Keepin’ it Wild !
A digital publication of Zoo Miami Foundation and Zoo Miami. January-March 2025 OUR MISSION: To inspire people to preserve nature and motivate others to join us through community engagement, fundraising, and building relationships.
THIS ISSUE: - Giant Eland Born at the Zoo - Valentine’s Day Gifts - Sea Turtle Updates
Keepin’ it Wild is a quarterly digital publication of Zoo Miami Foundation that provides information for the friends, supporters and Members of Zoo Miami.
For more information, please contact:
Zoo Miami Foundation
12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL 33177 (305) 255-5551 / www.zoomiami.org
Zoo Miami Foundation’s Mission
To inspire people to preserve nature and motivate others to join us through community engagement, fundraising, and building relationships.
Zoo Miami Foundation Board of Directors:
Chair: Alan S. Atkinson
Chair-Elect: Javier Borges
Treasurer: Alexander Binelo
Secretary: Joseph R. Salzverg
Past Chair: Jose Felix Diaz
Alan Atkinson
Rodney Barreto
Brittnie Bassant
Jason A. Bell
Alexander E. Binelo
Javier Borges
Maryam Laguna Borrego, Ed.D.
Ashley Boxer
Sharymar E. Calderon
James A. Carenza
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
John V. Chibbaro
Jason S. Comer
Jose Felix Diaz, Esq
Kenneth J. Duvall
Will Elgar
Armando Fernandez
Ricardo Garbati
Emeriti Directors
Rodney L. Barreto
Vincent L. Berkeley
Jennifer Boin Getz
Roger Carlton
Harlan S. Chiron, MD
Ambassador Sue Cobb
Linda Coll
William J. Gallwey, III, Esq.
Robert W. Hudson, Esq.
Sherrill W. Hudson
Bernard Klepach
President/CEO: Jose C. Romano
Zoo Director: Will Elgar
Zoo Admission Hours:
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily
Last ticket sold at 4 p.m.
Editor: Rashielle Clarke
Contributors:
LETTER FROM THE CEO
Victor H. Herrera
Philip F. Kushlan
George L. Leser
Mireya Mayor, PhD
Katharine A. McDonald
Maria I. Nardi
Marc A. Osheroff
Samantha L. Pencar
Martha H. Rabbitt
José C. Romano
Joseph R. Salzverg
Luisa F. Santos
Joshua Schertzer
Eduardo M. Soto
John S. Vidalin
Fred Voccola
Steven C. Williamson
David Konfino
Jim Kushlan, PhD
Daniel J. Licciardi
Manny J. Rodriguez, P.E.
Edward Soto
Eric J. Stephens
Lawrence O. Turner, Jr.
Diana Udel
Ana VeigaMilton, Esq.
Andrew H. Weinstein, Esq.
Ivy Brower, Cindy Castelblanco, Alexandra Guevara, Nicole Johnston, Jamie Lassonde, Ron Magill, Jose Romano, Ron Stayton, and Melissa Wetzel
Layout & Design: Photography: Parrot Fish Studio Ron Magill
Special thanks to Ana VeigaMilton and the Zoo Miami staff, for without these people, this publication would not be possible.
FOLLOW US
Happy New Year Zoo Friends!
The Zoo Miami Foundation team closed the chapter on 2024 with such pride as we looked back on what we had accomplished. We ended the year on such a high note, with a record-breaking ZooRun in November, as over 4,000 members of our community stepped up to support and run wild with us! In our last issue, I also shared that an anonymous donor came forward to pledge a dollar-for-dollar match up to $10,000 for contributions to our Sumatran Tiger Habitat Expansion Project. I am thrilled to share that we far exceeded the match – a huge stride toward completion of this much-anticipated project.
Now, we look forward. This year is sure to bring us all tremendous achievements and memorable moments at Zoo Miami. If you have not yet explored the Wildlife Rescue exhibit throughout the zoo, I highly encourage you make a visit to climb and play with these endangered species models before the exhibit ends on February 2nd. Then, something massive and awe-inspiring will be returning to Zoo Miami, with extinct creatures from another time roaming the grounds once more!
