MISSION STATEMENT
DEAR FRIENDS, The major highlight of 2019 was the unveiling of the new Elephant Exhibit in May. Greatly expanding the space for these magnificent animals, this first phase of Adventure Africa allows for staff to better care for the elephants. This project marked another successful public-private partnership between Milwaukee County and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. Adventure Africa’s second phase, the Hippopotamus Exhibit, is on schedule for completion in 2020.
The Milwaukee County Zoo will inspire public understanding, support and participation in global conservation of animal species and their environment by creating a unifying bond between our visitors and the living earth and provide an environment for personal renewal and enjoyment for our guests by: • Contributing to worldwide animal management, conservation and research efforts;
Other highlights continued as the Zoo welcomed a female red panda cub birth in June, and a male reticulated giraffe in July. The muchanticipated arrival of a female elephant named Belle came to fruition in November. Belle joined resident elephants, Brittany and Ruth, in their new exhibit home. During the summer, the Zoo displayed a unique exhibit with a popular theme – dinosaurs! But these dinosaurs were created with millions of LEGO bricks, and fascinated kids of all ages. Brick Dinos offered an additional attraction for visitors who made the Zoo part of their summer plans.
• Fostering sound physical, psychological and social development for the animal groups in our care; • Sharing our knowledge with the intent to reinforce the human-animal-earth bond;
To ensure Milwaukee is the healthiest County in Wisconsin, Zoo staff participated in a series of racial equity trainings during the year, alongside other County departments. These trainings were instituted through the Office of the County Executive, as we declared racism to be a public health crisis. I thank everyone for their participation.
• I mproving the quality of our professional development, administration and operating environment; • Striving for the financial self-sufficiency of the organization; • Continuing the public-private partnership with the Zoological Society of Milwaukee.
As master plan projects continue through the next decade, the Zoo’s future looks promising. I thank the direction and steady leadership of Zoo Director Chuck Wikenhauser and the entire Zoo staff for their continued dedication. It’s due to everyone’s work and perseverance that the Zoo is looked upon as such a treasured attraction.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Western Lowland Gorilla
VISION The Milwaukee County Zoo will be a zoo of renown with a reputation as a leader in animal management, conservation, research and education within a wholesome recreational environment enjoying the admiration of the citizens of Milwaukee County as well as all zoo guests and other zoos of the world.
Address from the County Executive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Letter from the Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2019 Highlights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Animal Management & Health Division. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Animal Health & Nutrition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conservation, Research & Propagation Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . Zoo Staff Conservation & Research Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additional Conservation Efforts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cooperative Animal Management Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administration, Finance & Operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating Expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zoological Society of Milwaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . County Executive & Board of Supervisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ON THE COVER: African elephant
I would also like to acknowledge the relationship between the Zoo and the Zoological Society. Each year, this public-private partnership works together, seeing through many major Zoo projects from concept to completion. 3 4 6 8 14 16 17 19 21 23 32 35 39
Chris Abele Milwaukee County Executive
Amazon Milk Frog
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MCZ Major Milestones MCZ started as miniature mammal and bird display in Washington Park
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LETTER FROM THE
DIRECTOR director
The year’s highlight was opening Adventure Africa Phase I: Elephant Exhibit in May. This is the largest renovation since opening in 1961, and the unveiling welcomed more than 10,000 visitors. Featuring an indoor Elephant Care Center and expanded outdoor habitat for African elephants, it’s complemented by two mixed species exhibits for African hoof stock (newly arriving animals included zebras and ostrich). Soon after, construction started for Phase II: Hippopotamus Exhibit, which will feature underwater viewing for these fan-favorite animals.
Zoo animal births included a second red panda cub, a female named Kiki. Born to parents Dash and Dr. Erin, it was the pair’s second offspring in two years. We also welcomed a giraffe calf, Desmond, a nod to South African Anglican cleric, Desmond Tutu. The Species Survival Plan® (SSP) recommended the transfer of two Western lowland gorillas (mother and youngster) to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. This new home provides a stable family unit and social interaction, as MCZ currently holds two bachelor male gorillas. Service Systems Associates (SSA), the Zoo’s merchandising and concessions partner, opened a renovated and redesigned gift shop. The shop offers a variety of souvenirs and apparel, in addition to conservation and fair-trade items. The summer exhibit featured Brick Dinos, sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets, displaying dinosaurs of every size and color, all masterfully built using millions of LEGO bricks. In July, I Ied a safari to Tanzania for the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. The 16-person group, which included Society President & CEO Jodi Gibson, was able to experience the essence of Africa and its wonderful people and animals. During the year, the County Executive set forth a strategic plan to recognize and resolve the County’s racial inequities. Zoo staff, along with all other County departments, participated in racial equity trainings to help ensure Milwaukee is the healthiest County in Wisconsin. The following staff retired after long-tenured MCZ careers: Assistant Group Sales Coordinator Kathy Berendt, Custodial Assistant Supervisor Darlene Fuchs and Administrative Coordinator Doris Kanter. We thank them for their years of service and offer them the best in the years ahead. We are grateful and acknowledge the ongoing support from the County Executive, the County Board and the Zoological Society and its partners. Please read on for additional highlights.
Charles Wikenhauser Director
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MCZ Major Milestones The Zoological Society was founded, lending financial support to the Zoo
Adventure Africa Public Opening
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2019
HIGHLIGHTS
• Adventure Africa Phase I: Elephant Exhibit and additional mixed species exhibits, Impala Plains and African Forest; opened May 4. The most recent master plan was finalized in 2013; and serves as a guide for the next 20+ years, for animal exhibits, dining, merchandise and service and infrastructure improvements. • The fourth graduation of Project SEARCH interns took place in June. This partnership with Goodwill Industries offers a unique high school transitionto-work program for young adults with disabilities that takes place entirely at the Zoo. The total workplace immersion facilitates a combination of classroom instruction, career exploration and hands-on training through internship rotations within Zoo departments. The goal is for participants to be placed in community jobs after completing the program.
2019 Special Exhibit
• A new animal encounter program, Wild Connections, began in the summer, giving visitors the opportunity to go behind the scenes for an up-close look at the animals. This revenuegenerating program lets guests see the animals in a more personal way, and even more significantly, allows for a one-of-a-kind “conservation connection” with threatened and endangered species, among others. Animals featured change seasonally and are offered with the animals’ needs as the top priority.
The exhibit ran May 25 through Sept. 2. and was presented in the Otto Borchert Family Special Exhibits building.
Brick Dinos
Sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets The summer welcomed dinosaurs created in a new fashion – intricately built using hundreds of thousands of LEGO bricks! Visitors could add to the exhibit’s existing prehistoric landscapes, designing and building their own dinosaur creations for display.
