Annual Report •2017• FROM THE CHAIRMAN & PRESIDENT

As we reflect on 2017, we think of the many achievements your Akron Zoo Fifth-grade students were asked to create new enrichment items for the enjoyed over the past year. Some of the 2017 highlights include: animals. This STEM problem-based learning experience demonstrated some new and unique ideas. • Welcoming 416,942 guests, setting a new attendance record. • Opening Curious Creatures on June 3, 2017. This new exhibit features many This year we also completed an economic impact study for the first time, to unique creatures and an educational focus on climate science and biomimicry. examine the economic impact of the Akron Zoo on the greater Summit County • Participation in thirteen field conservation programs both locally and globally. community. The results show, Akron Zoo has generated economic activity and fiscal benefits of over $407 million across Summit County from between • Managing two citizen science programs right here in Summit County. 2011 and 2016! In other words, every dollar of public support invested in the • Increased participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Saving Akron Zoo has generated eight dollars in economic impact for our community. Animals From Extinction (S.A.F.E.) program through the VaquitaCPR initiative to save the last 30 vaquitas, a small porpoise, in the Gulf of California. The Thanks to the support of voters, donors, sponsors, foundations, corporations, initiative united the Akron Zoo, other AZA accredited facilities from around members, zoo friends and volunteers, your Akron Zoo is able to serve our the world, the United States Navy and the Mexican government to try to community with an affordable, family-friendly experience that provides top-notch, pull this important species back from the brink of extinction. science-based education programs, while participating in conservation efforts to truly make a positive difference for wildlife and wild places. The zoo is a wonderful The Akron Zoo’s mission to connect your life to wildlife through lifelong place to connect your life to wildlife and spend quality time with family and learning and conservation action is central to who we are and how we engage friends. Visit us in 2018 and enjoy one of our special events or participate in with our community. In 2017, we expanded our formal education programming an education program. We sincerely hope to see you at YOUR Akron Zoo! through grant funding to impact more local students, reaching a total of 46,545 learners through 756 education programs. Thanks to the generosity of Sincerely, Kay Jewelers, every 5th grade class in Akron Public Schools (5,124 students) received a science-based program in the classroom and also enjoyed a class trip to the zoo to reinforce the lessons taught in the classroom. Through funding from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, the zoo partnered with James F. Snider II Douglas M. Piekarz the National Inventors Hall of Fame Middle School in an Enrichment Challenge. Chairman, Board of Directors President & CEO

2 3 RECORD BREAKING ATTENDANCE

New attendance record New event record New single-day record for the year Wild Lights Boo at the Zoo 416,942 guests 26,151 guests 8,196 guests

WELCOMING GU ESTS

The Akron Zoo offers Guest Appreciation Days to make the zoo accessible to everyone who wants to enjoy a day with wildlife. Two of our biggest days are Martin Luther King Day and Presidents’ Day. In 2017 we welcomed 10,181 guests during those events.

The zoo became only the second zoo in the country and the first zoo in Ohio to become sensory inclusive certified by KultureCity. The achievement happened because the zoo committed to making the park accessible to everyone by adding quiet zones, a guest comfort station and providing sensory friendly bags for guests who may need them (pictured right). The effort required comprehensive training of all staff on how to help guests with sensory sensitivities.

4 5 ANIMALS & HABITATS

Curious Creatures New Faces Naked mole rats and electric eels (pictured left) Besides the new species and individuals the zoo joined the Akron Zoo in June as part of the new welcomed for Curious Creatures, we also said exhibit, Curious Creatures. Guests venture hello to a few others including Bandar, a male through this exhibit to see unique plants and Sumatran tiger who arrived in October from the animals and witness their out-of-the-ordinary Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Biru, a male red adaptations. panda, Padar, a male Komodo dragon, Scruffy, Unique hunting a female sun bear and four Humboldt penguins styles and all arrived at the zoo during 2017. color-changing abilities are Golden Lion Tamarin just a few of The Akron Zoo in partnership with Clear Choice the exciting Laser Center, Cleveland Eye Clinic and Great Lakes and strange Veterinary Specialists teamed up to perform abilities cataract surgery on Ana, our female golden lion these curious tamarin. To the best of our knowledge, this was the creatures have! first time cataract surgery has been successfully performed on a small primate like Ana.