Of course, I would be remiss if I did not remind everyone that my personal favorite event, Feast with the Beasts, is back this March with a fantastic lineup of local restaurants providing delicious bites and beverages. With incredible live entertainment, animal encounters, and a truly impressive silent auction, this event is simply unlike any other. I hope to see you there!
Each year, I find myself continuously impressed with the ways our Zoo Miami and Zoo Miami Foundation teams are able to further our impact, from building on beloved programs like Zoo Camp to getting “boots on the ground” with international conservation efforts and research, our staff never ceases to demonstrate great commitment to our mission. We owe so much of these efforts to our circle of support – Zoo fans and supporters like you.
I can’t wait to see what we achieve together in 2025. Wishing you all a very prosperous, and always wild, new year.
José Romano ZMF President/CEO
Give Miami Day was a roaring success!
Thanks to 142 donors, Zoo Miami Foundation raised $59,417 in November 2024.
We are endlessly grateful to our community of supporters who enable us to do essential work in education and conservation.
2025 Zoo Miami Bucket List
Sweet Valentine’s Day Deals
Mourning the Loss of Coedie the Koala
Boots on the Ground: Tiger Conservation in Sumatra
Rare Giant Eland Born at Zoo Miami
Adventures in Learning
Sea Turtle Hospital Updates
ZooRun 2024 Recap
Zoo Miami Foundation Quarterly Donors
Rai forest Soiree
Presented by:
MARCH 7, 2025 at Zoo Miami VIP BEASTKEEPER 7 PM - 9 PM Pre-party MAIN EVENT
8 PM - 11 PM
Join us for delectable cuisine from Miami’s most delicious restaurants, fine wine and spirits. Enjoy close encounters with fascinating animals and live entertainment, all while mingling with esteemed members of our vibrant community. This is a fundraiser that you won’t want to miss!
THE 2025 ZOO MIAMI BUCKET LIST
• Check out the Wildlife Rescue Exhibit. You’ve got until February 2, 2025 to climb, play, and learn with climbable models of endangered species throughout Zoo Miami.
• Visit Dinos Among Us. Step into a world where the giants of the past come roaring back to life. This immersive experience depicts twenty life-size animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar, transporting you to the prehistoric era right in the heart of our Zoo and botanical garden. Prepare to be awed, amazed, and thrilled as you walk among the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex and many other incredible creatures that once roamed the earth. Make memories with your friends and family while learning fascinating facts about dinosaurs’ lives, extinction, and the world they inhabited.
• Walk the entire zoo. Looking to get more steps in this year? We have over 3 miles of walkways for you to explore with unbeatable sights and activities along the way.
• Get up close with an African elephant. Experience something new and meet with our animal care specialists, going behind-the-scenes to help prepare enrichment, see a voluntary training session up close, and learn more about our elephants!
• Get crafty at the Animal Fun Factory. Did you know that you can help us create the enrichment to keep our animals active and engaged? The Fun Factory is open every weekend!
• Join us for Feast with the Beasts on March 7, 2025. Indulge in delectable bites, fine wine and spirits, and fascinating animal experiences during our Rainforest Soiree!
• Sign up for an educational experience. From Zoo Camp to our Wild Tales lecture series, there’s a learning adventure for all ages!
• Browse the Farmer’s Market at Zoo Miami. Check out unique goods from local vendors during the first and third Saturday & Sunday of each month on our promenade.
Zoo Miami Mourns the Loss of Beloved Koala Coedie
Zoo Miami is deeply saddened about the passing of Coedie, a cherished member of our animal family, who was humanely euthanized on December 17, 2024, following a rapid decline in health.
Coedie, an 11-year-old male koala, was being closely monitored and cared for by Zoo Miami’s dedicated animal care and veterinary teams when he demonstrated a declining appetite. The team provided supportive treatment for gastric distress and, to enhance his care, consulted with San Diego Zoo, Riverbanks Zoo, Palm Beach Zoo, and other facilities experienced with koalas.