• In November, African elephant Belle arrived from Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in South Carolina. At 38-years-old, Belle was considered a good fit for integrating with resident elephants, Brittany and Ruth, who are both 38. The Milwaukee County Zoo has been caring for elephants of advancing age for many years. Elephants benefit greatly when place with herd mates, as socialization adds to the animals’ overall well-being and enriches their lives. After a period of training and acclimation, it’s hoped that the three elephants will live as a cohesive group.
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Adventure Africa public opening
MCZ Major Milestones Moved to its present location
Brick Dinos
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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT & HEALTH DIVISION
Elephant Care center
Aquatic and Reptile Center The year’s population additions included: red-tailed boas, red-tail rat snakes, Halmahera pythons, Amazon milk frogs and six new coral species. Behind-the-scenes renovations continued with new and better holding enclosures.
Five Major Animal Care Areas:
The location for tortoise overwintering changed to Bird Winter Quarters, and as normal, return to the outdoor South American habitat in spring. The species displayed continued to expand in the educational reef aquariums in the mezzanine. The arapaima are approaching exhibit size and will make their exhibit debut in summer 2020.
• Reptiles and Aquaria • Primates and Small Mammals •B irds and Family Farm • Large Mammals •A nimal Health and Nutrition
MAMMALS Species: 73 Specimens: 323
REPTILES Species: 81 Specimens: 78
Responsibilities:
American Avocet
•M anagement, health, husbandry, propagation and exhibition of the animal population
AMPHIBIANS Species: 11 Specimens: 34
FISH Species: 91 Specimens: 1,331
INVERTEBRATES* Species: 22 Specimens: 63
Total Species: 366 | Total Specimens: 2,133
*Count does not include honeybee colony because it is a seasonal colony
Out on Loan MAMMALS Species: 10 Specimens: 27
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The animal collection owned by the Zoo and on loan to other zoological institutions included: BIRDS Species: 1 Specimens: 2
REPTILES Species: 6 Specimens: 7
Total Species: 17 | Total Specimens: 36
HIGHLIGHTS
Completion of the Primate Building, Monkey Island and Polar and Brown Bear Exhibits
On Dec. 31, 2019 the Milwaukee County Zoo animal collection included:
BIRDS Species: 88 Specimens: 304
2019
MCZ Major Milestones
Animal Division Populations On Zoo Grounds
REPTILES & AQUARIA
BIRDS & FAMILY FARM
•D esign and operation of the associated facilities and exhibits
Aviary In 2019, the Aviary continued to update the animal population, bringing in 25 birds from other zoos, comprising six new species. American avocets, saffron finch, and a snowy-headed robin chat now reside in the Aviary. New ostrich and Kenyan-crested guineafowl arrived and call Adventure Africa Impala Plains and the African Forest their new homes.
• Support and participation in conservation and research programs at the Zoo and internationally •E nhancement of the public’s knowledge and appreciation of animals • Maintain records and permits •M anage the Zoo library
Each area employs its own enrichment program specific to the animals’ needs; encouraging natural behaviors and creating a rich and fulfilled quality of life
2019 success story:
the birth of eight rhinoceros viper neonates
A total of 16 chicks hatched, most of which were reared by their parents on exhibit. We sent 16 animals to other institutions, all of which will participate in their respective breeding programs.
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Northwestern Mutual Family Farm The Farm continued to increase the goat herd with the birth of 12 Nigerian Dwarf kids. An infant North American porcupine was acquired with the hope of him joining the presentation animal roster. Blue death feigning beetles also were acquired – as a new species for the keeper presentations. The Dairy Barn welcomed several cattle births: two Ayrshires, a black and white Holstein and a milking shorthorn. World Bird Sanctuary returned to present its summer free-flight Birds of Prey Show.
Several species from Large Mammals participate in Wild Connections tours: black rhino, giraffe, red river hog, Amur tiger, tayra and alpaca
LARGE MAMMALS The Large Mammal sections of the Zoo include: Big Cat Country, North American, Pachyderms/Giraffe, and African/South American Hoofstock/Camels.
Big Cat Country In June, we welcomed a female red panda cub, Kiki. Born to parents Dash and Dr. Erin Curry, it marked the second birth of the species for MCZ. Amur tigers, Bernadette and Eloise, transferred to the Oregon Zoo and red panda, Dr. Lilly, to the Nashville Zoo.
Rhino
Pachyderms/Giraffe Construction for the new Hippo Exhibit got underway, for a summer 2020 opening. Features include an expanded “beach” area for the hippos – along with a 60,000-gallon pool where visitors can see these enormous animals swimming underwater. In November, African elephant Belle arrived, for integration into the existing herd of two females, and the newly expanded Adventure Africa Exhibit. Arriving from Riverbanks Zoo, Belle helps to foster the social and psychological well-being of all three animals. New zebra also arrived for integration into Adventure Africa-Impala Plains.
MCZ Major Milestones Addition of the Children’s Zoo and Animal Hospital
Hippo Construction
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Red Panda
In the giraffe area, male calf Desmond was born to mother, Ziggy, and father, Bahatika. The birth marked the third offspring for Ziggy and fifth for Bahatika
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African & South American Hoofstock/Camels
PRIMATES & SMALL MAMMALS
Two births occurred in 2019: waterbuck, Hershey, born in April; and Bactrian camel, Jethro, born in June. Baird’s tapir, Ibu, arrived in May from Reid Park Zoo in Arizona.
In April, we welcomed 36-year-old female orangutan, Alex, arriving from the Cincinnati Zoo. She spent the summer acclimating to her new home and to companionship with male orangutan Tom.
Apes of Africa, Primates of the World & Macaque Island
On Macaque Island, a male was born to mother, Negai, and father, Kota. At 1-month-old, keepers described Daisuki as curious, adventuresome and very adorable.
We said goodbye to Baird’s tapir, Eve. At 35 years old, she was the oldest female in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) population.
In the fall, two of our Western lowland gorillas, mom, Shalia, and her 4-year-old son, Sulaiman, were successfully integrated into a stable gorilla family at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio. Our two adult male gorillas, Hodari and Maji Maji, were reunited after a yearlong separation due to illness. During the summer, Hodari was slowly reacclimated to the presence of visitors and small groups on the gorilla viewing deck.
Small Mammals The Small Mammals building welcomed the arrival of a female prehensile-tailed porcupine who was successfully integrated into a mixed species grouping with the resident pair of Southern threebanded armadillo.
Sadly, we said goodbye to two long-term residents this year: our female Dourocouli, Paisa, and female ring-tailed lemur, Ann.