The Zoo Family

Animal Type Species Total Individuals Terrestrial Invertebrates 6 720 Aquatic Invertebrates 63 365 (includes animals such as true corals, soft corals, anemones and zooanthids) Fish 37 303 Amphibians 11 57 Reptiles 21 49 Birds 66 236 Mammals 39 727 The Akron Zoo participates in 48 AZA Species Survival Plans focused on saving Totals 243 2,457 endangered species from extinction.

6 7 CONSERVATION & SUSTAINABILITY

In 2017, $40,410 was donated by our friends and The campaign was also able to remove 159 snare members to support Akron Zoo’s Conservation traps and investigated eight tiger trade networks, efforts. The zoo invested $29,710 in field resulting in the arrest of 12 tiger traders. conservation to support the efforts to save • Purchased survey supplies and educational species from extinction. materials for a study being conducted by the Endangered Wolf Center and master’s Field Conservation student Lauren Toivonen on red wolves. The Akron Zoo’s Conservation Fund is dedicated The studies include “Red Wolf Habitat to supporting field conservation to help save Suitability Assessment” and “Education endangered species and the ecosystems on Effectiveness Survey.” which they depend. Specific field work • The Akron Zoo donated a portion of admissions supported by the conservation fund include from one week to the Association of Zoos activities such as: and Aquariums’ Hurricane Relief Fund • The vaquita, a small porpoise, is one of the The AZA Hurricane Relief Fund exists to help most critically endangered species with only AZA-accredited organizations recover from the 30 individuals left in the wild. The Akron Zoo effects of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma which and its chapter of the American Association hit Texas and Florida in 2017. of Zoo Keepers teamed up with many other accredited zoos and aquariums and Telling the Story conservation organizations to help fund a In May, Akron Zoo held the inaugural Hope for rescue effort to save the last remaining the Wild event, sponsored by the Leiden individuals. Funds were used to build sea Conservation Foundation, to support Akron Zoo’s pens to safely house the vaquita and to raise global conservation efforts and Rebuilding the awareness about this conservation crisis. Pride. Guy Western, a conservationist in Kenya • Support for monitoring activities, allowed and founder of Rebuilding the Pride shared his the Snow Leopard Trust to provide GPS work in helping the lion population to thrive in collars for three snow leopards. One of the Kenya. Thanks to Rebuilding the Pride, the lion new collared snow leopards led the team to population around Kenya’s Olkirmatian and an active den where they collected important Shompole ranches has rebounded from 10 to data on the mother and cubs. the recent estimate of 70. From the Hope for the • Donations to the Tiger Conservation Wild event, nearly $4,000 was donated to assist Campaign supported efforts to reduce the Rebuilding the Pride program. tiger-human conflict and illegal encroachment. Continued on next page.

8 9 Conservation & Sustainability continued.

Café Stays Green The zoo’s Food Service Team renewed the CONNECTING YOUR 4-star green restaurant certification for Komodo Kingdom Café and expanded its sustainability LIFE TO WILDLIFE products by switching to Vegware compostable, plant-based tableware. The café also started the The Education Department continues to increase process of switching to products containing only the number of people we reach with the zoo’s sustainable palm oil, an effort that will help save mission – 46,545 individuals were connected to rainforest ecosystems. wildlife through 756 science-based conservation education programs. Corn Bags In an effort to eliminate plastic bags, the Gift In 2017, we presented: Shop Team replaced them with a biodegradable • 355 ZooMobile Programs serving 33,579 people • 620 scouts and families spent the night at bag made from corn. To further these efforts, the • Served 3,700 people through 128 On-Grounds the zoo during Snooze at the Zoo programs Marketing Team used these corn based bags as Programs well as reusable gift bags during Boo at the Zoo, • The Wild World Animal Show connected greatly reducing the use of plastic bags by • 128 ZooCamp programs engaged 714 children, 6,809 guests with our animal ambassadors trick-or-treaters. ages 2-14 with activities in STEM and biomimicry and conservation messages.

