Zoo has purchased 100% recycled content printer paper and toilet paper since 2018, but in 2020, we took it one step further by creating a wood and lumber purchasing guide to ensure that the materials we procure for construction projects are sustainably sourced. Our purchasing guide identifies lumber species to avoid types that directly impact habitat for the species and ecosystems we aim to preserve through our conservation partnerships. Our recent experience in the Pantanal exhibit construction was published as a case study by World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) in their guide on “How to choose responsibly sourced forest products at your zoo or aquarium.”
400
pounds
of gloves/PPE recycled
50%
1,380
385
use reduction from 2016
of waste composted
of local food procured
water
tons
tons
762
cell phones recycled
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
18 | Houston Zoo Inc.
Alligator Viewing in Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
2020 Annual Report | 19
Houston Zoo wins AZA Green Award for Comprehensive Sustainability Program The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) awarded the Houston Zoo the 2020 AZA Green Award – Significant Achievement – in recognition of how sustainability contributes to our mission to connect communities with animals and inspire action to save wildlife. This award highlights how all departments at the Houston Zoo contribute to our sustainability achievements and through strategic collaboration, we have made great strides in reducing our water consumption, reducing how much waste we send to landfill, and designing and building a more sustainable campus.
Special Recognition for Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands Exhibit The Houston Zoo was honored at the 2020 Houston-Galveston Area Council Parks and Natural Areas awards ceremony for the Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands exhibit which integrates a local ecosystem into the urban setting of the Houston Zoo. This living exhibit provides all Houstonians an opportunty to connect with the natural region where they live, inspiring action to save wildlife. Through strategic sustainable design, this exhibit also helps reduce the threat of regional flooding by holding up to 60,000 gallons of rainfall from storm events.
20 | Houston Zoo Inc.
Saving Texas Wildlife The Houston Zoo continued to save Texas wildlife throughout the pandemic. The Zoo worked with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to rescue migratory native birds from the local pet trade. We provided native songbird identification guides and cared for rescued native songbirds for USFWS. The Zoo’s Texas breeding and reintroduction work to prevent the extinction of Houston toads and Attwater’s prairie chickens also continued. The Zoo reintroduced 57 Attwater’s prairie chickens and 899,700 Houston toad eggs back into the Texas wild in 2020. Houston Zoo staff have worked diligently to support the recovery of endangered species by providing veterinary care and rehabilitation for sea turtles and facilitating threat reduction efforts with communities on the upper Texas coast.
Houston toad, saved from the brink of extinction
SAVING WILDLIFE BRAND
2020 Annual Report | 21
SAVING ANIMALS IN THE WILD
Houston Zoo participated in removing
200 pounds of debris and 100 abandoned crab traps from whooping crane habitat
22 | Houston Zoo Inc.
Houston Zoo’s Senior Veterinarian, Dr. Joe Flanagan, treats sea turtles suffering from hypothermia
2020 Annual Annual Report Report || 23 23 2020
120 Endangered Sea Turtles Fly to Texas for Medical Treatment & Care In December, 120 sea turtles flew south to Texas after being found on Cape Cod, Massachusetts beaches suffering from hypothermia and other complications. They received treatment and care from seven facilities in Texas, including the Houston Zoo.
“For an endangered species like Kemp’s ridley, it is important to save as many individuals as possible to contribute to the recovery of the species. We’re so grateful to all of the dedicated and caring people who make this effort happen.”
Staff from NOAA Fisheries and the New England Aquarium helped load the turtles into the plane. Of the 120 turtles that made the journey, 118 were Kemp’s ridleys, one green sea turtle, and one loggerhead. The Houston Zoo Sea Turtle Hospital keepers were responsible for daily care of the 19 Kemp’s ridleys and the loggerhead turtle, and the Zoo’s veterinary team oversaw their treatments. The Houston Zoo’s veterinary team also assisted the Texas A&M University at Galveston team with veterinary care.
–Kate Sampson, NOAA Fisheries sea turtle stranding and disentanglement coordinator for the Greater Atlantic Region
SAVING ANIMALS IN THE WILD
Zoo staff provided
81 sea turtles
with care from the veterinary team in 2020.
CLICK HERE
TO WATCH
24 | Houston Zoo Inc.
See the Animals at the Zoo and Save Them in the Wild The Houston Zoo partners with over 30 wildlife-saving projects around the world to ensure the wild counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo are protected in the wild. The Zoo supports our conservation partners in planting thousands of trees and plants in Asia, Africa and South America to save animals in the wild. Conservation partners strengthen the Zoo by providing staff with current wildlife-saving content for the Zoo’s social media, newsletters, meet the keeper talks, education programming and events.
Conservation partners had a direct line of communication to staff members through international text groups facilitated by the conservation department. Conservation partners sent updates, discussed and received feedback from Zoo staff on challenges they were facing in real-time. This resulted in the Zoo’s veterinary staff helping our wild gorilla-saving vet team in Rwanda with an injured wild gorilla and our elephant staff helping our elephant conservation partner with monitoring a wild elephant in Borneo.
Dr. Abdullahi H. Ali, Giraffe Conservation partner in Kenya
Fredy Cabrera tracks Galápagos tortoises
SAVING WILDLIFE BRAND
2020 Annual Report | 25
Borneo Reforestation Team, an all-women professional planting team from the local community in Borneo
150,000 27,855 trees
planted in Borneo to protect animals like orangutans, elephants and clouded leopards
plants + trees planted in Rwanda to protect gorillas, birds and bats
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL
9,000
5,000
were planted in Colombia to protect animals like howler monkeys and ocelots
were grown in nurseries in Madagascar to be planted to protect lemurs and other animals
saplings
2020 WILDLIFE -SAVING IMPACT REPORT
trees
26 | Houston Zoo Inc.