MCZ Major Milestones Completion of the Peck Welcome Center, Wolf Woods and underwater viewing in the Polar Bear and Sea Lion Exhibits
Yellow Backed Duiker
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Waterbuck
PREHENSILE-TAILED PORCUPINE
Macaque
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ANIMAL HEALTH & NUTRITION
Animal Commissary
Animal Health Center
Receives, evaluates and stores most of the animal food and supplies before daily delivery on request to multiple areas.
Manages the medical care, preventive health and nutrition programs of the entire animal population. The Animal Health Center (AHC) staff’s goal is to improve animals’ lives by keeping them healthy and active. The focus is preventive medicine to avoid illness and ensure healthy habitats and environments. Many animals are housed throughout the year – either in quarantine or for treatment As a renowned zoological medicine training hospital, AHC programs include a 1-month externship for fourth-year veterinary students and a 3-year Zoological Medicine Residency, which trains veterinarians in the zoo and exotic animal medicine field. Three clinical medicine residents rotate annually for training at MCZ, the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine and the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin.
Bongo
MCZ Major Milestones Renovation of the Aviary and Primates of the World, and completion of Apes of Africa
SUPPORT OPERATIONS Animal Records AZA-accredited zoos keep very detailed up-todate records for each animal, telling its life story from birth to death. The Zoo registrar manages the database, overseeing the sharing and use of the data. Information observed daily by the animal care staff is recorded in an electronic database, the Zoological Inventory Management System (ZIMS), the largest global animal management network. Thousands of entries are added annually to the database’s 10 million+ animals.
Library & Archive The research library (books and academic/scientific periodicals) and archive (preserved materials crucial to the history of our Zoo and U.S. zoos), provides information resources to Zoo staff, the Zoological Society staff, Zoo Pride volunteers and the public.
MCZ Major Milestones Completion of Animal Health Center
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CONSERVATION, RESEARCH & PROPAGATION PROGRAMS
ZOO STAFF CONSERVATION & RESEARCH PROJECTS
Animal care professionals at MCZ contribute to a diverse portfolio of conservation, research and reproduction programs at local, national and international levels. Our collaborations with other conservationfocused organizations are of significance. They bring strength and stability to the programs, as well as to the conservation community as a whole.
Zoo staff participate in wildlife conservation and research projects locally, regionally and internationally.
Significant funding came from Zoo trust funds, the Zoological Society and from Zoo guests who opt to “Round Up for Conservation” at Zoo cash registers.
Conservation & Research Program Collaborative Support The Zoo provides funding and/or staff support to selected conservation initiatives and research projects. Highlights for 2019 support: Turtle Survival Alliance
Global
Pat Gives Back
Belize
Bat Conservation International
Global
Proyecto Tití
Colombia
International Crane Foundation
Global
Save the Golden Lion Tamarin
Brazil
Polar Bears International
Pan-Arctic
Humboldt Penguin Conservation
Peru
International Elephant Foundation
African and Asia
Puerto Rican Crested Toad SSP
Puerto Rico
International Rhino Foundation
Africa and Asia
Project Golden Frog
Panama
Great Ape Survival Partnership
Africa and Asia
Rock Iguana Conservation
Jamaica
Save the Elephants (Africa)
Africa
Rock Iguana Conservation
Grand Cayman
Baird’s Tapir Survival Alliance
Central & South America
Marmot Recovery Project
Canada
Wild Camel Protection Foundation
Mongolia and China
Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project
Florida
Snow Leopard Trust
Nepal
The Trumpeter Swan Society
North America
AZA Tiger Conservation Campaign Amur Tiger Project
Russia
Bureau of Endangered Resources Herp Fund – WI DNR
Wisconsin
Migratory and Resident Avifauna Study
Zoo
Orangutan Outreach
Borneo and Sumatra
Great Ape Heart Project
International
Lola Ya Bonobo - Bonobo Sanctuary
Democratic Republic of Congo
Milwaukee Ape Heart Project
Zoo
Kibale Fuel Wood Project
Uganda
Great Ape Cardiovascular Disease Study
Zoo
Berggorilla and Regenwald Direkthilfe Gorilla Project
Rwanda
Great Ape Ultrasound Studies
Zoo
Giraffe Conservation Foundation
Namibia
Bonobo Cardiovascular Database
Zoo
Sahara Conservation Fund Ostrich and Addax Projects
Niger
Uganda Conservation Foundation
Uganda
Ruaha Carnivore Project
Tanzania
Elephants for Africa
Botswana
• Avian Scientific Advisory Group
Cheetah Conservation Botswana
Botswana
• Zoological Information Management System
Mabula Ground-Hornbill Project
South Africa
African Penguin SAFE
South Africa
• AZA Reproductive Management Center
Madagascar Fauna & Flora Group
Madagascar
The Zoo also provides funding for collaborative conservation and research initiatives:
With the support of the Zoological Society, Zoo staff continued projects conserving rock iguanas in Jamaica and Grand Cayman, banding migrating birds and monitoring nest boxes on Zoo grounds, altering Zoo structures to reduce bird window strikes and protecting Humboldt penguin populations during guano harvest at the Punta San Juan Reserve, Peru. Other 2019 activities:
North American Freshwater Turtle Population Surveys A zookeeper received Zoological Society support to travel to Florida to take part in annual surveys of freshwater turtles. Turtles are captured, tagged and their health is assessed before release; this research documented changes in local assemblages, in 2019, following losses of Florida softshell turtles in 2018.
Humboldt Penguin Conservation The Zoo’s Curator of Birds & Family Farm travelled to Peru to participate in the Humboldt Penguin PHVA, with Zoological Society support. This process joins biologists and wildlife conservationists from government and non-governmental organizations with local stakeholders. Together they assess population status and conservation threats and develop a plan to protect a species.
Indonesian Orangutan Sanctuaries The Zoological Society funded the Zoo’s Curator of Primates & Small Mammals to travel to Indonesia, home to all three species of critically endangered orangutans. Orangutans are threatened by fragmented populations and habitat loss due to oil palm plantations and fires; a goal of this trip was to identify ways MCZ can address the needs of sanctuaries caring for displaced and orphaned orangutans.
MCZ Major Milestones Completion of Karen Peck Katz Conservation Education Center
• AAZV Wild Animal Health Fund • IUCN Species Survival Commission
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• IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group
Humboldt Penguin
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Pat Gives Back
Milwaukee Ape Heart Project
This keeper-driven program supports wildlife conservation, primarily in Belize. It includes Zoo-supported staff involvement in and support of in situ conservation and research, annual training workshops for Belize Zoo staff (home of the Jaguar Rehabilitation Program, former home of MCZ jaguar Pat the Cat), and public education for Belizean wildlife.