In 2017, the Akron Zoo Conservation Fund supported 21 conservation and recovery projects on four continents, encompassing a variety of ecosystems and species. 2017 Conservation Programs

AZP Conservation Environ - White-Winged Wood Red Panda Network Speakers Program Duck Study, India Red Wolf Coalition Akron Zoo/Hiram College/ Florida Aquarium Coral Study Snow Leopard Trust Sylvan Heights Partnership (Conservation of Reef Life) St. Louis Zoo WildCare Association of Zoos and FrogWatch USA Institute (Humboldt penguin Aquariums’ Hurricane Instituto de Pesquisas conservation) Relief Fund Ecologicas (IPE) Tiger Conservation Campaign Audubon Christmas and Madagascar Fauna and Turtle Survival Alliance Summer Bird Counts Flora Group VaquitaCPR (Conservation, Conservation Breeding Medina Raptor Center Specialist Group Protection, and Recovery) Rebuilding the Pride Endangered Wolf Center Wildlife SOS

10 11 Rounding Up

OUR CLOSEST FRIENDS In 2017, the zoo’s roundup donation program hit $250,000 since its inception MAKE A DIFFERENCE in 2009. In 2017 alone, we raised more than $40,000 in support of the program. The donation roundup program is proof that small gifts add up to make a big difference. We truly appreciate the generous support and Our Volunteers commitment of our community. Because of the Our EdZoocator volunteer program consists support from individuals, groups, corporations of 130 adults dedicated to making the zoo a and foundations the Akron Zoo can accomplish wonderful guest experience and leader in its mission and be a leader in animal welfare, conservation education. The EdZoocators conservation, education, while also providing participate in special events, education a top-notch guest experience. programs and guest services. Many of them enjoy roaming the park answering guests’ Our Members questions and providing interesting information Our members are some of our biggest about the animals and our conservation efforts. supporters and we experienced record growth with 11,855 member households in 2017. These amazing volunteers contributed 13,360 hours in 2017. That’s a savings of $286,572! Our Donors The zoo continues to raise funds to help We had 541 outside volunteers contribute support our mission and future capital projects. 1,623 hours for Boo at the Zoo! That is more In 2017, more than $974,747 was raised with than double the amount of individuals and $483,448 to specifically support our capital hours compared to 2016. The Horticulture Team projects. Over $98,172 was provided by hosted 10 corporate volunteer groups for a total individuals, companies, and foundations for of 30 hours and 10 completed projects. That education initiatives and $393,126 for the translates to $35,457 in community support. Akron Zoo’s Animal Fund. Annual support These passionate individuals make it possible provides critical funding for us to fulfill our for us to achieve our mission. mission to nurture respect and appreciation for the natural world. Our teen volunteer program, Jr. Interpreters, make a key contribution to the zoo’s success. Because of the support of Summit County Our Jr. Interpreters assist with birthday parties, residents through a levy, the zoo is able to education programs and man the Learning Lab provide exceptional animal care and welfare, during the busy summer months. Once again, an build new habitats for endangered species, outstanding teen was recognized by the Akron present quality science-based education Optimist Club. This is the 4th year in a row that programs and serve our community through our program has been honored. In 2017 we had a variety of programs and partnerships. 26 teens volunteering 4,396 hours saving the zoo $94,294! Continued on next page.

12 13 Our Closest Friends… continued THANK YOU TO Our donors Special Events This enchanted evening raised $144,435 Our premier summer event - Summer Safari - gross revenue to support the zoo’s mission. SPEC I A L G I FTS presented by Lehner Family Foundation and 2017 donors who made a gift or commitment to Akron Zoo capital projects. Robert O. & Annamae Orr Family Foundation is Zoo guests went wild for a brand new event in the zoo’s largest annual fundraiser. In 2017, August. Wild for Wine gave visitors the chance Over $125,000 $2,500-$9,999 Mr. and Mrs. Charles Walton to snack on appetizers, sip on wine, and enjoy Ohio Environmental Mr. Roger G. Berk and The Welty Family Honorary Chairs, Nick and Cindy Browning Protection Agency Ms. Ellen Tschappat Foundation greeted around 500 guests who spent the live music at the zoo. This new event is a creative Kenneth L. Calhoun evening dining on fine cuisine, meeting the way for the zoo to reach new audiences and $50,000-$125,000 Charitable Trust $2,499 and under zoo’s animal ambassadors up-close and offer special events for adults looking for a Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Linda and Jeff Criss Buckingham, Doolittle bidding on fabulous silent auction items. unique experience. Koutnik Mrs. Sandra Delaria & Burroughs Robert O. & Annamae Mary and Dr. George L. Lisle M. Buckingham Orr Family Foundation Demetros Charitable Endowment Fund The June D. Kitarich Trust of Akron Community Living Trust Pamela and Adam Holtz Foundation The R.C. Musson and Embracing Futures $20,000-$49,999 Katharine M. Charitable Mr. and Mrs. Mr. Lawrence C. Best Foundation James G. Fidler Gertrude F. Orr Trust Hillier Family Foundation $10,000-$19,999 Advised Fund of Akron Ms. Carol A. Hulsemann Mr. and Mrs. Frank Community Foundation Mrs. Susan Kruder Bevilacqua CPA The Joan M. and Louis B. Ms. Sandy Lowry Lehner Family Foundation Perry Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. David Otto John A. McAlonan Fund Doug and Kim Piekarz Sandi and Scot Phillips Mellissa and Randy Reed Maynard Family Foundation of Akron Community Sikich, LLP Foundation Sisler McFawn Foundation Charles E. and Mabel M. Mr. and Mrs. James F. Snider II OMNOVA Solutions Taylor Oswald LLC Ritchie Memorial Mike and Mary Stark Foundation Mrs. and Mr. Elizabeth Foundation Dr. and Mrs. Wes Van Fossen Voudouris Lloyd L. & Louise K. Smith Pat and Mark Waickman Memorial Foundation Mrs. Sophia L. Veillette

