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Northern Elephant Seal Rescue Zoo Gala Donor Spotlight PPG Aquarium Notes from the Field Fashion for the Wild ICC/Zoo Credit Card Galápagos Tortoises Arrive 96 Elephants Grow Wild Society
pittsburghzoo.org
Development Department Janet Rose Senior Director of Development 412-365-2540 jrose@pittsburghzoo.org Lori Elder Membership Manager 412-365-2534 lelder@pittsburghzoo.org Amy O’Neill Foundation and Grants Coordinator 412-365-2543 aoneill@pittsburghzoo.org Rachel Kisic Development Coordinator 412-365-2541 rkisic@pittsburghzoo.org Yasmeen Hatcher Development Assistant 412-365-2542 yhatcher@pittsburghzoo.org Emily Beyer Special Events Assistant 412-365-2503 ebeyer@pittsburghzoo.org Richard Kalson Chair, Board of Directors Dr. Barbara Baker President & CEO In compiling this report, the development office has made every attempt to ensure that the information is accurate, complete, and all contributions are listed accurately. If there are omissions, misspellings, or other errors, please report them to the development office at 412-365-2541 and please accept our apologies.
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Northern Elephant Seal Rescue 2014 Janet Rose, senior director of development
Coolio the northern elephant seal has arrived. Flown from California to Pittsburgh, and then transported by truck from the airport to the Zoo, this almost 500-pound elephant seal is now adjusting to his new life at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Although he will not be on exhibit until next year, Coolio is still in quarantine and being medically assessed by our veterinary staff. With every passing day, as Coolio acclimates to his new life he will undergo extensive rehabilitation and training that will help the animal staff to understand his needs while he builds his trust in their care and attention. A northern elephant seal has not been seen at a zoo or aquarium in North America in more than 40 years. Coolio is a special case however, that exemplifies the mission of the Zoo. Wildlife conservation, animal care, research, and science are all critical components of the Zoo’s work. Coolio was born in the wild and found stranded on a beach. A local marine mammal rescue group in northern California took him in and began a rehabilitation effort in the hope that he could survive. The northern elephant seal is not an endangered species but a unique and fascinating animal. When he reaches adulthood, his weight is expected to reach between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds. Not many institutions could house and feed such an animal. When the call went out for someone to take him, the staff of the PPG Aquarium, after much analysis and consideration, responded to help. It was an opportunity to make a difference and bring something unique and wonderful to the Zoo.
Coolio is on the mend– learning, acclimating, and getting used to the sounds and smells around him.
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Now this once stranded animal has a chance at a new life and a new home at the Water’s Edge holding area. While it is not known why or how he became stranded on the California coast, at the time of his rescue he weighed a mere 120 pounds. Tragically, as he lay starving and unable to move, the injuries that he sustained led to blindness. This made his eventual release back into the wild impossible. A blind seal in the wild would never survive. This young elephant seal’s current weight is close to 500 pounds and he is growing quickly. He could reach over 1000 pounds by this time next year. The next goal and challenge is raising approximately $15,000 to bring in a marine mammal eye specialist, if needed, to examine Coolio’s eyes and consider whether restoration of any eyesight might be possible. At this point in time however, our highly trained veterinary staff here at the Zoo is monitoring Coolio and working to fully assess him. Currently, it is uncertain whether Coolio is completely blind or if some restoration of sight might be possible. The Zoo’s own veterinary staff, led by Dr. Ginger Sturgeon, has noticed some indications that Coolio might have limited eyesight or it might be possible to restore some sight. Only time and ongoing specialized examinations will tell for sure. In the meantime, Coolio is on the mend, learning, acclimating, and getting used to the sounds and smells around him. He is learning to recognize his keepers, using his senses other than eyesight, and beginning to feel his way around his environment.