The Animal Health Center hosted a graduate student from the Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health. Abigail Thorgerson is pursuing a Master’s in Public Health with a specialty in biostatistics. In collaboration with Senior Staff Veterinarian Dr. Vickie Clyde, Abigail analyzed the results of 204 echocardiographic studies from bonobos held in North American zoos. Her analysis verified current anesthetic protocols have little effect on cardiac parameters, but that males and females have different heart sizes, so that reference ranges need to be developed for each sex. Abigail continues her studies in 2020.
In 2019, MCZ staff returned to Belize to deliver workshops on animal care, training and enrichment to Belize Zoo staff. A veterinary technician and a veterinary medicine resident radiocollared a Baird’s tapir for a field research study, and a Belize zookeeper traveled to MCZ to learn from our staff. Support for Pat Gives Back in 2019 came from private donors, MAAZK (Milwaukee Chapter-American Association of Zookeepers) events, Round Up for Conservation, and event-raised funds.
Resident veterinarian Dr. Taylor Yaw completed his Wild Animal Health Fund grant-supported 3-year project on Cardiac Evaluation in Western Lowland Gorillas: Comparative assessment of B-type natriuretic peptides from urine, capillary serum and venous serum samples. He presented the results at the 2019 Conference of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians. This study, performed in collaboration with Senior Staff Veterinarian Dr. Vickie Clyde, resulted in a practical, cost-effective novel strategy for blood collection in gorillas, known for their thick skin.
ADDITIONAL CONSERVATION EFFORTS
World Penguin Day
Numerous Zoo staff, Zoological Society staff, Zoo Pride volunteers and other associates work outside normal duties, supporting conservation efforts worldwide. Examples from 2019:
World Animal Days: Penguin, Ungulate and Elephant These events are planned in conjunction with animal care staff and focus on specific Zoo animals. Guests see how these animals are cared for and learn about their conservation needs. Activities for guests generate funds for conservation projects.
Mother’s Day/Orangutan Conservation An annual tradition is the Mother’s Day special event, featuring orangutan conservation through the Missing Orangutan Mothers (M.O.M.) event. An awareness and fundraising event, it focuses on the plight of wild orangutans with educational activities. This year’s event continued long-running support of Orangutan Outreach.
Prairie Dog
American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK)/Milwaukee Chapter Advances excellence in the animal-keeping profession, fosters effective communication beneficial to animal care, supports deserving conservation projects and promotes the preservation of our natural resources and animal life. • Established in 1975 • Comprised of staff from MCZ and the Racine Zoo • Oversees fundraising events; hosts the Zoo’s in-house lectures 2019 events hosted by the MAAZK chapter benefitted many organizations, including: • Foundation for Wildlife Conservation • South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) • International Rhino Foundation
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Pat gives back workshop
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Sustainability & the Green Committee Identifies, advances and promotes policies and practices to minimize negative impact and maximize environmental benefits, through comprehensive input and collaboration from all Zoo areas. The Zoo continued with internal recycling of cell phones, beverage containers, light bulbs, other plastics, electronics, clothing and more. Upgrades continued for electrical, natural gas, water and sewer infrastructure as well as green practices in building construction.
2019 Highlights • Continued recycling partnership with Pepsi, collecting 58,100 pounds and 1,464,120 units of materials; since 2015, 4.5+ million units have been recycled • Joined 32 other zoos worldwide and the Gorilla SSP for Gorillas on the Line…Answer the Call, an activity engaging local schools and groups to collect and recycle handheld electronic devices. The program educates the public and protects gorilla habitats. • Signed on to the Global Deal for Nature, calling on world leaders to protect or restore 50 percent of global land and aquatic habitats by 2050. • Continued converting existing light fixtures to energy-efficient LED fixtures
Party for the Planet - Spring into Action grant was awarded to MCZ from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums; for 2020 planned activity
MCZ Major Milestones Completion of Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country
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OTHER RESEARCH & STUDIES
Recycling Day
The Zoo assists in many scientific studies and collaborative research projects by providing facilities, staff expertise, data and an environment conducive to animal studies. Proposals are reviewed to ensure animal welfare is protected. Studies that the Zoo conducted, collaborated with, participated in or that were published in 2019: • Comparison of serum, liver and dietary vitamin A (retinol) values to the presence of eyelid coloboma in Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) • Evaluation of body condition of captive giraffes • Validation and characterization of reproductive hormones and biomarkers in Polar bear (Ursus maritimus) serum • Constraints of biomass on innate immunity across terrestrial mammals • Comparison of possible latent EEHV infection in a known mother-daughter pair of African elephants • Incidence of dermatitis in Waldrapp ibis (Geronticus eremita)
Presentations/Publications
In 2019, Zoo staff and zoological veterinary medicine residents authored peer-reviewed scientific articles and presented at national conferences on topics including:
• Characterization of the gut microbiota in polar bears (Ursus maritimus)
• Management of gingival overgrowth leading to periodontitis and loss of teeth in a dwarf mongoose (Helogale parvula)
• Parasites of the blue iguana (Cyclura lewisi) from Grand Cayman Island
• Swimmer syndrome in snow leopard (Panthera uncia) cubs – a series of four cases
• Validation of keeper assessments of health, well-being and personality in gibbons • Forensics, phylogeography and stock analysis of the pig-nosed turtle (Carettochelys insculpta) in Australia and New Guinea • Assessing long-term stress in great apes: Allostatic load in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bonobos (Pan paniscus) • Cardiac disease in Western lowland gorillas: Comparative assessment of B-type naturiuretic peptides from urine, capillary serum and venous serum sample • Investigation of finger blood pressure measurements in bonobos as a tool for indentifying and treating hypertension
• Cardiac evaluation in Western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla): Comparative assessment of B-type naturiuretic peptides from urine, capillary serum and venous serum samples
COOPERATIVE ANIMAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS Through SSP programs, the Zoo cooperates with all AZA members to enhance the well-being of at-risk animal populations globally. The process is facilitated by teams of scientists and animal care professionals working together to implement breeding plans that support long-term genetic diversity of species in human care. Often, collaborative programs have been developed with range countries to further support the enhancement of these populations in the wild.
The Zoo further supports the AZA community through • Veterinary approaches to improving reproductive management membership, advisement and leadership of conservation, for population sustainability research, education and animal care initiatives such as Taxon Advisory Groups (TAG), Scientific Advisory Groups (SAG), and • Zoo visitor perceptions regarding the conservation status of Conservation Action Partnerships (CAP). With the team expertise cotton-top tamarins and their appropriateness as pets and resources to have a significant positive impact toward conservation of species, enhancement of professional animal • Parasites of the blue iguana (Cyclura lewisi) from Grand care, and leadership within the conservation community, we Cayman Island again proceed with commitment, passion and enthusiasm. Animal staff also deliver formal presentations and many informal presentations to the visiting public. In 2019, 47,000+ guests learned Currently MCZ is involved in 119 Species Survival Plan programs and 46 Taxon Advisory Group programs. about animals and wildlife conservation through an Animals in Action talk or an Animal Encounter in the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm.