Further evaluations, including x-rays, revealed that Coedie was also suffering from pneumonia. He was hospitalized in the ICU and unfortunately, despite intensive care, he continued to decline. After careful consideration, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize him to prevent further suffering.
Coedie was born on July 30, 2013 at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and arrived at Zoo Miami on October 16, 2024 as part of a managed loan agreement with the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina. His relocation was part of a collaborative program overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), ensuring the health and genetic diversity of the U.S. koala population under human care.
With an average lifespan of approximately 10-12 years, Coedie’s passing at 11 marks the loss of a treasured, older koala. His brief time at Zoo Miami left a lasting impact on staff and visitors alike.
A hugE thank you
to an anonymous donor who challenged us with a matching grant to raise $10,000 toward the Sumatran Tiger Expansion Project at Zoo Miami. And a huge thank you as well to all our friends and family who heeded the call to action and made an impactful gift. We are thrilled to report that we far exceeded the match! We could not be more grateful to everyone who participated in this effort.
Join thE Effort to savE Sumatran tigErs!
The roar of tigers will soon reverberate louder than ever at Zoo Miami when we unveil an expanded and upgraded Sumatran tiger exhibit that will enthrall visitors of all ages with up close and personal encounters. The tiger habitat was part of Zoo Miami’s initial footprint when it opened in 1980 and remains an iconic symbol of the zoo.
CLICK HERE
to read more about Sumatran tigers in the wild and at Zoo Miami.
BOOTS ON THE GROUND: TigEr ConsErvation in Sumatra
By Ivy Brower
In September 2023, I was privileged to travel to the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra as part of Zoo Miami’s ongoing commitment to the conservation of the Sumatran tiger. During the first 10 days, I traveled with the dedicated staff from the Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) Indonesian branch to build connections that would hopefully lead to collaborated efforts between WCSIndonesia and Zoo Miami to support critical in situ conservation work for Sumatran tigers .
During my time with WCS, we visited Way Canguk Research Station, and met with village community leaders in tiger conflict areas to discuss conflict mitigation efforts and how they adapt to living with wildlife. We spoke with the Good Agriculture Practice farmer group and met with ex-poachers to discuss what drove them to start poaching and what incentivized them to stop. One message that stood out is that when given the resources to rejoin their community as law-abiding citizens, the reformed poachers gladly jumped on the opportunity and that most were driven by the need to support their family by any means they could.
In 2022, I accepted the role of Sumatran Tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP) vice coordinator and joined the Sumatran Tiger Global Species Management Program (GSMP) as a husbandry advisor. The GSMP is a collaboration between
five regions: North America, Europe, Japan, Australia, and Indonesia, with the goal of supporting the in situ and ex situ populations of Sumatran tigers. As part of this goal, a Tiger Husbandry Workshop was developed for Indonesian zookeepers at Raguanan Zoo in Jakarta in October 2023 with collaboration from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, London Zoo, Zoo Miami, and Bukittinggi Zoo. I participated in the development of this workshop and following my time with WCS in Sumatra I joined this workshop as an instructor. After the workshop, the instructors traveled to several zoos to consult with them on tiger husbandry and their breeding programs. This was an amazing opportunity to build global relationships while continuing efforts to share current industry standards and knowledge.
For over a decade, Zoo Miami has supported the Tiger Conservation Campaign, which promotes the in situ efforts of the WCS anti-poaching projects in Malaysia’s Endau Rompin landscape, as well as their human-tiger conflict mitigation efforts in Sumatra. In 2016, Zoo Miami supported travel for myself and another keeper to participate in the anti-poaching patrol efforts for the Malayan Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MYCAT) in the Taman Negara National Park. Following my visit with WCS, Zoo Miami further committed to being a leader in tiger conservation by funding a tiger population survey in the northern forest of Bukit Berisan Selatan National Park in Sumatra that will begin in 2025. This project will help to provide crucial population data for tigers and prey species that will help WCS better focus their efforts to protect tigers and respond to threats. Zoo Miami excited to continue to work with WCS on future collaborated efforts to protect tigers.