NORTH AMERICA International Crane Foundation, Texas National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Texas National Park Service, Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN), Texas Texas A&M University at Galveston, Texas Texas Black Bear Alliance, Texas Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas US Fish and Wildlife Service, United States of America
Our partners and affiliates The Houston Zoo saves our animals’ wild counterparts by partnering with wildlifesaving heroes and projects around the world. We provide training, technical, and financial support to our global community-based wildlife conservation partners that are committed to educating and strengthening local communities, conducting research, and reducing threats to save animals from extinction. In 2020 this important wildlife-saving work continued with COVID protocols in place around the world.
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA Baird’s Tapir Survival Initiative, Central America Barranquilla Zoo, Colombia Charles Darwin Foundation, Ecuador UC Davis Marine Wildlife Health Latin American Prog Ecology Project International, Ecuador Lowland Tapir Conservation Initiative, Brazil MarAlliance, Central America Projeto Ariranha, Brazil Galapagos Tortoise Movement Ecology Program Giant Armadillo and Anteater Conservation, Brazil Proyecto Titi, Colombia
The Houston Zoo is committed to ensuring 100% of the animals at the Zoo are protected in the wild. Supporting wildlife conservation projects around the world helps us achieve this strategic objective. SAVING WILDLIFE BRAND
gram, Argentina
2020 Annual Report | 27
ASIA Danau Girang Field Centre, Malaysia Eastern Ghats Wildlife Society, India Hutan: Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Project, Malaysia Satucita Foundation-Painted Terrapin, Indonesia Seratu Aatai-Elephants, Malaysia
AFRICA Conservation Heritage-Turambe, Rwanda Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Int'l, Rwanda, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo Ewaso Lions, Kenya GERP Lemur Conservation, Madagascar Gorilla Doctors, Rwanda, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center, Democratic Republic of Congo Hirola and Giraffe Conservation Program, Kenya Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation, Namibia Niassa Carnivore Project, Mozambique Okapi Conservation Project, Democratic Republic of Congo PRIDE Lion Conservation, Africa Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association, Rwanda
BEHAVIOR CHANGE Houston Audubon Audubon Texas Galveston Bay Estuary Program Galveston Bay Area Chapter-Texas Master Naturalists
SAVING WILDLIFE Association of Zoos & Aquariums Center for Conservation Peace Building IUCN Conservation Planning Specialist Group IUCN Tapir Specialist Group Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders International Elephant Foundation National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Rice University World Association of Zoos and Aquariums
28 | Houston Zoo Inc.
Socially Distanced Holiday Cheer at TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights A worldwide pandemic couldn’t disrupt Houston’s favorite holiday tradition! After nearly a year of battling COVID-19, the Houston Zoo brought holiday magic and cheer to Houstonians with the return of TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights. The 9th annual Zoo Lights transformed the Zoo into a winter spectacular with a few health and safety measures in place to ensure a safe visit for all.
CREATE MEANINGFUL GUEST EXPERIENCES
This year’s Zoo Lights featured timed tickets to allow for proper social distancing, as well as increased cleaning and disinfecting and hand sanitizer readily available. Guests 10 years and older were also required to wear proper face coverings. Though this year’s Zoo Lights may have looked a little different, the event brought holiday joy and cheer at a time when people needed it most.
2020 Annual Report | 29
SAVING ANIMALS IN THE WILD
Houstonians helped us recycle a total of
7,032
pounds of holiday lights. That’s the same weight as
THANK YOU TO OUR PRESENTING AND CORNERSTONE SPONSORS
TXU ENERGY COCA-COLA H-E-B KPRC CHANNEL 2
a young Asian elephant!
30 | Houston Zoo Inc.
Zoo Ball Goes Virtual Moonlight Soirée presented by Phillips 66 HONORING
Jane Block CHAIRS
Sara and Randy Ortwein AUCTION CHAIR
Peggy Kostial
2
AFTER PARTY CHAIRS
Courtney and Zac Harmon CLICK HERE TO WATCH
THE VIRTUAL ZOO BALL
Soon after the pandemic began, we knew we would have to completely rethink Zoo Ball 2020. The situation was difficult to fathom, because Zoo Ball is a beloved annual event that raises mission-critical funds. Given the circumstances, could we make Zoo Ball a success? Thanks to the extraordinary leadership of chairs Sara and Randy Ortwein; auction chair Peggy Kostial; and After Party chairs Courtney and Zac Harmon, we turned this snazzy soirée into a virtual, pull-at-your-heartstrings live event that generated a record-smashing $1.2 million! The program featured special appearances from animals like Curly the sloth and our giant river otters. At home, participants bid in the online auction and participated in the virtual paddle raise. The first $100,000 in gifts to the paddle raise were matched by an anonymous donor and dear friend of the Zoo.
1
It was prescient that we asked Jane Block almost a year earlier if she would agree to be our honoree for this Zoo Ball. This ended up being the perfect moment in time to recognize and reflect on her decades of volunteer leadership and generous spirit.
2020 Annual Report | 31
3
5
1. HONOREE
Jane Block 2. ZOO BALL CHAIRS
Sara & Randy Ortwein
3. ZOO BALL AUCTION CHAIR
Peggy Kostial
4. AFTER PARTY CHAIRS
Courtney & Zac Harmon 5. COCKTAIL KIT AND T-SHIRT
4 FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
32 | Houston Zoo Inc.
The Polly and David Roth Animal Care Professional Development Endowment We strive to connect donors with the projects and programs that they are most passionate about. So, we were excited to work with Polly and David Roth, two long-time Zoo supporters, to establish a permanent endowment that will fund continuing education opportunities for our animal care professionals over decades to come. This endowment will have a lasting impact by helping our zookeepers stay on the forefront of their continually evolving profession. We give heartfelt thanks to Dr. and Mrs. Roth for thoughtfully and generously supporting the future of the Houston Zoo and the animals in our care.
“As members of the Asante Society we had the opportunity to take some behindthe-scenes tours. On every tour we were most impressed by the staff ’s knowledge, professionalism, and dedication. We hope, by establishing this endowment, that we can help the Zoo continue to attract and maintain such a quality staff.”