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Professional Program Management
ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE & OPERATIONS
Zoo staff members hold management positions in national and international programs through AZA and other conservation entities including: • Executive Committee or Board of Directors - International Rhino Keeper Association (IRKA), Great Ape Heart Project, Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians (AZVT), Canada’s Accredited Zoos & Aquariums (CAZA)
• AZA Steering Committee Membership: Polar Bear SSP, Tree Kangaroo SSP, Bonobo SSP
• SSP Program Leadership - Humboldt Penguin SSP, Bonobo SSP, Canada Lynx SSP
• Advisory Board Member - AZA Reproductive Management Center
• AZA Program Advisement - Bonobo SSP (Veterinary & Animal Care), Humboldt Penguin SSP (Veterinary), Penguin TAG (Veterinary), AZA Annual Conference Program Committee
• TAG Steering Committee Membership: Freshwater Fish TAG, Penguin TAG, Coraciiformes TAG, Bear TAG
• Studbook Management: Yellow-Backed Duiker, Tayra, Canada Lynx, Bonobo • Program Manager - American College of Zoological Medicine Residency Program • Development Committee - American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
• American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK-National): Behavioral Husbandry Committee, Grants Committee, Conservation Committee, Safety Committee • Animal Welfare Committee - Liaison between National AAZK and AZA • Arctic Ambassadors - Polar Bears International • Zoo Registrars Association - Historical Committee In addition, members of the Zoo staff are officers of the Milwaukee Chapter of the AAZK.
The division oversees:
• Zoo Administration • Cash Management, Financial and Capital Project Planning • Accounts Payable and Receivable • General Office Services • Information Technology • Program and Audience Evaluation and Research Services • Guest Experience Committees • Zoo-wide Performance Measures/Goals • Human Resources • Operations (Visitor Services, Business Operations Administration and Protective Services)
Zoo Administration
baird’s tapir
Provides the leadership for all Zoo functions and responsibilities Achievements under this leadership: • Opened Adventure Africa Phase I: Elephant Exhibit • Began construction of a new Hippo Exhibit • In conjunction with the Animal Division, created Wild Connections program for guests to purchase up-close animal experiences • Received the Wauwatosa Chamber of Commerce Regional Impact Award • Received a grant from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Walter A. Wilde Fund • Received the Concrete Design Award from Wisconsin Ready Mixed Concrete Association for 2018 Otter Passage • Created a comprehensive communications plan resulting from: Zoo-wide employee engagement survey
MCZ Major Milestones Completion of the first planning phase of a new 20-year Zoo master plan; focusing on animal exhibits, visitor attractions and service facilities and operations
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Financial & Capital Project Planning & Control • Manages the Zoo’s Budget Process • Handles Financial Analysis & Report Preparation • Represents the Zoo on Countywide Issues This section coordinates the budget process and balances the budget.
Cash Management • Reconciles cash receipts to POS system • Prepares bank deposits • Prepares cash register starting banks and daily support of the cashiers • Processes contract ride revenues • Monitors cashier discrepancies • Tracks annual Holiday Giving Tree donations
2019 Highlights • Enhanced tracking of donations including Round Up funds • Prepared supporting documentation for management analysis • Participated in various Zoo workgroups
Accounts Payable and Receivable • Processes contracts, purchasing requisitions and receipts • Monitors credit card system • Reviews sales documentation • Prepares invoices • Tracks accounts receivable • Enters financial transactions into the general ledger
2019 Highlights • Enhanced tracking of credit card purchases, allowing for improved reporting and analysis • Processed Zoo travel to ensure compliance with internal controls
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Information Technology (IT) • • • •
Manages Zoo POS equipment, Wireless Network Zoo Desktop Support Coordinates Updates on POS terminals Facilitates IMSD Projects
2019 Highlights • Implemented the Zoo’s new School Field Trip registration system • Began preparation process for Milwaukee County’s new ERP/ Financial System • Assisted Animal Division with implementation of system updates
General Office Services • Services the reception and switchboard areas • Assists Zoo divisions with radio dispatch/clerical support
Guest Experience Committee (GEC) Serves to improve the overall experience of the Zoo visit, this committee addresses topics like: customer service and training, interdepartmental communication and amenities/offered experiences. Coordinated by the Program/Audience Evaluation Specialist, the GEC consists of staff from each Zoo division, the Zoological Society and SSA.
Program/Audience Evaluation and Research Services Program/Audience Evaluation Specialist • Designs research, data collection, analysis and reporting for studies pertaining to a Zoo visit • Leads the Guest Experience Committee (GEC) • Collects information from guests and staff for Zoo initiatives • Conducts other studies with internal personnel (Zoo, Society staff and volunteers) • Serves as the point-of-contact for contracted audience research studies • Shares findings internally and externally where appropriate; submits to grantors/funders • Serves as the Zoo’s Learning Management System Administrator In 2019, studies included: • Summative evaluation of the bonobo interactive and Otter Passage Exhibit • Data collection for a North American Bird Conservation Initiative Survey, in conjunction with the Columbus Zoo • Data/compilation/analysis for educational programs, both on- and off-site • Data collection for conclusion of national study: Why Zoos and Aquariums Matter 3 Exit interviews were conducted to assess the Zoo’s performance on several customer service and guest experience metrics. On a scale of 1-5, the average rating for each metric was between 4-5 (very good/excellent), indicating continued high levels of satisfaction.
Human Resources
Operations
• Provides guidance and direction to managers for employee relations, coaching, improving performance or conduct, and performance measures • Interprets and educates managers on policies, county ordinances and civil service rules • Researches and responds to employee concerns • Provides guidance and leadership on the development of departmental procedures and policies • Facilitates employee and management training • Assists managers with workforce planning and recruitment
Includes gate admissions, parking, rides, contractual obligations of outside revenue share vendors, including new service models and establishes customer service branding policies and oversight of security programs
2019 Highlights: • Supported leadership in workforce planning to better align positions and responsibilities with operational needs, maximizing revenue generation • Restructured seasonal job postings, improving the candidate and leadership experience
Visitor Services • Collects admission/parking fees • Operates train, carousel, zoomobile, stroller rentals, sky safari, and Mold-A-Rama machines Facilitates the entering of guests; in 2019, admitted 1.2+ million visitors.