Rare Giant Eland Born at Zoo Miami!
On November 27th, after an approximately nine-month pregnancy, Zoo Miami celebrated the birth of a rare giant eland! The male calf weighed 65 pounds and was the second calf for the five-year-old mother, “Maria.”
This is the fifth calf sired by the eight-year-old father, “Nomad.”
This is the 17th giant eland born at Zoo Miami.
A couple of days after his birth, the calf had its neonatal exam that consisted of getting weighed, an overall general physical, and blood collection as well as getting microchipped. Initial indications are that he is healthy and doing well. Baby and mother are back together with access to their habitat with the rest of the herd.
Giant eland are the world’s largest antelope with males often weighing over 2,000 pounds! They are found in small areas of the savannah and woodlands of Central Africa and are listed as vulnerable with the major threats being habitat destruction and hunting for their meat.
Zoo Miami is the only accredited zoo in the United States to exhibit these spectacular animals. There are presently two other females that are due to give birth at any time!
Adventures IN LEARNING
Kids of all ages will enjoy hands-on activities, animal encounters, educational adventures, and more during our award-winning Zoo Camp!
DAy CAMP
Ages 5 - 12
During legal holidays and Teacher Planning Days, our one-day camps are both fun and packed with wild experiences.
Upcoming Session & Theme:
January 17, 2025: “Paws, Claws, and Tracks”
January 20, 2025: “Echoes and Shadows”
February 17, 2025: “Unearthing the Wonders of Plants”
Fees: $52 per child for Zoo members; $65 per child for non-members
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
SPRING CAMP
Ages 5 - 12
Make a splash this spring break! Campers will dive into the wonders of aquatic life while exploring freshwater ecosystems, learning about the creatures that call them home. From interactive lessons to hands-on activities, they’ll discover the incredible role water plays in nature. Plus, get ready to cool off and have some fun with visits to our splash pads!
March 24-28, 2025
Fees: $220 per child for Zoo members; $275 per child for non-members
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Please email education@zoomiami.org or call 305-255-5551 for additional information.
EARTH AGENTS: SUMMER 2025
Earth Agents invites community groups to lead environmental projects in their neighborhoods.
ZMF provides guidance and groups may apply for a stipend to ensure they have all the tools needed for a successful event. From beach cleanups and book drives to removing invasive plant species and hosting sustainable dinners, our Earth Agent are teaching their communities about conservation. Join us and apply to be an Earth Agent!
Applications open April 2025 and close the second week of May. Applicants will be selected and notified at the end of May.
For further inquiries please reach out to Nicole Johnston at njohnston@zoomiami.org
Program starts June 2025 and runs through August 2025.
Sea Turtle UPDATES
Galadriel
Galadriel’s hind flipper looks great! She is still on antibiotics as a response to positive blood cultures. Once she has a negative culture result, she can be transferred to another facility that can accommodate a couple weeks of deep dive for her.
Rigatoni Bilbo
Rigatoni was released! After clearing her exit examination, her release was confirmed, and she went home on October 24th! We are proud of the work our team has put into Rigatoni’s recovery.
Bilbo had her first debridement surgery on October 10th and the injury to her carapace looks good. She is receiving electroacupuncture therapy to promote wound healing.
Prosciutto
Prosciutto had an abscess on his face drained and flushed. Once his face is healed, and his next CT scan show no new tumors, the team can schedule his exit exam. Prosciutto has been enjoying enrichment items such as his “kelp forest”, which he likes to go under and use as a shell scratcher!
Spaghetti
Gnocchi
Spaghetti and Gnocchi had tumor removals and are continuing to heal from surgery. They are scheduled for rechecks in the upcoming week. Meanwhile, they are enjoying their new “beds”! These PVC and canvas beds act as a hide for the turtles so they feel safer and have the option to get out of the sun if they wanted to.
