Erie Zoo Strategic Plan 2015–2020

THE ERIE ZOO 2015-2020 STRATEGIC PLAN

STRATEGIC PLAN OVERVIEW

OUR FOCUS OUR RISKS & CHALLENGES OUR STRENGTHS OUR NEXT FIVE YEARS...AND BEYOND OUR 20/20 VISION

THE ERIE ZOO 2015-2020 STRATEGIC PLAN

The old saying tells us that hindsight is 20/20.

Rather than dwelling in the past, we’ve created a plan with the hope that our foresight might be 20/20 as well. Crafting this strategic plan has been a year-long process through which we sought input from our staff, volunteers, board and community. Each element of the plan, much like a road map, will guide us towards an even better Zoo that is a cherished asset to our community. This does not signify the completion of our work, but will instead serve to help us create a master plan of action. This master plan will enable us to better meet the educational needs of our region and most importantly, it will sharpen our focus on the conservation of the plants and animals that you have entrusted to our care.

Sincerely,

Scott Mitchell President & CEO

THE ERIE ZOO 2015-2020 STRATEGIC PLAN

OUR FOCUS • Education for children, families and community • Commitment to wildlife conservation • Enhancement of a regional asset • Recreation and enjoyment

FOCUS

The Erie Zoo has educated thousands of children throughout the years and donated $10,000 to conservation programs from all around the world and organizations right here in our community. Educating visitors on the importance of protecting species in the wild is how we work on our commitment to prevent the extinction of them.

THE ERIE ZOO 2015-2020 STRATEGIC PLAN

OUR RISKS & CHALLENGES • • • • • • • • •

Economic health Community access Animal regulations Aging gift shop and concessions Storage needs Increased parking Stable and reliable funding sources Limited opportunity for physical growth Aging ice arena infrastructure

CHALLENGES

Special funding has made it possible for the Erie Zoo to be free on Sunday afternoons for over 30 years. Even if a family is struggling financially, they are still able to come and enjoy the Zoo.

THE ERIE ZOO 2015-2020 STRATEGIC PLAN

OUR STRENGTHS • Education programming • Dedicated, experienced staff and volunteers • Excellent community reputation and media relationships • Safe, affordable, comfortable and clean environment • Nationally accredited animal care STRENGTH

The Zoo is a part of everyone’s life at one time or another. Many have childhood memories visiting with family or school, some have volunteered or worked at the Zoo as a teenager, others bring their children or grandchildren as adults. The Zoo means something different to each of us and that’s what keeps us visiting as we journey through life.

OUR NEXT FIVE YEARS MAJOR EXHIBIT IMPROVEMENTS

• Bear exhibit • Outside lion yard • Giraffe yard and barn

VOLUNTEER GROWTH

• Age diversity • Family volunteering

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

• Increased virtual educational opportunities • Visitors and staff REVENUE STREAMS

• Development professional • Increased focus on business community • Maximize in-park revenue

THE ERIE ZOO 2015-2020 STRATEGIC PLAN

THE ERIE ZOO 2015-2020 STRATEGIC PLAN

...AND BEYOND • Intimate, interactive visitor experiences • Facility accents and amenities

BEYOND 2020

Thanks to the Erie Zoo’s Kiboka Treehouse Video Conferencing Initiative, we were able to reach thousands of children who could not visit us in person, including older students who learned about real-life examples related to their studies in science, engineering and math classes.

THE ERIE ZOO 2015-2020 STRATEGIC PLAN

OUR 2020 VISION To be the region’s premier resource for the enjoyment, exploration and conservation of the natural world.

VISION

The Erie Zoo is located on 15 acres and is home to over 400 animals and 12 beautiful gardens. Every day children and adults alike visit the Erie Zoo to learn more about animals and nature. Sometimes visitors observe on their own, but just as often, the Zoo staff is there to encourage them to lean in to have a closer look, maybe even to touch or smell. This interaction is what makes the Erie Zoo so special.