2019 Highlights: Implemented automatic parking feature at the West Entrance Achieved a 2 percent increase in train ridership revenues over 2019 Budget
The group takes guest feedback and input from staff to identify potential barriers to a positive experience and determines how to make improvements.
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sky safari
zoomobile
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adventure africa public opening
Business Operations Administration
Marketing & Communications
• Manages the partnership with Service Systems Associates (SSA) for food service, in-house catering and retail operations • Oversees the division’s revenue share vendors such as: penny press machines, zip line/ropes course and Mold-A-Ramas • Manages the protective services team: gate access, security cameras and badge systems
The Marketing and Communications Division is responsible for promoting the Zoo by building effective and robust programs utilizing general marketing, advertising, promotions, public relations, media relations, social media, special events, special exhibits, corporate and private event sales and coordination, group tours and discount corporate ticket sales programs.
2019 Highlights: Business Operations Administration • Initiated a five-year revenue share agreement with Personality Portraits for photography, face-painting and caricatures
Food Service & Catering • Renovated/Reopened Woody Concession as Wild Burger • Renovated/Reopened Flamingo Gift Shop as a multi-purpose room for rental options and overflow seating for Flamingo Café
Retail • Renovated/Reopened main Gift Shop • Continued visitor program donating plush animals to Children’s Hospital patients • Collected $65,000+ for Round Up for Conservation
wild burger
Group Sales Group Sales coordinates events for several indoor and outdoor rental areas, which include the Peck Welcome Center and the Zoofari Center, along with various animal buildings. Redesigned picnic areas, Tembo Trail and Savanna Walk, were reintroduced after completion of Adventure Africa’s first phase. The Flamingo Multi-purpose Room and Adventure Africa Loft also made their debut as new indoor rental facilities. The Animal Experience feature was added to children’s birthday parties, also coordinated by this section. The knowledgeable Northwestern Mutual Family Farm staff presents “animal encounters” for party guests, offering an up-close look at the animals, and in some cases, interaction with a particular species.
Special Events
The consignment ticket program continued to grow in 2019, exceeding 2018 sales. The section also handles advance ticket sales for corporate clients, the Wisconsin Park & Recreation ticket program and group tours.
Coordinates more than 20 special events annually
2019 Highlights: Groundhog Day – Feb. 2
gift shop MCZ Major Milestones Moved forward on plans for the new West Entrance and adjacent parking lots; location includes new outdoor Otter Exhibit
• Gordy’s first appearance in a custom outdoor habitat replicating a Family Farm Barn. Attendance: 3,691
Adventure Africa Opening – May 4 • Ribbon-cutting, a 10-ton elephant sand sculpture, animal coloring mural, elephant talks Attendance: 10,348
a la Carte at the Zoo – Aug. 15-18 • Over 30 restaurants, including four first-time vendors, more than 65 bands
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Attendance: 66,746
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Special Programs
giraffe
Media Relations
• Negotiates and secures Oceans of Fun Seal & Sea Lion Show contract, oversees the temporary special exhibit and audiovisual services • -Works directly with the Zoological Society, serving as a liaison for all Zoological Society events at the Zoo
Promotes special events and animal collection through traditional public relations efforts, writes news releases, collateral pieces and internal newsletter, develops website content and responds to visitor online inquiries, pitches stories to media locally, regionally and nationally
2019 Highlights:
MCZ Major Milestones Began design for Adventure Africa Phase I: Elephant Exhibit
In 2019, the major portion of media coverage focused on the Elephant Exhibit completion. A variety of mediums including broadcast, print, electronic and online outlets visited for the opening or covered the construction/completion.
• Coordinated and supervised staff for the Brick Dinos exhibit. • Served as a liaison to the Zoological Society, facilitating all the Society’s events at the Zoo.
A range of publications featured Zoo stories: daily newspaper, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel; Milwaukee Magazine; the Chicago Tribune; and trade publications like the Dairy Star newspaper. Ongoing Zoo coverage continued with local weekday and weekend morning television programs, either onsite, or instudio.
• Zoo operations were enhanced by the efforts of the Audiovisual Section, which include photos, videos and visual presentations in the areas of: Animal Division, Public Relations, Social Media, Group Sales and Special Events.
Social Media Communicates and promotes the Zoo through online means using platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
2019 results of social media efforts: Facebook
Followers: 130,412 Impressions: 130+ million Engagement: 6+ million
Followers: 34,963 Impressions: 6.7+ million Engagement:: 393,572
Twitter Followers: 9,491 Impressions: 1.9+ million Engagement:: 83,091
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Top Posts: Camel Sanchi getting brushed; giraffe Desmond’s birth and growth; red panda Kiki’s birth and growth Amur Tiger
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Grounds & Horticulture This section continued to support the Animal Division, Special Events, Group Sales and the Zoological Society.
• • • • • • •
Transports animals Removes animal waste Assists in animal exhibit renovation/repair Prepares private events Removes trash, litter and recyclable materials Plows and salts Recycles leaves/brush
Forestry Section support
Custodial
• • • •
This section ensures building cleanliness for visitors and staff, and is integral to the success of Group Sales events, and to the overall impression of the Zoo.
Clears storm damaged trees Prunes trees; provides propping for animal exhibits Operates heavy equipment Restores train bridges with wood milled from Zoo trees
2019 Highlights: • Constructed a tree nursery from 100% Zoo urban wood; includes 150 tree saplings of 10 varieties, space for 400 • Continued invasive species removal with future management plans to reforest
2019 Highlights:
Maintenance & Trades A considerable amount of infrastructure work is completed by this section annually.
• Maintains the buildings, grounds, exhibits and public areas • Maintains the electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems
2019 Highlights:
In addition to typical seasonal landscape maintenance, plantings and holiday/special event preparations, this section’s accomplishments included:
• Added cleaning duties for areas of the Elephant Care Center, Flamingo Multi-purpose Room and Education offices • Former Wolf Woods cabin renovated to Conservation Outpost
• Completed Train Station/land restoration phase II: cleaned underbrush, pruned trees, removed dead trees and started general restoration; planted flowers and landscaped
Safety & Training
• Expanded pressure washing program to clean grounds more often, cleaned new elephant pool, Flamingo Barn roof and other areas
More than 500 people attended the Safety Fair, with classes offered and vendors presenting a variety of services.