“A northern elephant seal has not been seen at a zoo or aquarium in North America in more than 40 years.” 4
The rescue effort and new life for Coolio are historic. This remarkable situation will enable marine mammal experts an opportunity to observe, conduct research, train, and expand their scientific understanding of this species. Eventually, it is our hope that Coolio will become a regular part of the Zoo experience. This incredible journey from California to the Zoo was partially underwritten by Dr. Terrance & Mrs. Kim Krysinski of the Vein Institute of Pittsburgh who donated funding for Coolio’s trip. If you are interested in helping to support Coolio through his care, feeding, ophthalmic exam, and veterinary treatment, please contact the Zoo’s Development Department by calling 412-365-2540 or by emailing at donate@pittsburghzoo.org.
Pittsburgh’s Wildest Gala is About to Begin –Friday, June 13– Elegance and excitement collide at Imagination Untamed, the Gala of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, on Friday, June 13. Be dazzled by delicious, delectable delights provided by Pittsburgh’s finest restaurants, indulge in luscious libations, see stripes and spots, and enjoy all kinds of wild encounters as you wander through the Zoo. Unleash your inner animal with heart-pumping entertainment, all against the wildest backdrop in the city. This non-stop black-tie event begins at 7 p.m. and continues until 11:30 p.m. PNC is the presenting sponsor of the 2014 Zoo Gala, Imagination Untamed. Please visit pittsburghzoo.org for more information or to get your tickets today. If you have any questions or would like to order your tickets by phone, call us at 412-365-2541. 5
2014 Individual Donors (Annual gifts received from January 1, 2014 – April 30, 2014)
The Value of Annual Giving Annual giving is vital to the successful operation of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Membership and ticket sales alone do not cover the cost of all that we offer in sustaining our mission. Annual giving helps to fill this gap. Contributing to the Zoo plays an important role in providing care for our animals, supporting our educational programs, and aiding in our on-site and international conservation efforts. Thank you to the individuals on the following pages for being a part of our donor family.
$50,000 and above
Nancy & Maurice Nernberg
PNC Bank
Sandra & Henry* Mordoh
PPG Industries Foundation
Snyder Brothers Inc.
$25,000 to 49,999
Weisbrod Foundation
Heinz Endowments
Patsy & Don McKinney
PPG Industries
Roy A. Hunt Foundation
Carolyn & James Bouchard Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
Vein Institute of Pittsburgh
$10,000 to 24,999
A.J. & Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust Boyer Foundation
Buncher Family Foundation
Children’s Zoo Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation Community Foundation for the Alleghenies Scott Electric Foundation Shirley & H. W. Olander
$5,000 to 9,999 ComDoc
Jane Fox Bradley Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation 6
Tides Foundation
$2,500 to 4,999 Bank of America Dorothy Boyer
First Commonwealth Bank Robert Kozel
Annual giving is vital to the successful operation of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Jennifer & Michael* LaRocco Merrill Lynch
Ralph & Dorothy Schugar Charitable Foundation Rita* & Robert Randall
$1,000 to 2,499
Barbara* & Dayton Baker Blum-Kovler Foundation
Susan & David Brownlee Mary & Dave DeFide Judi & Gary Diven
Colette* & John Dugan Sharon & Jeffrey Evans Anna & J. W. Futrell
Amelia & David* Grubman Judy & George Grune
Darlene & Andrew* Hasley
Honkus-Zollinger Foundation Michele & Robert Howland Stephanie Schneck-Jacob & Timothy Jacob Stephanie Martin
Peggy* & Steve McKnight Shirley & H. W. Olander Jennifer Seng*
Cynthia & Todd Shaffer Belinda & Mike Terzich Tracey & Carey Vinson V. Wayne & Cordelia
Whitten Barker Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation
$500 to 999
Valentina & John Barsom Gail & H. W. Doring
Jean & Tom Harbeck Family Foundation June & Hans Jonas
Kristin & Richard* Kalson Kim Macey
Mary McCormick
Nan & David* Newell
Norfolk Southern Corporation Ryan Memorial Foundation Sara* & David Scaife Susan Weigold & Robert Butella
The Academy of Science and Art of Pittsburgh The Pittsburgh Foundation
$100 to 499
Laura & Don Albensi
Amshel Charitable Foundation Carol & Michael Azar Leanne Bentz
Danyele & Craig Bernick
Stephanie & David Briggs Barbara & David Burstin Patricia & James Cairns Cinderella Women’s
A Note to Our Donors Please be aware that we have recently transitioned to a new database in order to better serve our supporters. While we make every attempt to accurately recognize the generous support of our donors, some data inconsistencies may have occurred in our transition. If you notice an error, please contact the Development department by calling 412-365-2541 or by email at donations@pittsburghzoo.org. Thank you for your understanding.
