Letter from the President & CEO

lEaDErSh

Dear Friends of Zoo Miami, Many of us began 2021 with tempered expectations. After facing so many new challenges and precautions the year before, it seemed wise to keep our hopes focused on pushing through the ongoing pandemic. The new year served as an opportunity to meet our challenges with fresh ideas and determination. And, time and time again, we learned that the power of community, especially that of our Zoo Miami supporters, was not to be underestimated.

This year began on a high note with the opening of our much-anticipated Conservation Action Center presented by the Marc and Robin Osheroff Family and supported by Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Power & Light/NextEra Energy Foundation and the Romano Family Foundation. This immersive indoor exhibit houses interactive experiences and games that help to strengthen our connection and understanding of wildlife conservation and the impact that we have as humans. The opening was met with great excitement and wonder and the space continues to impact guests of all ages.

Of course, while the year has been bookended by major milestones that will go down as significant marks in Zoo Miami’s history, it’s the great things that happen at the Zoo every day that make these accomplishments possible. Our Zoo Miami and Zoo Miami Foundation staff continue to be a resourceful, imaginative, and dedicated force, keeping our animals happy and healthy, our organization running smoothly, and our guest experiences impactful.

PerFeCT SCore!

For the sixth straight year, Zoo Miami Foundation was awarded a perfect score from Charity Navigator for outstanding performance based on fiscal health, accountability and transparency. ZMF maintains administrative and fundraising expenses below the national average and shares this four-star recognition with less than 1% of national charities.

Meanwhile, we have made significant progress toward two vital hospital projects here at the zoo. Our current Animal Hospital will soon be replaced by a new, better equipped facility that will allow our Animal Health team to conduct more lab tests in-house and treat a greater scope of animals. This, of course, is made possible by generous supporters and contributions, including a $500,000 appropriation from The State of Florida and an anonymous donation of $100,000. Total raised was $1.1 million through a matching grant from our friends at The Batchelor Foundation. We are also thrilled about the progress being made on a new Sea Turtle Hospital, set to open in 2022. This new facility will serve to rehabilitate sick and injured sea turtles with the goal of releasing them back into the wild.

Fiscal Year 2021 marked the 65th anniversary of Zoo Miami Foundation. As we reflect on our history, we are beyond proud of how far we have come and the strides we have made toward our mission. Our Learning Experience programs, conservation initiatives, and efforts to support Zoo Miami continue to evolve and impact the South Florida community thanks to the dedication of our staff, the loyalty of our visitors and Members, and the generosity of our supporters.

Then, as the year came to a close, we celebrated an incredible achievement as we reached (and surpassed) a 1 Million Guest milestone! This was made even more meaningful as it came after the closures and changes caused by the pandemic. We cannot thank our loyal guests and Members enough for helping us set this new record at Zoo Miami.

This year had been a whirlwind of monumental milestones and encouraging progress. While setbacks will always occur, we remain resilient and dedicated knowing that we have the support of our Zoo Miami community and the Zoo Miami Foundation Board of Directors. On behalf of Zoo Miami Foundation and Zoo Miami, thank you to our guests, Members, partners, board directors, and donors. Our accomplishments are yours as well and we are endlessly grateful to you all.