WILD SOCIETY Members have given a total of $10,000 or more to the Akron Zoo in any one given year or have expressed that they have established a living legacy by naming the zoo in their estate plans.

Michael R. Beck, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James G. Fidler Dennis Meritt Mr. and Mrs. James F. Snider II Paul and Kimberely Bednarik Dr. and Mrs. Barry J. Ms. Sue Moderalli Mike and Mary Stark Mr. and Mrs. Robert Berk Greenberg Lois M. Nora Stuart Terrass and Mr. Roger G. Berk and Ms. Carol A. Hulsemann Brandy and Igor Olefir Mary A. Weaver Ms. Ellen Tschappat June D. Kitarich Ms. Jeanne Ott Margaret Tribby Mr. Lawrence C. Best Mrs. Cynthia K. Knight Wave Reaume and Ms. Janet Tussing Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ms. Darlene Kosar Cheryl Lemke Natalie Van Sickle Bevilacqua CPA Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Tony Santana Janet K. Walker David and Ann Brennan Koutnik Mrs. Faydelle Schott Edward Wenhart Mrs. Linda Buchholzer Tom and Kathleen Leiden Roger J. Sherman Alan and Karen Wilber Maxene D. Darrah Mr. and Mrs. Robert Littman Martha and Dale Simms Mrs. Virginia Wojno-Forney Mrs. Sandra Delaria Ms. Orlene Makinson Mr. and Mrs. John Slagter

14 15 ANIMAL FUND 2017 donors contributing $500 or more to the Akron Zoo’s Annual Animal Fund

$100,000 and Over $1,000-$4,999 Kohl’s CTF Partners Citizens of Summit County Mr. and Mrs. Dennis A. Anton Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Koutnik Gary and Janice Cuddy City of Akron AtNet Plus, Inc. Mrs. Susan Kruder Mrs. Sandra Delaria BDO USA, LLP MetroPCS Environmental Design Group $20,000 - $99,999 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Berk Mr. and Mrs. Donald Moul Feth Family Foundation The Grainger Foundation Mr. Roger G. Berk and Ms. Ohio State Waterproofing Mr. and Mrs. David George Lehner Family Foundation Ellen Tschappat Ohlin & Reed, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gippin Tom and Kathleen Leiden Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mr. Charles D. Powell GOJO Industries, Inc. Robert O. & Annamae Bevilacqua CPA Diane Reed John and Christopher Glenn Orr Family Foundation Lucy & Emily Beasley Roetzel & Andress Pamela and Adam Holtz Signet Jewelers Charitable Trust Mr. and Mrs. Tony Santana The House of LaRose Betty V. and John M. Sikich, LLP Mr. and Mrs. David Koly $10,000-$19,999 Jacobson Foundation Sky Zone E. A. Mahoney Family Acme Fresh Market Bridgestone Americas The Helen F. Stolier and Louis Foundation Akron Children’s Hospital Trust Fund Stolier Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Marks Dominion East Ohio Buckeye Corrugated, Inc Summa Health System Maynard Family Foundation Foundation Buckeye Health Plan SummaCare, Inc. Michelson Foundation Cardinal Group Superior Beverage Group Charitable Trust $5,000-$9,999 Cleveland Clinic Akron Anonymous Patricia Taylor Morgan Stanley General Dr. and Mrs. Wes Van Fossen Mr. and Mrs. David Otto Bath Fitter Copley Feed & Supply Buckingham, Doolittle Mr. J. Darell Verburg Doug and Kim Piekarz Covelli Enterprises Mr. Donald J. Williams Mrs. Dana Pulk-Dickinson & Burroughs Headquarters Taylor Oswald LLC Redfin Mr. and Mrs. James G. Fidler Mr. and Mrs. James DeVoe FirstEnergy Foundation Teamsters Local Union Mr. and Mrs. John Rohrer Fidelity Charitable No. 507 Schwab Charitable Huntington National Bank GLMV Architecture, Inc. Macy’s Foundation Thomas & Marker John and Barbara Steinhauer GPD Group Construction Co. Mr. and Mrs. Steve Taylor Mr. and Mrs. James F. The Greenhouse Snider II Unique Home Solutions Linda and Robert Toth Gutter Logic of Ohio LLC of Ohio, LLC Weitzel Family Foundation William Wallace Fund of Hasenstab Architects, Inc. Akron Community Gary and Gail Zoldesy Mr. and Mrs. Joe Henninger Foundation $500-$999 Laurie B. Zuckerman Hillier Family Foundation Anonymous Hylant Akrochem Corporation Infinity from Marvin of Bell Music Company Cleveland