– Polly and David Roth
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
Asante Society and Flock members enjoy s’mores at TXU Energy presents Zoo Lighs
2020 Annual Report | 33
Staying Connected with Our Closest Friends ASANTE SOCIETY AND FLOCK IN 2020 For much of 2020, we turned to the digital space to keep our donor club members connected to our mission. In June, Asante members were invited to a virtual happy hour to hear from CEO Lee Ehmke and other members of our leadership team. Flock enjoyed a virtual trivia night with awesome prizes up for grabs. Once we could do so safely, we were thrilled to finally reconnect with Asante Society and Flock members in person at an exclusive preview of the South America’s Pantanal exhibit and a special Donor Night at TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights.
34 | Houston Zoo Inc.
Zoo for All The Houston Zoo would not be here without the community of supporters who believe so deeply in the Zoo’s mission. With your support we were able to continue to provide discounted and free admission to the greater Houston area and beyond, allowing the Houston Zoo to continue to be a Zoo for All. Through a global pandemic, hurricanes and winter storms, one thing remained consistent: the Zoo created safe and fun experiences for all guests while staying true to its mission of connecting communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. 2020 ATTENDANCE: 973,835 (Total without Zoo Lights) 1%
36%
Senior Discount
Members
2%
Military Discount
5%
18%
Free Admission
Free & Discount
10%
46%
Lone Star Discount
Families
**In Non-Pandemic year the Zoo provides as many as 120 thousand school children and chaperones with free admission
CHARTING OUR PROGRESS
Total Revenues
151%*
Conservation
Support Provided
39%**
Cumulative Zoo Improvements
5160%* FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
This positive financial data is a result of our strategic focus to operate in a financially-sustainable manner through innovative business and operational practices.
2003
2012
2020
$22,193,316
$52,463,062
$55,699,647
2003
2012
2020
N/A
$1,411,084
$1,956,387
2003
2012
2020
$4,623,799
$84,885,377
$243,221,916
* **
% Change 2003-2020 % Change 2012-2020
2020 Annual Report | 35 REVENUE BREAKDOWN CHART (%)
2020 REVENUE Contributions
3% $22,504,009
40%
City of Houston Management Fee
$10,317,516
19%
Admission Fees
$9,342,777
17%
Other
$6,554,504
12%
Membership Fees
$5,056,070
9%
$1,924,771
3%
$55,699,647
100%
Concession Payments TOTAL
9%
40%
12% 17%
19%
2020 CONTRIBUTIONS Centennial Campaign
$8,649,916
38%
Unrestricted Contributions
$3,921,956
17%
Federal Grant Contributions
$5,665,025
25%
Fundraising Events
$1,036,276
5%
Other
$3,230,836
14%
$22,504,009
100%
TOTAL
EXPENDITURES BREAKDOWN CHART (%)
3%
2020 EXPENDITURES 4%
Animal Care & Exhibition Operations
$29,593,116
65%
Admissions, Membership & Marketing
$6,480,373
14%
Conservation & Education
$3,705,135
8%
Guest Program Events
$1,795,340
4%
Administrative, IT & All Other
$2,282,092
5%
Fundraising
$1,482,037
3%
$45,338,093
100%
TOTAL
NET ASSETS FOR REINVESTMENT: $10,361,554
5%
8% 14%
65%
36 | Houston Zoo Inc.
Annual Gifts $100,000+
Anonymous Laura and John Arnold The Brown Foundation, Inc. Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Duncan Family Foundation The Elkins Foundation The Hamill Foundation Kathrine G. McGovern/ John P. McGovern Foundation Phillips 66 PNC Bank Polly and David Roth TXU Energy Wildcat Foundation
$50,000-$99,999
Anonymous Pat and Steve Chazen Cathy and Joe Cleary Disney Worldwide Services, Inc. H-E-B LyondellBasell* Bobbie Nau Sara and Randy Ortwein Janice and Daniel Palomino The Powell Foundation David L. Roberts SSB Charitable Corporation
$10,000-$49,999
Neelo and Sami Ahmad Anonymous Arne’s Distributors, Inc.* Harry G. and Pauline M. Austin Foundation Margaret and George Basu The C.T. Bauer Foundation Danielle and Lawrence Berry Bloomberg Philanthropies Heather and John Burgess CenterPoint Energy CFP Foundation Janice Hazlehurst and Stephen Charles Chevron Comcast ConocoPhillips Trang and Alan Cormack The Crain Foundation Mary and Walter Crain Susie and Joe Dilg Debra and Mike Dishberger Robin and Chris Dodson Anne and Charles Duncan Jimmy C. Dunne Lee C. Ehmke Jenny Elkins Estate of Dulane Myrtle Bourdeau Johanna A. Favrot Fund The Marvy Finger Family Foundation Nanette Finger Frost Bank Marcelite and David A. Bristol/ The Fruehauf Foundation Heidi and Luis Galito Kat A. Gallagher Kerry A. Galvin