• Added components and helped maintain elephant yard, with large logs and tree browse • Maintained 10 acres of turf, 321 annual planters, 57 annual flower beds (most receive 3-season changes), and 100+ shrub and perennial locations
MCZ Major Milestones Completion of West Entrance and North American River Otter Exhibit
MCZ Major Milestones Began site demolition and construction for Adventure Africa Phase I: Elephant Exhibit
Final work completed for Adventure Africa Phase I: Elephant Exhibit
Helped update Milwaukee County’s new GPS tree inventory software with 4,460 trees logged within the Zoo
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ZOO OPERATING EXPENSES
(FINANCIALS)
Zoological Department (Unaudited) REVENUES
2019 Adjusted Budget
2019 Actual Year-to-Date
Variance ( ) = Deficit
Total Admissions
$6,441,666
$5,465,209
$(976,457)
Parking
$1,460,000
$1,456,021
($3,979)
$628,698
$457,372
($171,326)
Dwelling & Picnic Rentals Special Exhibit Admissions
$301,236
$187,897
($113,339)
Vending Machine Commissions
$320,287
$198,549
($121,738)
Strollers
$135,120
$103,793
($31,327)
Pony Rides
$32,000
$24,150
($7,850)
Carousel
$254,000
$196,238
($57,762)
SkyRide Society Memberships Donations
$251,722
$143,871
($107,851)
$3,306,554
$3,315,477
$8,923
$180,000
$189,980
$9,980
Other Private Funding
$56,000
$5,738
($50,262)
Sponsorships
$408,000
$309,213
($98,787)
Miscellaneous Revenue
$3,632,639
$3,056,695
($575,944)
Sales Tax
($160,943)
($134,703)
$26,240
Other Private Funding Sponsorships Miscellaneous Revenue Sales Tax
TOTAL REVENUES
ZOO TRUST FUNDS (UNAUDITED) Railroad Trust Fund REVENUES
2019 Adjusted Budget
2019 Actual Year-to-Date
Variance ( ) = Deficit
Zoomobile Revenue
$86,000
$66,064
($19,936)
Miniature Train Revenue
$769,204
$784,565
$15,361
Earnings on Investments
$4,000
$33,494
$24,712
$359,726
$62,843
($296,883)
$1,000
$0
($1,000)
($36,000)
($34,233)
$1,767
$1,183,930
$912,733
($271,196)
2019 Adjusted Budget
2018 Actual Year-to-Date
Variance ( ) = Deficit
Personnel Services
$433,103
$382,240
$50,863
Contractual Services/Commodities
$478,840
$458,870
$19,970
Conservation Projects
$30,000
$27,582
$2,418
Capital Outlay
$242,439
$85,792
$156,647
Donations and Reserve Contribution Other Revenue Sales Tax
TOTAL REVENUES
EXPENDITURES
$0
$0
$0
$318,000
$278,051
($39,949)
Internal Service Charges
$3,522,572
$2,887,052
($635,520)
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
($160,943)
($132,222)
$28,721
$17,246,979
$14,975,501
$(2,271,478)
NET INCOME (LOSS) Fund Balance January 1, 2019 Net Income
EXPENDITURES
2019 Adjusted Budget
2019 Actual Year-to-Date
Variance ( ) = Deficit
Personnel Services
$8,611,450
$7,989,867
$621,583
Contractual Services/Commodities
$6,994,651
$6,167,555
$827,096
Capital Outlay
$580,729
$524,905
$55,824
Internal Service Charges
$598,055
$569,488
$28,567
$16,784,885
$15,251,815
$1,533,070
TAX LEVY
($462,094)
$276,313
($738,408)
ATTENDANCE
1,351,500
1,242,162
(109,338)
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
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Fund Balance December 31, 2019
$0
$1,435
($1,435)
$1,184,382
$955,919
$228,463
($43,186)
($42,733)
($452)
$1,602,172 ($43,186) $1,558,986
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ZOO TRUST FUNDS (UNAUDITED)
(CONTINUED)
Specimen Trust Fund REVENUES
2019 Adjusted Budget
2019 Actual Year-to-Date
Variance ( ) = Deficit
Earnings on Investments
$1,200
$6,585
$5,385
Animal Sales/Milk Sales
$18,200
$16,595
($1,605)
Giraffe Experience
$31,970
$28,050
($3,920)
Gifts & Donations
$1,500
$0
($1,500)
Other Miscellaneous Revenue
$0
$3,063
$3,063
Reserve Contribution
$0
$0
$0
TOTAL REVENUE
$52,870
$54,294
$1,424
EXPENDITURES Contractual Services/Commodities Internal Service Charges
TOTAL EXPENDITURES NET INCOME (LOSS)
2019 Adjusted Budget
2019 Actual Year-to-Date
Variance ( ) = Deficit
$52,870
$35,034
$17,836
$0
$0
$0
$52,870
$35,034
$17,836
$0
$19,260
$19,260
Fund Balance January 1, 2019
$342,467
Net Income
$19,260
Fund Balance December 31, 2019
$361,727
Zoological Society of Milwaukee The mission of the Zoological Society of Milwaukee is to conserve wildlife and endangered species, educate people about the importance of wildlife and the environment, and support the Milwaukee County Zoo.
Support
Here are some of the ways we supported the Zoo in 2019:
The Zoological Society supports the Milwaukee County Zoo through cash and in-kind services. Half of all revenue raised by the Zoo Pass membership program goes to the Zoo in unrestricted funds to support the day-to-day operations of the Zoo. The Society provides additional funds through its procurement of sponsorships for Zoo attractions and events. The Society also provides graphic design, information technology and direct project support and operates Zoo Pride, a volunteer program that serves the Society and Zoo.
• Our Zoo Pass program continues to serve nearly 50,000 member households and experience strong member retention and loyalty. The membership program allowed us to give more than $3.3 million in direct cash support to the Zoo.
• Zoo Pride contributed nearly 57,000 hours of service to the Zoo and Society with 419 volunteers.
MCZ Major Milestones Public opening of Adventure Africa Phase I: Elephant Exhibit
Conservation Trust Fund REVENUES Earnings on Investments
2019 Adjusted Budget
2019 Actual Year-to-Date
Variance ( ) = Deficit
$0
$1,030
$937
Giraffe Feedings
$10,000
($205)
($10,205)
Vending Machine Commission
$12,000
$5,649
($6,351)
Conservation Contribution
$35,000
$68,585
$33,585
Gifts & Donations
$8,000
$50,734
$42,734
Other Miscellaneous Revenue
$19,000 $0
$0
$0
TOTAL REVENUE
$84,000
$125,794
$41,794
EXPENDITURES Conservation Projects
TOTAL EXPENDITURES NET INCOME (LOSS)
2019 Adjusted Budget
• The Creative Department completed more than 600 projects, including all the graphics for the new Adventure Africa exhibits.
Began construction for Phase II: Hippo Exhibit
($19,000)
Reserve Contribution
Contractual Services/Commodities
• We surpassed our goal for our 2019 annual appeal, raising $250,000 to help build a new hippo habitat, including $50,000 from a matching grant from MillerCoors.