IN-KIND GIFTS OVER $1000

AA Executive Caterers, Inc. Falls Wheel and Wrench Mr. and Mrs. William Buckeye Signet Jewelers Acme Fresh Market Catering Bike Shop Mr. Ronald J. Imbrogno Southwest Airlines Amos Communications, Inc. Gavin Scott Salon & Spa Old Carolina Barbecue & Stutler Leasing Black Squirrel Cookies Giant Eagle Catering Co. Tangier Bradley’s Catering GOJO Industries, Inc. PAVS Ice Cream The Tasty Cupcake Co. Chef Cultivated Goodyear Tire & Rubber Pizza Fire Tomorrow’s Treasures Picture Chef Chris Quinn Company Foundation Retro Dog Framing & Art Gallery Citizens of Summit County Hattie’s Food Hub Rita’s Italian Ice Totally Cooked City of Akron Ken Stewart’s Grille Saffron Patch of Akron TRIAD Communications, Inc. Cliff Bars Metro Regional Transit Sam’s Club WhiteSpace Creative Crazy But True Popcorn Authority Wild Republic

16 17 Akron Zoological Park Statement of financial Position Board of As of December 31, 2017 (unaudited) Directors Tota l R ev enu es ASS ETS Officers James F. Snider II - Chairman Cash and Robert M. Littman - Immediate 1% Pledges cash equivalents $21,476,804 Past Chairman 10% Concessions Doug Piekarz - President & CEO 29% County Tax 3% Grants Pledges receivable $810,461 Frank Bevilacqua - Vice Chair Levy – Operations Sophia Veillette - Treasurer 3% Services In-Kind Prepaid expenses Robert DeJournett - Secretary 6% Memberships and other assets $195,617

25% Operating board Special Events & Donations Inventories $93,029 County Tax 10% Terry Albanese Levy – Future Development Property and Gregory Bean 12% Admissions & Guest Services equipment, net $47,675,234 Robert Berk Eren Demiray 1% Interest Total assets $70,251,145 James DeVoe Jerry Feeman David A. George Barry Greenberg Leigh Greenfelder Total Expenses Carol Hulsemann Ronald Kleinman LIABILITIES AND David Koly 9% Special Events & Fundraising NET ASSETS Jane Litz 9% Guest Services Patrick McMahon William Miller 55% Donald Moul 12% Administration Liabilities $2,272,433 Animal Care & Nancy Ray Facilities/Grounds Net assets $67,978,712 Michele Santana 5% Education Carla Sibley Total liabilities Jill Hinig Skapin 9% Concessions and net assets $70,251,145 John Slagter Steve Taylor 1% Memberships Eddie Taylor Tom Teodosio LaShawn Terrell Elizabeth Voudouris Virginia Wojno Forney

18 19 VISION To create excitement and stir passion in every visitor to become a champion of our natural world.

MISSION We connect your life to wildlife while inspiring lifelong learning and conservation action.

500 Edgewood Ave. | Akron, OH 44307 330-375-2550 akronzoo.org