Cullen K. Geiselman Jeanie L. Giles Annie and Bob Graham Chaille and Frederick Hawkins Gillian A. Hobson Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Houston Methodist Hospital Paula and Mark Hurd Emily Downing-Ishee and Jonathan Ishee Rebecca and Bobby Jee Jill and Dunham Jewett Willard and Ruth Johnson Charitable Foundation Victoria and Parker Johnson Diane and Don Kendall King & Spalding LLP Kim King Peggy A. Kostial Cornelia and Meredith Long Karri and Joey Mahmoud Paige M. Jackson and Mike J. Manley Nancy D. McGregor and Neal S. Manne Marathon Oil Corporation Memorial Hermann Stacy and Dee Methvin Ruthie and Adam Miller The W.T. and Louise J. Moran Foundation Brett Mossman The John M. O’Quinn Foundation Karen Werner-Petak and Steven Petak Port Houston Beverly and Jim Postl Macey and Harry Reasoner Reid Park Zoo Mary Rose Leslie and Shannon Sasser Maryjane and Bud Scherr Service Systems Associates Cassie and Wesley Sinor Sterling-Turner Foundation Charlotte and J. Terry Strange Laura and Tim Roberts Studio Hanson|Roberts Carl Stutts The Tapeats Fund TC Energy Jennifer and Tadd Tellepsen Texas Capital Bank T-Mobile USA, Inc. Trinchero Family Estates University of Houston Alumni Association UT Health US Fish and Wildlife Randa and K.C. Weiner Westside Tennis Club
$5,000-$9,999
Beverlee Steinberg and Chad Alexander Joan and Stanford J. Alexander Eric J. Alfuth Kathy Arthur Baker Botts L.L.P. BBVA USA Matthew Bennett
Bessemer Trust Laura and Vineet Bhatia Barbara and Joe Bourland Dianne and Michael Bowman Mary and Frank Bradley Cynthia and Stephen Brown Elizabeth and Bill Brown Shari Conner Mary McBeth and Jim Crump Stacey and Peter DallePezze Mindy and Josh Davidson Denman/Newman Foundation Dripping Springs Distillery Deborah and Marshall E. Dujka Robin and Sammy Fleschler Harriet Foster Wayne Fox/WCF Development Milane and Matthew Frantz Friends of the Bergen County Zoo Alice and William Gamble Kathy and Marty Goossen Glenda and Russell Gordy Harriet and Stuart Grossman Kassia Yanosek and Christopher Gurr Amanda and Steven Gyeszly Courtney and Zac Harmon Ryan M. Juarez-Hermosa and Peter Hermosa Karen Twitchell and Kirk E. Heyne Hildebrand Fund/ Mindy and Jeff Hildebrand David Jackson Tandra Jackson and Derick Perkins Karen and Jim Johnson Myrtle L. Jones JUST Goods, Inc. Deborah L. McCoy and Robert Keenan Sylvia and Matt Kerrigan Kathy and Dick Kimbrough Carla Knobloch Sharon and Dick Lane Stephanie and Rich Langenstein Nancy Langford Lisa and Mark Livingston Penny and Paul Loyd Joan H. Lyons Shannon Magleby Judy and Ken Margolis Shannon and Gary Margolis Janine and Kevin McArdle Kirby and Scott McCool April Dunn McGee and Wells McGee Kim and Tom McKay Audra and Sean McNicholas Sharon Giordano and Valerie Mogas Margaret and Clay Neff Mary Ann Newman Sherri and Mike Nicol Suzanne and Bob Nimocks Palmer Foundation Trish Freeman and Bruce Patterson Patterson & Sheridan Linda and William Potter Tommye and David Powell Edlyn and Dave Pursell Penny and Mark Small Becky Roof and Gary Smith Natalie and Jeremy Smith Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Macey and Bob Stokes Mardi and Mark Turner Vinson & Elkins, L.L.P. Janie and Pat Wagner Cynthia and Mac Walker Wildlife Conservation Network
$2,500-$4,999
Ralph Abendshein Atlantic Trust Private Wealth Management Dian Austin and Sandy Altman Peggy and Bill Barnett Judy and Mark Blanchard Susan and Michael Bloome Janet Bohannon Kelli and Mike Bridges Roxanna Brom Bebe and Bob Burns Holly and Kenneth Charette Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Devin Coffey Kari and Frank Coffey Christy Brown and Carlos Contreras Elizabeth M. Cosgrove and Cameron D. Smith Joe and Robin Cunningham Carolyn and Platt Davis Margaret and Warren Davis Sher’ree and Norman Davis Janet and Robert Denton Michele and Jeffrey Dodson Jan and Berk Donaldson Patty and Tom Dorsey Bob Edwards Kellie and Terry Ekeland Lynn and John Elsenhans France Archambault and Calvin Embry C.C. and Duke Ensell Jordana Parker and Ken Fatur Sidney Faust Joanna Fax Tracy and James Fish Lorrie and Mike Foreman Prince and Princess Piotr Galitzine Katherine and James Garrett Hillary and Tim Graves Timothy Hale D. E. Harvey Builders Nancy and John Hathaway Julia Hayes Michele and William Hayes Linda and Tracy Hester Susan and Earl Hesterberg Maria C. Walsh and James Hitchcock Sabrina and Robert Horn Houston Texans Karen Nyberg and Douglas Hurley Katrina and Andrew Husmann Deborah O. Jennings Cheryl Ballard-Jones and Charles E. Jones Leigh and Christopher Joseph Ellie Meyer and Greg Joseph Nicole and Evan Katz Ann and Stephen Kaufman Robert Klotz Candy and Tom Knudson