Committee
Mary Lang & Thomas Cummings Frank Curka
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Mary & John DeGeorge
Give a bear for a birthday, a tiger to your team, or a howler monkey for the holidays. Adopting an animal is a great gift for any occasion. When you adopt, your gift helps provide for the care, feeding, and enrichment of Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium animals. All resident animals are available for adoption with packages ranging from $30 to $500 per year, depending on the benefits you choose. Visit our website at pittsburghzoo.org for special adoption packages. Please call 412-365-2542 to learn more about this rewarding gift idea.
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Irwin Dobrushin
Denise Letcher & Joseph McDonough
Linda & Donald Ewing
Paula & John Lockhart
Shirley & David Fleming
Maureen & David McBride
Judy & Glenn Gates
Mary & Timothy Ottie
Alison & Timothy Gray
Mark Portland
Anne Handler
Perri & Thomas Schelat
Hillman Company
Deborah Smith
Phyllis & Mark Hoge
Mary & Henry Snyder
Deborah Hurrell
Claudia & Raymond Steeb
Jack & Jean Ann Jones Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation
Melissa & David Survinski
Emmerich Family Trust
David Lilienthal
Joanne & William* Fallon
Roberta & John Mather
Jack Friedman
Christine & Patrick Osborne
Paula & Francis Gesselberty
Nancy & Bernard Picchi
Scott Hahn
Catherine & Donald* Rhoten
David Henry
Sue & Wayne Sloan
Janet Hirshberg
Ellen & Thomas Smith
Donna & James Hudson
Andrea N. Spade
Lisa Conard & Mare Ivrich
Nancy Stinger
James T. & Hetty E. Knox Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation
Kerchner Family Fund No. 2 of The Pittsburgh Foundation Jody Kind
Carol Tasillo Jennifer Tis
Mary & Raymond Tomasello Tony Torchia
Alan Traugott
UnitedHealth Group
Susan & Timothy Vismor
Diana Lamer
Robin Ziegler & Clifford Chen
Maureen McBride & David Lower
*Indicates board member
Jeraldine Marlowe
More than $40,000 was raised in support of wildlife conservation, conservation education, and special projects
Fashion for the Wild Presented by BNY Mellon
It was fashion gone wild, or officially Fashion for the Wild, and the night lived up to its name. On April 3, a sold-out crowd gathered in the PPG Aquarium with emcees WTAE anchor Sally Wiggin and film and television actor David Conrad to celebrate fashion and support a wonderful cause, the Zoo. Guests sipped signature Zootini cocktails and shopped from specialty vendors while designs from Kiya Tomlin, Andrea Howell, Lana Neumeyer, Sandra Cadavid, Jazmin Jackson, Beth Shari, Lexi and Nancy Smith, and Kimberly Wilson graced the runway. Guest models included Dr. Barbara
Baker, President & CEO of the Zoo, Zoo Board Members and staff, and representatives from the community. Special appearances by Rianna, a prehensile tailed porcupine, and Squeeze, a boa constrictor, capped off the evening in grand fashion. More than $40,000 was raised in support of wildlife conservation, conservation education, and special projects at the Zoo. If you missed the show, you can still catch a glimpse of the evening with this video recap: http://vimeo.com/rpskk/fashionforthewildrecap.
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Donor Spotlight
Give the Gift that Keeps on Giving: A Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Membership A Zoo Membership is a passport to family fun and adventure. Treat somebody you love to a gift Membership. It includes 12 months of unlimited free admission to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, free parking, discounted admission to 130 other zoos, education and program discounts, exclusive access to events, and much more. Click here for more information.