Here you can see Gnocchi peeking out from under her hide!
Toss the Tusk
On November 9, 2024, Zoo Miami hosted Toss the Tusk for the very first time! Organized by The Association of Zoos and Aquariums and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this series of events takes place at zoos across the U.S. to raise awareness about the elephant poaching crisis and illegal ivory trade.
Toss the Tusk provides the public with an opportunity to bring their unwanted elephant ivory (or other wildlife products) for proper disposal. We also had various activities and keeper talks throughout the day for the public to get involved and informed.
The collection of these items help create hope for elephants and other endangered animals by reducing demand for illegal wildlife products in the market. Getting ivory out of the market is a common practice by governments and conservations groups to deter the poaching of elephants for their tusks and to suppress the illegal ivory trade. Experts agree that it eliminates further demand for ivory and puts the value instead on living elephants.
Throughout the day, we raised tons of awareness, and hope to leave people more educated on this crucial topic!
THANK YOU to our Wild Smiles Presenting Sponsor, Virtus Imaging!
Zoo Miami Foundation is proud to share our new initiative, the Wild Smiles program! This wonderful initiative brings joy to children currently receiving treatment at local hospitals, providing heartwarming experiences and a touch of the wild. This inspiring outreach program is made possible by Virtus Imaging Partners.
Zoo Miami FoundatIon’s PrEmier Members aRE eLITe-LEvel Donors who experience Zoo Miami from an excLusive perspective!
Become a member whose support enhances animal care, wildlife conservation, and learning experiences while forging an amazing connection to the more than 2,000 animal species that reside at Zoo Miami. Receive inside access to behind-the-scenes tours, private animal encounters, exclusive event invitations, programs, and more!
BECOME A MEMBER
MAKE WILDLIFE
A PART OF YOUR LEGACY
Legacy giving techniques are called “planned gifts,” because with thoughtful planning, you create win-win solutions for you and your loved ones, and Zoo Miami Foundation. A well-planned gift communicates your legacy; it tells a story of what you hold as most important and valuable in your life and community. Leaving a gift to the Zoo Miami Foundation through your will or trust is an easy and impactful way to benefit education and conservation efforts for years to come. We recognize all planned gifts through the Josephine Wolf Legacy Society. This legacy circle are champions of wildlife and recognized throughout the year.
In thanks for your support, ZMF is here to help you protect your loved ones. Thanks to our partnership with Life Legacy, you may create your legal will for FREE in under 20 minutes. CLICK HERE to access more information and resources, including our downloadable Estate Planning Guide.
ZooRun
On Saturday, November 2, 2024, Zoo Miami Foundation hosted its 12th annual ZooRun, and what an unforgettable day it was!
THANK
Despite the rain—and even some traffic—the event was a huge success, with a beautiful rainbow to top it off. A big thank you to our presenting sponsor, Baptist Health, and to all our amazing sponsors, staff, and volunteers who made this day possible.
With over 4,000 participants, we’re thrilled that the net funds will go directly to Zoo Miami’s Wildlife Conservation Fund. Thank you for running with us for a cause!
5K WINNERS
MALE: Luca Mcleod I 17:18
FEMALE: Vivian Pitchik I 20:22
10K WINNERS
MALE: Alec D. Torricella I 32:55
FEMALE: Katie Aroche I 43:50
E ne rgy Bite s
Sheet Pan Eggplant Parmesan
Portion Yield: Makes 1 hr 15 mins
Ingredients
Ingredients
1 cup rolled oats
• 3 tbsp kosher salt, divided
¼ cup sliced almonds
Directions
In a large bowl, combine nut butter, honey and cinnamon. Stir well. spatula or hands.
• 2 large eggplants (about 14 oz each), cut into ½ inch-thick rounds
2 tablespoons chia seeds
• ¼ cup olive oil, divided
⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
⅓ cup of nut butter peanut or almond)
Roll dough into balls no larger than a golf ball. Enjoy or refrigerate for later!