2020 Annual Report | 37 Julie A. Koch and Richard R. Humphreys Angela Lane Elmer Lee Kelley and Steve Lubanko The Lubrizol Foundation Lynn and Marcel Mason Jennifer and Ben McClure Sheila R. McIlnay Teresa and John McLean Karen and Michael McMurray MetroNational* Sheila and Steven Miller Dee Ann Pederson and Shaun P. Mooney Vanessa and Filippo Nenna Bobby Noblitt Alma and Edward Novotny Sandra and Pat O’Donnell Dianne Padgett Megan and Jonathan Parker Jill and John Parsons Stacy Strehlow and Joseph Perkinson Jessica and Tyson Pinnell Pat G. Pratt Alie and David Pruner Nancy and David Pustka Amy Mehollin-Ray and Cameron Ray Carroll and Hugh Ray Jeanna and Scott Rister Chris I. Rivers Peggy and Bryan W. Roberts Kelly and David Rose Marcy Rothman and Tammy Pye Camilla R. Sayers Amanda Blackwell and Peter Schaeffer Lori and Paul Schomber Barbara and Joe Sheldon Herbert D. Simons Meredith and Jeffrey Sipes Bas and Courtney Solleveld J.J. and Gerry Spedale Liz and Andy Stepanian Sterling Kim and David Sterling Cynthia Pickett-Stevenson and Don Stevenson The Norman and Sadie Lee Foundation/Leah James Craig Thiry Diana and Jaime Villarreal Jennifer and John Vogel Pat and Jim Walzel Martha and Buzz White Connie and Tracey Williford Karen and Jim Work Susan and Austin Young Nina and Michael Zilkha
$1,000-$2,499
Tom Ajamie Aasim Ali Nicole and Samir H. Ali Shirley Almazan Carol Relihan and John Arthur Laura and Scott Atha Ellen and Hank Bachmann Denise and Philip Bahr Amber and Matt Baker
Carol J. Baker Myra W. Barber Carol and Larry Barbour Caroline and James Barnes Christina and Alex Baron William Barry Julia and Joseph Batdorf Margaret S. Preston and Robert Baumgartner Peggy Becker John Bederman Jamie and Jarvis Belinne Linda Benedict Amanda and Isaac Berns Susan and Bradley Billetdeaux Mary and Michael Bingham Bailey Dalton-Binion and Greg Binion Christina and Bart Blackwell Amanda and Terry Boffone Laurie and Milton Boniuk Catharine and Brandon Borders Dianna and Harry Bowles Jennifer and Kristopher Boyd Billy Boyd Kristy and Chris Bradshaw Kathryn and Billy Bragan Esther Brakkee Nancy and Walter Bratic Britten Fund/Kendall Woods Cathy and Gary Brock Gary Burkett Susan and Rusty Burnett William Burton Jennie and Richard Buxbaum Lynn and Win Campbell Michelle and Winfield Campbell Deborah and Gardner Cannon Lauren and Thomas Carlson Mary Farach-Carson and Daniel Carson Flavia M. Cassiola Kristen Castellanos-Ridgway Nancy Chafe Tena M. Chamberlain Julie and Stephen Chen Sherene and Kris Chikelue Sue Chin Kenyon and Sean Cichowski Catherine and Theis Clarke Kathryn and Garrett Clayton Joey Cleary Suzanne and Mark Clevenger Alice and Michael Conlon Sally and Randy Cooper Sara and Benjamin Cozad Sheryl and William Curtin Nancy and Tom Daly Claudette M. Danna/ Emanuel J. Petru Family Foundation Lisa and Aaron Dargel Frank Daunt Sue A. Davis Jack and Mary S. Dawson Jewel Day Jillian and Chris Day Barbara and Jonathan Day Nadia and Phil Deeb-Newton Jeanine Denton Sarah and John Dodson
Mary Lou Flynn-DuPart and Mike DuPart Julie and Clay Edwards Morven Edwards Shelley and Robert Eichenlaub Electra and Douglas C. Elliott Janie and Toby Ellis Carlos Meltzer and Nick Espinosa Connie and Eric Estopinal Ann C. Wheeler and Gene Evans Marguerite and Bruce Ference Cindy and Brian Fiegel Lyndsay and Travis Fincher Nancy M. Fischer Shari and Thomas Fish Cathy A. FitzGerald Brigid and John Fitzpatrick Kari Floren Courtney and Alex Forshey Cheryl and Andy Fossler Deborah and William Fowler Kristina and Kevin Frankel Nan and Bob Franklin Rebecca and Peter Franklin Brenda and Chris Funk Rob Fuller and Cathryn Gabor Pamela and Mike Gallagher Mary and Steven Gangelhoff Laura and Jerry Garcia Jean and Mark Gargiulo Marcie and Woody Garmon Amy and Blair Garrou Lauren and Edward Geiser Amanda and Curtis George Rana and Zahid Ghauri Marie and Arthur Godfrey Heather and Sean Golden Barbara S. Goldfield Aurora Gonzalez Colleen Barry-Goodman and Craig Goodman Ryan D. Gordon Connie S. Grant Lou Ann and Milton Gray Claire Liu and Joe Greenberg Maria and Rex Grey Veronica V. Griffin Richard L. Gruen Linda and John Hague Kelly and Kim Hales Haley Family Charitable Fund Ann Hamilton Erin Fox and Gray Hancock Margaux and Adam Harbin Helene Harding and Patrick Briggs Stacee and Derek Hawkins Lori Hebert Henry Vilas Zoo Bastion Technologies, Inc./ Rosi and Jorge Hernandez Kyle Hilberg Allison and David Hills Karen D. Hinson Kathryn Hite and Leo de Sousa Lisa and Fred Hollins Javier Cuellar and Rodney Honerkamp Amy House MaryLee and Del House Cynthe and Brian Hughes