2019 Actual Year-to-Date
Variance ( ) = Deficit
$84,000
$68,516
$15,484
$0
$1,000
($1,000)
$84,000
$69,516
$14,484
$0
$56,287
$56,277
Fund Balance January 1, 2019
$23,425
Net Income
$56,277
Fund Balance December 31, 2019
$79,702
ZOO TRUST FUNDS Fund Balance January 1, 2019 Net Income Fund Balance December 31, 2019
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$1,968,064 $32,352 $2,000,416
Photo by Paul Ruffolo
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Conserve
Educate
This was a year of transition for the Zoological Society Conservation Department. After 35 years with the Zoological Society, Dr. Gay Reinartz retired as conservation director in spring. As the founder of the Bonobo & Congo Biodiversity Initiative (BCBI), Reinartz has made invaluable contributions to bonobo conservation. She helped the Milwaukee County Zoo become the fourth zoo in the nation to house bonobos and established the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Bonobo Species Survival Plan.®
The Zoological Society’s Conservation Education Department reaches up to 250,000 children and adults a year through Zoo Classes and Camps, Kohl’s Wild Theater, school programs, community partnerships and other initiatives.
Here are some of the department highlights from 2019: • Education staff hosted and moderated a panel on empathy, relevance and community engagement at the Association of Zoos & Aquariums annual conference. The panel included reflections from the Zoological Society’s Animal Connections Continuum, a three-year program to engage young students in experiences about animals and people’s empathy toward animals. The program completed a three-year pilot in spring 2019 and will continue in 2020.
For more than 20 years, BCBI supported activities to study and protect bonobos in the Democratic Republic of Congo. BCBI was founded in 1997 after Reinartz and international experts created the first bonobo conservation action plan, which identified the Salonga National Park as a possible bonobo stronghold. Since then, Reinartz has helped prove that theory correct by leading a team that surveyed thousands of miles of dense rainforest. Along the way, BCBI also helped other Congolese animals, particularly the forest elephant,
• Through the Bernard J. Peck Memorial Scholarship Fund, 23 children attended Zoo Camp for free. Another 331 students from six community centers attended camp for free through a grant from Wells Fargo. • Kohl’s Wild Theater introduced a new traveling show called “Finding Harmony” about caring for plants and animals in your backyard and a summer mainstage show called “An Elephant Never Forgets” about poaching. Its community show “How Does Your Garden Grow?” introduced in summer 2019 has been the most performed traveling show in KWT history, with 137 shows booked.
and brought new opportunities to people living around the Salonga National Park. Conservation initiatives have evolved tremendously since BCBI began. To ensure the long-term future of this important work following Dr. Reinartz’s retirement, the Zoological Society decided this year to close the initiative and transfer its work to an experienced partner with more resources. We are pleased to report that the World Wildlife Fund, already a BCBI partner, is continuing the mission of BCBI. The Zoological Society Conservation Department is now identifying new opportunities for conservation work. The Zoological Society also supports conservation work by Milwaukee County Zoo staff and donates to conservation groups on behalf of the Zoo. In 2019, it supported work benefiting Humboldt penguins, Caribbean iguanas, migratory birds, orangutans, freshwater turtles, and jaguars and other Belizean wildlife.
adventure africa
Photo by Paul Ruffolo
Capital Campaign Photo by Paul Ruffolo
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The Zoological Society is raising $25 million through its Window to the Wild Capital Campaign to support the Zoo’s new Adventure Africa area. It had raised $19,178,470 as of the end of fiscal year 2019 and contributed half of the cost of the Zoo’s new elephant and African hoofstock exhibits as a 50-50 funding partner with Milwaukee County.
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ZSM Financial Summary Zoological Society of Milwaukee County – Year ending Sept. 30, 2019
SUPPORT & REVENUE
COST OF SUPPORT & REVENUE
MEMBERSHIP DUES from all Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members . . . . . . . . $7,550,045
(Support Services)
CONTRIBUTIONS toward projects, specific programs and support . . . . . . . . $8,092,862
MEMBERSHIP DUES Expense of providing benefits to all Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,788,906
SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS/SPONSORSHIPS including animal sponsorship, Zoo Ball, education, Society and Zoo special events, and sponsorships . . . . . . $2,538,725
SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS Expense of providing and promoting Society special events/programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $557,757
INTEREST INCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $190,140
TOTAL COST OF SUPPORT & REVENUE (Support Services). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,346,663
GRANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,189,932 TOTAL SUPPORT & REVENUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,561,704
EXPENSES
RECEIPTS
DIRECT PROJECT COSTS Expenses relative to projects and specific programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,662,379
Membership dues: 39% Special Events/Programs: 13% Contributions: 41% Grants: 6% Interest: 1%
EXPENSES
ZOO SUPPORT Direct cash and in-kind support to the Milwaukee County Zoo, including expense of providing, promoting and supporting education, graphics, special-exhibit projects, and Zoo special events. . . . . . . $9,599,791 RESEARCH/CONSERVATION Expenses relating to state, national and international programs supporting species preservation. . . . . . . . . . . . $295,654
Zoo Support and Direct Project Costs: 83%
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE Expenses relating to daily Society operations . . . . . . . . . $496,551
Support Services: 12%
TOTAL EXPENSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,054,375
Research/Conservation: 2%
TOTAL COST OF SUPPORT AND EXPENSES. . . . . . $19,401,038
General Administrative: 3%
MILWAUKEE COUNTY EXECUTIVE Chris Abele
MILWAUKEE COUNTY BOARD CHAIRMAN Theodore Lipscomb, Sr. . . . . . . . . . . 1st District
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Deanna Alexander. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18th District Eddie Cullen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15th District Marina Dimitrijevic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4th District Jason Haas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14th District Willie Johnson, Jr.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13th District Patty Logsdon.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9th District Felesia A. Martin.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7th District Supreme Moore Omokunde.. . . . . . 10th District Marcella Nicholson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5th District Sylvia Ortiz-Velez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12th District James “Luigi” Schmitt. . . . . . . . . . . . 6th District Dan Sebring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11th District Steven Shea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8th District Anthony Staskunas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17th District Sequanna Taylor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2nd District Sheldon Wasserman. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3rd District John F. Weishan, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . 16th District
The Milwaukee County Zoo offers equal opportunities for employees and visitors alike. EDITOR: Jennifer Diliberti-Shea DESIGNER: Jessie Kinsey PHOTOGRAPHER: Joel Miller (Unless otherwise noted) 10001 W. Bluemound Road Milwaukee, WI 53226 414-771-3040 milwaukeezoo.org
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