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We have two very different types of donors to highlight, because each supports the mission of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium in different yet vital ways. Giving or donating to the mission of the Zoo is always very personal, but the act of giving and the resources provided by that generosity really make a difference.
Donor Spotlight: the Vein Institute of Pittsburgh, Dr. Terrance Krysinski
As a member of the Zoo’s Grow Wild Society, Dr. Terrance Krysinski is not new to the Zoo. As his involvement has grown, so has his support for many important Zoo projects. As founder of the Vein Institute of Pittsburgh, Dr. Krysinski has created a huge following of passionate animal lovers who work with him and follow the Zoo’s efforts with interest and a deep and abiding commitment to conservation. He supports special events too, such as the Zoo Gala. When Dr. Krysinski heard about the Zoo’s efforts to bring zebras back and received the appeal for funding to not only acquire zebras, but to also provide a new shelter area, he stepped up. His $25,000 donation helps to underwrite much of the acquisition and shelter construction. While additional funds are still needed to complete the zebra project, Dr. Krysinski’s generous contribution was significant. However, his support did not stop at zebras. Shortly after, the Zoo sent out an appeal for help with a wildlife rescue effort of a northern elephant seal and Dr. Krysinski offered to help again. Transporting the elephant seal from California to
Pittsburgh along with specially trained Zoo staff is not a small undertaking. The estimated cost of the trip was $20,000 and Dr. Krysinski donated 50-percent of that. As the needs of the Zoo grow as a result of exhibiting different and important animals, and as Dr. Krysinski’s passion for all things wildlife become centered on the efforts of the Zoo, so does his support. This is the mission of the Grow Wild Society; a group of people who believe so passionately in the mission of the Zoo that they continually expand their support of the Zoo. In turn, they become more intimately involved and engaged with all the Zoo accomplishes. Thank you again to Dr. Terrance Krysinski and the Vein Institute of Pittsburgh.
Donor Spotlight: Images by Antonia
Antonia Wolf uses her artistic talents to support wildlife conservation. From her award winning photography to her one-of-a-kind jewelry, every piece she donates goes to support wildlife, especially elephants. This is why so many of her pieces have elephants as a central element. During the Zoo’s International Elephant and Rhino symposium last year, Antonia donated her time as official photographer. At several of the Zoo’s fundraising auctions, she donated specially chosen jewelry, featuring elephants. Antonia says, “this is a way I can give back and know the proceeds will benefit wildlife directly. When people wear or see my artwork, I want them to think about saving these magnificent animals.” Her scarf and jewelry pieces adorn women all over the world. Many are also in private collections and international exhibits. Each a work of art, her pieces typically feature endangered species, such as the cheetah, African elephant, zebra, or giraffe. Pictured on the right are a few of her pieces, with a percentage of proceeds going to support wildlife conservation.
“I try to create jewelry that captures at once the passion of stones and the fate of endangered animals. Creating unusual pieces in the quiet of my studio is peaceful work.” –Antonia Wolf 11
PPG Aquarium Notes from the Field donate to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium By supporting the Zoo, you help save wildlife and wild places. Gifts help us fulfill our mission to be a leader in zoological conservation, education, and research, while providing the region with exceptional exhibitry and unique family-centered recreation. To make your gift in support of the Zoo, please contact the Development Department by calling 412-365-2541.
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Meet Stanley, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium’s New Octopus
BNY Mellon, the corporate sponsor of the Zoo’s new octopus exhibit, helped to name one of the newest residents of the PPG Aquarium. PPG Aquarium staff suggested four possible names and the BNY Mellon staff voted on their favorite.
With contest votes counted, the PPG Aquarium has named its new baby giant Pacific octopus Stanley. Thank you to BNY Mellon employees who contributed their votes to make the selection. Stanley went on public exhibit in early April and seems to be enjoying his new home. This popular PPG Aquarium resident supports the Zoo’s overall mission to foster positive, lifelong connections between animals and people. BNY Mellon is proud to be a sponsor of this mission and to provide its Pittsburgh employees and their families with enhanced opportunities to make those connections.