Taylor and Stuart Imel Mildred and William Ishee Joan Jacobsen Catherine and Brian James Diane and Eric Jansen John Drewer and David Jaqua Gwen and George Jett Kirkwood Johnston Cheryl Rash-Jones and Walter Jones Jane and Gregory Jordan Nina and David Karohl Cindy and Lewis Kasner Taylor and Dan Kaufman Krista Heidersbach and Mike Kelly Kendra Scott, LLC Mary and John Kenner Megan and Patrick Kessler Leslie and Donny Kilbourn Angela Chen and Mark Klitzke Jen and JC Kneale Randi and Jeff Koenig Rena and Mike Koinis Sheryl Kolasinski Korsakov Family Charitable Fund Kroger Food Stores Kathy and Randy Lake Lise and Geoffrey Lanceley Brenda M. Landry Kelley and Michael Lang Juni Muhota-Langham and Chanler A. Langham Jennifer and Christopher Laporte Jaime Lara Janice G. Laurie Albert Laverty Benigna and Ernst Leiss Vicki Lemrond Joyce and Bob Levine Linda and Gee Li Sara Lindsay Lauren and Kurt Lobaugh Jennifer and Adam Loveless Bruce Ludwig Andrew J. Luk Kevin Lunday Lyons Elementary School Christina Lyons Heather Lyon-Southard Audrey and Robert MacLean Karan and Scott Mactier Beth Madison Sally W. Vernon and Steven Magee Kristy Godwin and David Martin Lisa Mason Darcey Matthews Lily and Max McClure Tracey and Brian McDaniel Margie and Lyman McDonald Mary Lou McElligott Hannah and Cal McNair Beth McWilliams Roberta A. Lloyd and Don McWilliams Brittany and Ryan Mead Stephanie Verhardt and Trey Melcher/ Melcher Charitable Foundation Margey Meyer Cindy Knebel and Wouter Miedema Diane and Dave Miller Melissa and Bill Miller
38 | Houston Zoo Inc. Whitney and Matthew Mixon Ginger and Bobby Moon Cara and Tanner Moran Josie and Philip Morgan Mary Louise and Terence Mullervy Mary B. Nall Kathy and Bruce W. Nied Kathy and Phil Noble Toni and Noel Noble Linda and Lee Norris Robert Odell Neal Ohlendorf Lisa and Michael O’Leary Elisa and John Oren Daphne and Ron Orlando Andrea Pola and Neil O’Sullivan Papoose Conservation Wildlife Foundation Biba and Jon Parker Alpesh Patel May Patel Ramesh Patel Linda and Robert Peche Rita Peck Sara and Blake Pellerin Cheri and John Peper Brenda J. Peters Tess K. Peterson Janet and George Pilko Kathryn Pionkowski Amy and James Pipe Michele Pola Alison and Cullen Powell Dawn and Perry Prather Susan and John Putnam Laura and Michael Puzio Janet and John Pyle Deborah and Angie Quinten Renee Renfroe Meredith and Michael Rice Jay Ring Carolyn and Paul Rizza Beth Robertson Jane and Alexander Robinson David Greiss and David J. Romero Kristi and Bryan Roof Ellen R. Gritz and Mickey Rosenau Kathryn J. Rosenfeld Robert Rosenthal Richard Ruckman Safeway Inc. Samuels Family Foundation Melanie and Danny Savitz Adam and Ashley Scheele Ting Liu-Schmidt and Engel Schmidt Margaret and Garry Schoonover Betsy and Ed Schreiber Elizabeth Hanks and Steven Schroder Hanna Schwarze Kelley and Jeff Scofield Cindi and Richard Scruggs Jordan and Dylan Seff Elizabeth and Russell Sellen Jenny Yang and John Seo Nicholas A. Shea Charles Shepherd Cynthia and Keith Shrewsberry Carla and Japheth Silvas Bath and David Slater
Pam and Bill Smith Becky and David Smith Theresa and Will Smith Trish G. and William F. Smith Christine and Jan Spin Janet and H.J. Springer Sarah Ratzel and Loren Stagg Roxanne Almaraz and Chrissy Stegemoller Veronica Niebler-Hunt and John Stein Pam Campion and Max Stetzer Laura and Trevor Stolzenburg Jennifer and David Strauss Thomas Stucker Marguerite M. Swartz SYSCO Corporation* Florence and Hans Tang Katherine Tanner Leah Taylor Carolyn and Howard Tellepsen Alison and Jim Tennant Brian J. Thomas Liz and David Thomas Krystal and Garrett Thompson Shanna and Michael Thorvilson Nancy and Tim Timpani Kris Torberson Caroline Baker and Jeremiah Traxler Shannon and Wallace Trochesset Geraldine and Lee Turner Anita Udayamurthy Adrienne and Timothy Unger Diana and Chase Untermeyer Juan Valdez Ann and Michael Van Wagener Velasquez Elementary School Kelly Mai and Tommy Vo Rachael and Jason Volz Connie and Lawrence Wallace Mark Weatherwax Kristen and Michael Weekley Misty and Christopher Weihs Kelli and John Weinzierl Dava and Jim West Cathy Cates and Charles White Jaime McMinn and Christopher White Ann and Norman Whitton Amanda and Scott Wiesenborn Vasilia and Laurens Wilkes Linda Williams Hall Jessica DeMarr Williams and Rick Williams Wanda and Bert Williams Michael Willisch Sandra and Karl Willmann Carl D. Wilson Debra Unchis and Brian Winquist Cynthia Winton Diana and Jack Wisdom Jane and Jim Wise Garry W. Woodhouse Maureen and Frank Woodruff Gina and Joseph Wyszynski Patrick Zabawa Eliza Zavala Deborah and Richard Zembek
MATCHING GIFTS
Baker Hughes Foundation The Benevity Community Impact Fund Chevron Humankind Employee Funds ExxonMobil Foundation Matching Gift Program Shell Oil Company Foundation
ENDOWMENT GIFTS
Roth Animal Care Professional Development Endowment
TRIBUTE GIFTS
In honor of Kathy Arthur In honor of Jane Block In honor of The Burnett Family In memory of Ethel and Buddy Carruth In honor of Helen Gardner Crain and Peter Lacy Crain In honor of Mary McMahon Crain and Bluford Walter Crain In honor of Tita Curtin In memory of Isabel James Davis and James Anderson Elkins III In honor of the generous partners at Ewing & Jones In memory of Elizabeth Henke In memory of Boyd King In memory of Allan Brian Korsakov In loving memory of Tessa Lesley In memory of Tugs Lemrond In honor of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Margolis In honor of J.K. Mowry In honor of the Needlepoint Ladies In honor of Suzanne Nimocks, for her long service to the Houston Zoo In honor of The Nolen Family In honor of Jim Postl In honor of Susan Purdy In honor of Sheryl Rigby Family In honor of Ruby In memory of Kuang Shy Tang