• 2 cups sourdough breadcrumbs (from 2 [3-oz] day-old sour dough bread slices)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup honey
Tips
Use a cookie or ice cream scoop to make bites similar in size.
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 4 plum tomatoes (about 4 ounces each), sliced
• 1 lb fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1 (24-oz) jar marinara sauce (about 3 cups)
• 4-oz Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, torn
INSTRUCTIONS
If you have time, refrigerate mix ture for up to an hour before rolling into bites.
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons salt on both sides of eggplant rounds, and place on wire rack lines with paper towels. Let liquid drain from eggplant for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat broiler to high with oven rack 6 inches from heat. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add breadcrumbs, and cook, stirring often, until lightly browned, 5 minutes. Add minced garlic, lemon zest, and thyme. Cook, stirring often, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and set breadcrumb mixture aside.
Pat eggplant dry. Drizzle both sides of eggplant rounds with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, and sprinkle with pepper and remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Place in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil in a preheated oven until lightly golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Let cool 10 minutes.
Reduce oven temperature to 425ºF. Layer tomatoes and mozzarella slices between eggplant rounds, slightly overlapping, on baking sheet. Drizzle with marinara sauce. Sprinkle with parmesan, top with breadcrumb mixture, and bake at 425ºF until cheese is melted and golden brown, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with basil, and serve.
We would like to recognize and thank those who contributed to Zoo Miami Foundation between September 20, 2024December 17, 2024. Your generosity helps us fulfill our mission of wildlife education and conservation, and we are truly grateful for your support.*
INDIVIDUALS
$25,000 +
Marta S. Weeks
$10,000 - 24,999
Walter J. Lynwood
Chary Rico-Toro
Josie Romano Brown and Dr.
Mark Brown
$5,000 - $9,999
Terry Curtis
Shelley B. Daniel Rutherford
William J. Gallwey, III
Dick Katz
Nancy and Joseph Salzverg
$1,000 - $4,999
Karen and Wray Abercrombie
Margarita Sahli-Blaya and Max
Fernando Blaya
Alicia Celorio
Sebastian Eilert
Amelia and Arthur Finkle
The Forte Family
Adria and Jay Fraioli
Rene Garcia
Eileen Higgins
Kathleen and Steven Holmes
Constance and Bobby Jones
France-Marie and Sheldon Jordan
Laurie and Keith Keister
Rebekah Neumann
Michael A. Nuzzo, Esq.
Joanna and Jose Romano
William Spratt
$500 - $999
Joan Aerts
Sandra M. and Herbert E.
Allenson
Jordan and Jason Bell
Peter Bellini
Sheffield and Steven Bessellieu
Martha and Felix Castillo
Anne and Jon Goldman
Sharron Lalik
Raquel and Kevin Lockwood
Maria Montoto
Sam Purcell
Silvia and Manuel Rodriguez
Karina S. Schmid and Bartholemew Motes
Dorothy K. Snyder
Alice and Stephen Takach
$100 - $499
SMaureen and Richard Adelman
Marilyn Agostini
Titina Aiello
Jennifer Allen
Sheryl and Manuel Alonso
Carmen Alonso
Heather M. Anderson
Sheila Aucamp
Mary Lee Auger
Karina and Reynier Avon
Femy and Sergio Bacallao
Rollin Bardin
Ellen and Daniel Berger
Ann and David Biegen
Mike Bloomfield
Ileana Briganti
Marcia and Leonard Brod
Beth and Roger Carlton
Cecilia ChinPalles
Carole J. Cholasta
Martha and Harris Coller
Tanya Dawkins
Sheri Desalle
Nathalia Duran
Nicholas D. Emguschowa
Susan Feeney
Kiera Fobb-Bourque
Mr. Freedman
Lydia B. Garcia
Richard R. Glass
Earl Gordon
Suzette L. Harvey-Prude
Lynne Hernandez
Rubi and Jose Herrera
The Hertz Family
Laura Hinthorn
Susan R. Jay
Melissa Jordon
Madison Kealy
Leigh Savage and Jonathan D.