New Conservation Collaborations with Far Reaching Potential
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium has a truly international reach with its coral conservation efforts and the outreach continues to grow. Over the past two years, Zoo staff members
Paul Selvaggio, Director of Creative Services, and Bob Snowden, Marine Aquarist, were on the road and on site for the first SECORE Foundation workshop in Mexico in collaboration with Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), Parque Xcaret, Comision Nacional De Areas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP), and the Instituto Nacional de Pesca. The group observed and collected reproductive spawn from three different coral species in Mexico: the endangered elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, star coral, Montastraea (Orbicella) faveolata, and the grooved brain coral, Diploria labyrinthiformis. Once the spawn was collected, the group fertilized the egg/sperm bundles, known as gametes, and settled the larvae onto specially made tiles. Once the corals are settled, they will be used for restoration efforts and research. The PPG Aquarium is taking a leading role in this conservation effort and this important coral work is made possible through the Zoo’s Coral Conservation Fund. A new exhibit, Coral Conservation, has been installed near the entrance of the PPG Aquarium and features coral collected during one of the conservation trips to the Florida Keys. This new exhibit has been made possible with the support from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. If you would like to learn more about these efforts or how to support future coral conservation projects, please visit the donate page at pittsburghzoo.org or contact our development staff.
“The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium has a truly international reach with its coral conservation efforts and the outreach continues to grow.” 13
Save ate the D Key Dates for Membership & Development June 11 – August 13 12-2pm Wild Wednesdays with Radio Disney June 13 7-11:30pm Zoo Gala: Imagination Untamed Presented by PNC June 14-22 11am-3pm Eat’n Park Family Week Sponsored by Eat’n Park June 15 11am-3pm Father’s Day Celebration Sponsored by First Commonwealth Bank June 24 6:30-9pm Members Only Night 14
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium and International Conservation Center Credit Card Don’t just make a purchase; make a difference for endangered species.
We are excited to announce the launch of the Zoo’s International Conservation Center (ICC) credit card in partnership with the Somerset Trust Company. Now, your everyday purchases can support wildlife conservation and the protection of endangered species. Each card transaction generates a donation to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, with a special focus on support for the work of the Zoo’s ICC in Somerset, PA. The ICC is North America’s premier conservation, research, education, and training facility, specializing in the care and breeding of African elephants. “All of Somerset County is honored to have the ICC located here,” says G. Henry Cook, Somerset Trust Company President and CEO. “Somerset Trust is a proud supporter of the Pittsburgh Zoo. By actively using this credit card, people will be contributing to the Zoo and its mission, too.” To apply for the Zoo credit card, visit www.pittsburghzoocard.com.
There is always a need for help to support the care, feeding, training, and management of our animals at the Zoo. If you would like to help with any of the following projects, any level of support is always very worthwhile and appreciated. By supporting these projects, you can make a difference.
Zebra shelter and barn: $50,0 00 $25,0 00 Giraffe feeding platform: $35,0 00 New asphalt for the giraffe runway: $3,50 0 Three-year coral conservation initiative: $16,500 Northern elephant seal care: $15,0 00 Cheetah lure racing course: $5,00 0 Cheetah exhibit renovation: $50,0 00 $25,0 00 To support or donate, please contact the Development Department by calling 412-365-2540 or emailing at donate@pittsburghzoo.org
Key Dates for Membership & Development continued July 12 11am – 3pm Macy’s Baby Day Sponsored by Macy’s
July 20 11am-3pm PPG Festival of Color Sponsored by PPG Industries
July 23 6:30-9pm Members Only Night July 25 6:30-11pm Summer Safari: Unmask the Wild Presented by BNY Mellon August 21 6:30-9pm Members Only Night
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The Galápagos tortoises have arrived
Gentle Giants Crawl Slowly into Their New Home The Zoo’s two newest residents are taking life slow and easy in their new home at the Zoo. The Galápagos tortoises have arrived and they’re in no rush to do anything but eat, sleep, and stand around. As the species with the greatest longevity of any vertebrate, our two new tortoises are still youngsters at the age of 20. On average, tortoises live to be approximately 100 years old with the oldest tortoise ever recorded reaching over 170. In terms of size, males are larger than females, and will reach at least 500 pounds. 16
Not too surprisingly, if you have ever watched tortoises moving about, they tend to do it very slowly, spending their days lying down, basking in the sun, munching on grass and leaves, and napping or wallowing in mud puddles. In the wild, tortoises typically eat plants, grasses, and pear cactus. At the Zoo, our tortoises will dine on timothy hay and enjoy a small amount of grain and produce.