CENTENNIAL CAMPAIGN $1,000,000+
Jenny Elkins The W.T. and Louise J. Moran Foundation
$50,000-$999,999
Anonymous Estate of Jane L. Bowles Kat Gallagher Claire Liu and Joe Greenberg The Hamill Foundation Houston Endowment Institute of Museum and Library Services Ruthie and Adam Miller Robert R. and Kay M. Onstead Foundation Shell Oil Company Cynthia and Mac Walker
$1,000-$49,999
Neelo and Sami Ahmad Jan and William Cato Estate of Chalmers M. Hudspeth Houck Family Foundation Jill and Dunham Jewett Lisa and Sanjay Kalavar Melcher Charitable Foundation/ Trey Melcher and Stephanie Verhardt Alexandra and David Pruner Ron and Demi Rand Strake Foundation Trees For Houston, Inc.* Alan Woelfel
THE JOHN AND INGRID WERLER SOCIETY
Dian Austin and Sandy Altman Joel Bangilan Richard T. Churchill, Jr. and Linda E. Churchill Michael and Debra Dishberger Rob Fuller and Cathryn Gabor Sharon Lane Judge Roberta Lloyd Bobby Noblitt Jesse and Megan Ortega Renee Renfroe Sharon Roark Linda and Jerry Rubenstein Charlotte and J. Terry Strange Linda Suib Sandy Tietjen Wendy A. Weston
All donors listed made contributions totaling $1,000 or more in 2020. *Includes a gift in kind
2020 Annual Report | 39
Houston Zoo Employees EXECUTIVE
Lee Ehmke — Lisa Avendano Amy Blackmon Roberto Espinosa Kristin Finney Ellen Grodjesk Deborah Johnson Sheryl Kolasinski Trazanna Moreno Jeri Nordbrock Peter Riger
Animal programs ANIMAL NUTRITION Wilbert Booty Regina Ferral Jordan Johnson Catherine Keith Phyllis Pietrucha-Mays Edith Spillman AQUARIUM Denise Babecki George Brandy Michael Concannon Kenneth Stange James,Winecki Mark Yun BIRDS Jessica Clark Stephanie Gonzalez Kathleen Hofmann Christopher Holmes Stephen Howard Timothy Johnson Malcolm Kiddle Kelly Pardy Taylor Rhoades Rene Ryan Bethany Shick Jeremy Whitted Eric Wilson CARNIVORES Jenna Mcmichael Victoria Miller Paul Reed Cortney Shaw Danielle Swopes Katheryn Watkins Alicia Wedel Megan Woodall CHILDREN'S ZOO Lisa Cariello Michelle Castle M’Kenna Cerda Jacob Charney Tarah Cornelius Courtney Cummings
Grace Gilbert Marisol Gomez Natalie Jones Heather Kilway Amy Lavergne Danielle Montes De Oca Jason Moore Daniel Ortega Tianna Redieck Brian Stucky Carolyn Zewe ELEPHANTS Alicia Andring Wren Baker Robert Bernardy Savannah Cofresi Mariam Dehaini Daryl Hoffman Kimberly Klein Sydney Parsons Amanda Rinker Ian Ross Kristin Windle GENERAL CURATOR Kevin Hodge David Suttinger Alec Young HERPETOLOGY Christopher Bednarski Scott Boslow Brittanie Crews Elizabeth Fries Matthew Lammers Julie Laturner Stanley Mays Declan Mcdonagh Lauren Roese Eddie Sunila Christopher Valdez HOOFSTOCK Kimberly Giver Alexa Jansen Heather Johnson Timothy Junker Memory Mays Kendall Moore John Register John Scaramucci Kimberly Siegl Jessica Sigle NATURAL ENCOUNTERS Rachel Adams John Allen Sydney Fitzpatrick Hayley Halbrook Ashley Hironimus Tessa Metz Priscilla Reed Kamryn Suttinger PRIMATES Mallory Barbier Ashley Baudler Briana Bauer
Kayla Cosmi Emilie Covert Karli Dallman Amanda Daly Miriam Gordon Sonny Heihn Chelsea Heinen Tiffany Hudson Ashley Kramer Anastasia Lagarde Amelia Law Christina Leslie Judith Mcauliffe Victoria Mcfarland Eric Murray Agnieszka Podraza Ronald Santos Diane Shea Lucy Dee Sheppard Kevin Steinberg Brianna Towers SEA LIONS Heather Crane Amanda Perry Sophia Plant-Darling Krista Webber
Daniel Miranda Huerta Rachel Moreau James Motley Cedrell Sampson Maria Santoyo Sebastian Sharp Brenda Taylor CONSERVATION EDUCATION Catherine Cavanaugh Leia Cook Stuart Davis Jessica Deavult Kathleen Edinburgh Danielle Fisk Nicholas Larberg Gentry Leonard Chelsea Lyons Philip Malek Kelly Mccreery Tara Oakes Alyx Scott Melanie Sorensen Alison Stephens Katerina Unger Melissa Wong
VET CLINIC Catherine Almeida Jennifer Atkinson Kendra Bauer Amy Chapman Joseph Flanagan Jessica Jones Andrew Krauss Andrea Lee Kathryn Lippman Cody Macon Judilee Marrow Christine Molter Michele Ozuna Jennifer Stevenson Maryanne Tocidlowski Ruth Zavala
DESIGN & ENGINEERING Trisha Crowe Mark Hoffman Laurey Lucree Florence Tang
ADMISSIONS Tyishia Austin Jordan Bohn Elizabeth Burch Amanda Burnom John Cavazos Amy Disisto Rachel Duggan Mary Elders Adalberto Garcia Griselda Garcia Tina Gonzales Hampton Hawkins Megan Hedge Chelsea Horton Christine Hutchison Asma Jamil Tina Krumnow Zoie Lalonde Derrick Lockett Jorge Lopez Heather Love Marah Melendez Epifania Migenes