Lawrence
Gloria D. Liss
Victoria Livingston
Diane and Dennis MacInnes
Eric McKenna
Karen Mendoza
Melissa Minton
Kimberly Morgan
Tina M. Nuccitelli
Scarlett Otero
Maria Pantoja
Yvette and Robert Perez
Diana Perry
Barbara Peterson
Robert Plastow
Mary Plyler
Richard A. Remmert
Ramses Rivero
Anne-Sophie Rojas Tallon
Carolina Salvo
Asad Sankofa
Ruth Schildbach
Cynthia Schreiner
Andrew Shapiro
Sylvia Sharp
Alexander Shibalsky
Cynthia and James Slaman
Katherine Spahn
Jeanne and Michael Spital
Monica Suarez Kobilis
Tracy Timmins
Mitzi Tompkins
Vale R. Trujillo
Izabella Udler and Vadim
Yegudkin
Maria E. Villarejo
Erica Vollaro
Erik Wade
Kathryn N. Weston
Melissa and David Wetzel
Ward B. Whitten
Lisa B. Wilson
CORPORATE PARTNERS
$25,000 +
Florida Power & Light
$10,000 - $24,999
El Car Wash
Virtus Imaging Partners, LLC
$5,000 - $9,999
PepsiCo
El Car Wash
Baptist Health Accenture
$1,000 - $4,999
Sea Turtle Conservancy
Soccer 5 Academy
Gresham Smith
Legendary Fitness Miami
Parrot Fish Studio
Kaseya
rbb Communications, LLC
Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Florida Blue
Miami Dade County Fair & Expo, Inc.
Ocaquatics Swim School
Vita Wellness Lounge
$500 - $999
The Benevity Community Impact Fund
Florida Blue
Playground of Miami
Sage Dental Management, LLC
GFWC Coco Plum Woman’s Club
Corebridge Financial
Mutual of America Financial Group
Sidley Austin LLP
WTA Tour Inc.
$100 - $499
Ocaquatics Swim School
FOUNDATIONS
$25,000 +
Anthony R. Abraham Foundation
Dennis & Smith Foundation
Peacock Foundation, Inc.
The Batchelor Foundation, Inc.
The Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation, Inc.
The Kirk Foundation, Inc.
$10,000 - $24,999
Florida Panthers Foundation
Paul and Maxine Frohring Foundation
The Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation, Inc.
The Shepard Broad Foundation, Inc.
The William H. and Leonora K. Hegamyer Family Foundation
The William W. Spruance Foundation
$5,000 - $9,999
The Cooper Voccola Family Foundation, Inc.
$100 - $499
RA Raymond Family Charitable Fund
*We are deeply grateful to our donors for their support. If your name has been accidentally omitted or listed incorrectly, please contact the Development department at 305-255-5551.
Honoring Alicia Celorio on National Philanthropy Day
A big congratulations to Alicia Celorio for earning the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Outstanding Philanthropist Award!
Alicia is an exemplary philanthropist with a diverse portfolio of charitable work, particularly emphasizing her sustained commitment to animal welfare, education, and cultural enrichment in the Miami area.
Her involvement extends beyond financial contributions to include active participation in community programs and wildlife conservation efforts.
Alicia Celorio continues to impact the local community through the Do Unto
Others Trust which was founded in 1994 by her late husband Justino Celorio in gratitude for what this country did for his family when they arrived from Cuba. A long-time supporter of Zoo Miami, she has contributed to conservation and education programs, impacting millions through initiatives like the CLAW program and funding for special needs outreach. Her support extends beyond the zoo to various organizations, including the Humane Society of Greater Miami, Miami Lighthouse for the Blind (2023 Volunteer of the Year), Baptist Health Foundation, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami City Ballet, National Wildlife Federation, and others.