The brunt of many jokes, when tortoises move it appears to be a gigantic effort but for the animal, it’s just business as usual. First, in order to stand up, they have to use their short, powerful front legs to push their bodies up and then the back legs thrust their bodies forward. Their feet are turned inward to maintain balance, so of course they move at a snail’s pace with a lumbering side-to-side walk. When it comes to their love life and mating, males square off for the right to mate with a female by standing tall, facing each other with their mouths wide open, and stretching their necks as high as possible. The highest head and neck wins and the loser waddles off to find another female. An endangered species, there are only about 20,000 Galápagos tortoises left in the wild. This is the result of poaching, loss of habitat, and the introduction of domestic animals to the Galápagos Islands, such as goats, pigs, and cattle, which destroy tortoise nests and prey on the tortoise eggs and young. Active conservation efforts are underway however, working to build up and protect the remaining populations. We hope you will stop by soon and catch a glimpse of our young ones. They’ll be hard to miss, moving slowly, and soaking up the sun whenever possible.
“As the species with the greatest longevity of any vertebrate, our two new tortoises are still youngsters at the age of 20.” 17
96 elephants 96 elephants are killed every day just for the ivory. “That is a staggering and frightening number” says Dr. Barbara Baker, President & CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. “This means that within ten years one of the world’s most majestic and well-known animals could be extinct. We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We all need to take action today to stop the illegal ivory trade and end this crisis.” This is why the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, a leader in conservation of African elephants, is proud to support the Wildlife Conservation Society’s 96 Elephants campaign. The campaign is named for the average number of elephants killed throughout the world every day. Compare that to the number of elephants living in AZA-accredited zoos; currently there are 166 African elephants and 142 Asian elephants in zoos within the United States. That means that in just four days, there are more elephants killed worldwide than there are elephants living in our zoos.
“The 96 Elephants campaign is working to secure a moratorium on illegal ivory sales and to reinforce the protection of all elephants.” 18
The 96 Elephants Campaign is working to secure a moratorium on illegal ivory sales and to reinforce the protection of all elephants. This organization provides supporters with information about the link between the elephant poaching crisis and the consumption of ivory, and the resources to make a difference. In addition to the U.S. ban on ivory, the 96 Elephants campaign is working to supply more park rangers to protect elephants in the wild. They also participate in the development of intelligence networks and government operations in the Congo Basin and East Africa, which are the last protected areas for elephants.
Let your voice be heard. Contact your state Senators and members of Congress and tell them you want to ban the sale of ivory and ivory products throughout the United States. Go online and sign the petition at 96elephants.org. Coming together as one voice sends a powerful message. We can make a difference.
Grow Wild Society A Great Reason to Join
Members of the Grow Wild Society are more than just donors, they are conservators. For this exclusive group, protecting wildlife and promoting conservation and education is a hands-on experience. From behind-the-scenes animal encounters to members-only events with Zoo veterinarians, curators, and keepers; special lectures, dinners and other events; plus complimentary family Zoo memberships, the Grow Wild Society is an experience like none other. “Joining the Grow Wild Society is a legacy gift to your children and grandchildren,” says Society member Patrick Loughney. “Introduce your family to the animal kingdom and ensure a world class zoo for future generations. Thank you!” Start your family tradition today with a gift of $1,000 or more to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Learn more at pittsburghzoo.org/Donate/GrowWildSociety. For questions, please call 412-365-2541 or email donate@pittsburghzoo.org.
Behind-the-scenes animal encounters, part of the Grow Wild Society experience. 19
One Wild Place 路 Pittsburgh, PA 15206 路 412-665-3640
pittsburghzoo.org