EVENT OPERATIONS Wendy Babineaux Hillary Rothenberg Keijuan Saul
DEVELOPMENT Jillian Day Julia Gutierrez Rodney Honerkamp Audra Jesudason Ginger Moon Natalie Nguyen Alexander Pugh Sundra Spiller-Hayes Brittani Williams
EXHIBIT DESIGN Nathan Dean Errol Hanse Alma Olvera Mark Van Wickler FACILITIES Raymond Adame Paul Aguirre Juan Banda Juan Barrera Jesus Cavazos Jose Cervantes Erin Donato Peter Faini Juan Garcia Silvestre Gomez Brandon Hanna Marcus Harkreader
Martin Hayes John Hohensee Brendan Joseph Paul Lopez Fernando Mauricio Jacob Miguel Oscar Rivera Rene Rivera Carmen Sanchez Samuel Santamaria Martinez Luaay Shehab Jacob Simmons Bryant Smith Jason Smith Raul Tapia Ortega Robert Velazquez Kyle Weber John Williams FINANCE Alexis Campos Shane Dorman Candace Gutierrez James Hutchinson Elizabeth Tennill GRAPHICS Dawn Baxter Steven Shultz Kirsten Ufer GROUNDS Miguel Balderas Adrian Barbosa Ubaldo Barrios Reynaldo Butanda Franklin Calix Jerry Colbert, Jr. Carlos Cuevas Antonio Diaz Bennett Dones Omar Guerra Gregory Haro Tommie Juarez Monyel Page Ricardo Romero Rolando Salinas Jesus Santoyo Enrique Solis HORTICULTURE Calvin Button Carlos Campos- Garcia Kenny Cao Asia Gillespie David Hansen Anna Land Steven Mata Francisco Ocampo Ariel Sklar Eric Valles HOUSEKEEPING John Estrada Lydia Hadley Brandi Hopkins Courtney Lomas Sabrina Lomas Rodney Mercer Debra Morgan
40 | Houston Zoo Inc. Sylvia Olivo Michaela Peck Matilde Ponce Natoshia Rodriguez Viviana Rodriguez Bernice Sims Jessica Tristan HUMAN RESOURCES Amy Blackmon Brandy Ruiz HUMAN RESOURCES TRAINING Frederick Shaffer INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Quincy Armstead Matthew Bennett Scott Mestayer Kafai Tse Kelly Wilcox MARKETING Rachael Shappard Marylu Trevino Linsey Whitehead Jackelin Reyna MEMBERSHIP Rachel Baker Adrian Cavazos Sarah Fern Judith Harrington Andrea Hennerichs Kenneth James Nathalie Jolicoeur Daisy Martinez Erin Newell Dylan Olson DeAndra Ramsey Jeniffer Roman Manuela Saravia Megan Williamson Eliza Zavala PEST CONTROL Alfredo Arriaga Ami Orth
Charles Betts Alexandra Binford Joshua Bohannon Kailynn Castillo Emilie-Rose Gagne Marina Gallegos Samanta Hernandez Irene Herrera Mary Kuntz John Leblanc Brianna Lykens Stephen Martin Brian McKey Devin Moody Monica Quiroga Staci Robinson Edgar Sagastume Elias Silva Iv Derek Torres Lawrence Trussell Thomas Valdez Jordan Wilson Amanda Yzaguirre REGISTRAR Sheri Bradley Joann Watson SPECIAL EVENTS Lisa Stafford VOLUNTEERS Samantha Junker WATER QUALITY David Crawford Michael Fannin Karen Sprague Ashlin Stedifor WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Renee Bumpus
Staff listed were active employees as of December 31, 2020
PUBLIC RELATIONS Kevin Kendrick Jacquelyn Wallace Lauren Wappler PURCHASING Diego Lopez Veronica Pacheco Randall Martin Jose Ruiz Morales RANGERS Christopher Adams Luis Alvarado Edgar Barrera Renato Barrera Todd Berry
Giant Anteater, South America’s Pantanal
2020 Annual Report | 41
The Houston Zoo BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sami Ahmad Roxanne Almaraz* E. William Barnett
Anne Duncan
Director Emeritus
Robert Edwards
Director Emeritus
Jenny Elkins
Joe Cleary
Dr. Amy Garrou
Josh Davidson
Dr. Cullen Geiselman
Carlos de Aldecoa Bueno
Eureka Gilkey
Mike Dishberger
Marty Goossen
Jeff Dudderar
Robert Graham
Gillian Hobson
Kimberly McKay
Macey Stokes
Tandra Jackson
Stacy Methvin
Molly Voorhees*
Jill Jewett* Myrtle Jones Sanjay Kalavar Peggy Kostial Claire Liu Kelley Lubanko
Chair
Clay Neff Jim Postl* Alexandra “Alie” Pruner Ron Rand
Cynthia Walker Randa Duncan Williams Director Emeritus
Austin Young
Director Emeritus
Tim Roberts Bas Solleveld
* Appointed by the Mayor
2020 ANNUAL REPORT EDITOR
WRITERS
Linsey Whitehead, Senior Director, Marketing and Sales
Renee Bumpus Erin Donato
COMMITTEE
Alex Pugh
Lee Ehmke, President & CEO
Jackie Wallace
Lisa Marie Avendaño, Vice President, Animal Operations Renee Bumpus, Senior Director, Wildlife Conservation Programs Nick Espinosa, Vice President, Development Sheryl Kolasinski, Chief Operating Officer Trazanna Moreno, Vice President, Marketing and Communications Peter Riger, Vice President, Conservation and Education Melanie Sorensen, Senior Director, Conservation Education Jeri Nordbrock, Chief Financial Officer Kirsten Ufer, Senior Creative Director
Lauren Wappler PHOTOGRAPHERS Stephanie Adams Renee Bumpus Colleen Cavanaugh Kelly McCreery Daniel Ortiz Jackelin Reyna
Jackie Wallace, Senior Director, Public Relations
The Houston Zoo is one of over 200 zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA accreditation stands for excellence in the care of zoo visitors, zoo animals, and Earth’s remaining wilderness.
42 | Houston Zoo Inc.
1513 Cambridge Street Houston, Texas 77030 www.houstonzoo.org
