Little Rock Zoo 2015 Annual Report 2 Letter from the Director The Little Rock Zoo has always gained strength from the many partnerships we’ve built with docent volunteers, loyal Zoo Members, community supporters, generous donors, sponsors and public officials. As we continue to grow and develop we strive to create a better zoo that provides more opportunities for discovery, excitement, research, education and conservation while also providing optimal care for our animals. The year 2015 launched us into the Zoo’s 90th Anniversary. In 2016 Zoo staff and partners have been busy building new exhibits, developing new plans, designing new educational programs, upgrading facilities and preparing the Zoo for the future. We’re grateful for the support that our community has shown us the past 90 years and look forward to what’s in store for the next 90! The Little Rock Zoo Sincerely,

creates engaging Michael E. Blakely, Director experiences that Little Rock Zoo inspire people to value and conserve our natural world. 3

Zoo Sr. Staff Table of Contents Zoo Director ...... Michael E. Blakely Letter from the Director ...... 2 Zoo Asst. Director ...... Susan Altrui Marketing Comm. Director . . . . .L. Lamor Williams Zoo Leadership ...... 3 General Animal Curator ...... Fran Lyon Our Story ...... 4 Veterinarian ...... Dr. Sarah Kline Education Curator ...... Mark Shaw The Evolution of Zoos ...... 6 Facilities Operations Manager . . . . .Tony Dawson Protect: Animals ...... 8 Guest Services Manager ...... Terri Branson Care: Animal Enrichment ...... 9 Board of Governors Sustain: Conservation ...... 10 Brad Cazort Educate: Inspire ...... 11 Ben Hollowell Fred Knight Development: Fundraising ...... 12 Chris McCall Empower the Future: What is Next? . . . . .14 Blake Perry Impact: Local & Global ...... 15 Kimara Randolph Wally Waller Engage: Special Events ...... 16 Wendie Weare The Zoo at a Glance ...... 18 Shana Woodard Partnerships/Recognition & Awards . . . . 19 Board of Directors Volunteer Opportunities ...... 20 Mark Stodola, Mayor Bruce Moore, City Manager LR Cent Accomplishments ...... 22 Tom Carpenter, City Attorney Arkansas Heritage Farm ...... 24 Joan Adcock Dr. Dean Kumpuris Financials ...... 26 Brad Cazort Ken Richardson Gene Fortson Kathy Webb Erma Hendrix Doris Wright Lance Hines B.J. Wyrick

Report prepared by Jj Muehlhausen, Edited by Lamor Williams & Susan Altrui 4 Our Story 1930’s Zoo undergoes 1950’s large expansion as Zoo builds hay barn part of WPA project for elephants and and acquires new acquires Ellen the animals. This includes elephant and Arkie the cat house, 1926 the alligator. Civitan monkey house and Club dedicates the The Little Rock hoof stock barn. Kiddie Zoo. Zoo started with an abandoned timber wolf and a retired circus trained bear. A buffalo pen is built 1960’s the following year as Zoo installs new train the zoo’s first official with the help of the exhibit. 1940’s Civitan Club. I-630 constructed and Zoo starts educating cuts-off portions of the public about the Zoo. Duck pond, animals and encour- and small animal aging professional cages were added. development for Zoo constructs new staff. entrance complex. 5

1970’s 1990’s Zoo completes new Monkey Island, Zoo acquires Mary Chimp Island, and the elephant and Exotic Bird House. opens Lemur Island. Zoo gains AZA Accreditation. Zoo docent program established.

1980’s Zoo opens new big cat display. Accredi- 2010’s tation awarded again. 2000’s Laura P. Nichols Elephant exhibit Penguin Pointe expanded, lorikeet exhibit and Cheetah aviary built, new Outpost opened. Café Africa opened, Zoo acquires new grizzly bear exhibit Diamond Express renovated, and new train ride. Construc- entry plaza built. tion begins on new Zoo acquires Over- Arkansas Heritage the-Jumps antique Farm exhibit. carousel. 6

The Evolution of Zoos Zoos have evolved from simply displaying animals in cement pens behind iron bars to places where education of guests and enrichment of the animals’ lives take center stage. This approach helps highlight the importance of conservation by combining animal exhibits with educational messaging that goes beyond basic placards with animal information. In the past, just seeing animals on display allowed many people to grow to love and appreciate them. However, that did little to raise awareness of perils, such as habitat destruction, that many species face in the wild. Today, zoos seek to grow understanding and compassion for the animals in their care. Endangered animals born in zoos are only given to other accredited zoos with the recommendation of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This is done for specific breeding and companionship purposes and is all for the conservation of particular species. Zoos are inspiring the next generation of wildlife conservationists, biologists, researchers and wildlife advocates.

Bear exibit 1930’s Central High Yearbook Zookeeper working Camel rides in the Current Lorikeet-Landing 1966 with animal 1970’s 1980’s an interactive exhibit 7 8 Protect: Animals The Little Rock Zoo works with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and its partners to ensure the long-term survival of species and to ensure that animals are given the best care possible. As such, the Zoo participates in the following: SAFE Program (Saving Animals From Extinction) – a program that combines the resources of all AZA accredited institutions to conserve species in the wild. Animal Exchanges – the Zoo will often exchange or ship animals to other AZA accredited zoos for breeding and companionship. The Species Survival Plan (SSP) - is a group of experts who work with a particular endangered species to make breeding recommendations to zoos to ensure the long-term survival of the species. 9 Care: Animal Enrichment Animal Care Enrichment – Items and activities provided to animals to encourage species-specific behavior. Educate – Animal enrichment educates the public about the natural behaviors animals display in the wild. Exercise – Enrichment items given to animals often encourages them to exercise their bodies and their minds; this keeps them healthy and active. Animals have fun and get exercise, too. Excite – Enrichment is playtime for animals! Nothing is more exciting for a tiger than tearing open a cardboard box full of catnip or batting around a large Boomer Ball!® 10 Sustain: Conservation Conservation Contributions – The Little Rock Zoo works to save endan- gered animals in the wild by partnering with organizations working to save those species. These partnerships inform Zoo education efforts and drive our passion to change our planet. Green Efforts - Recently, the Zoo replaced all trashcans with new recy- cling cans to encourage guests to recycle soda bottles and other trash. Inspiration – the Zoo’s Education Department teaches sustainability and how we can all do our part to help save animals in the wild through its Animal Ambassador program where guests can see animals up-close- and-personal and in some cases, even touch them. 11 Educate: Inspire Outreach Programs, Community Career Day! Lunch with a Zookeeper! Activities and Classes Ever wonder what it is like to be a If you have a strong interest in working In 2015, the Zoo’s Education Depart- zoo keeper? Or do you want to be a with animals but want to have a more ment hosted 357 programs on grounds veterinarian one day? Come check out informal chat with our keepers, this is and throughout the state. Through one of our Career Days and talk to the your chance! Get the inside scoop on these classes and other events, the people who live this life every day! the steps our very own keepers have education department was able to Get your questions answered and learn taken to get into this field of work! reach 46,202 individuals, helping them how to jump ahead of others to start connect with the natural world and the your animal care career path! Zoo Snooze! Zoo’s conservation message. These classes are tailored for students Spend a night at the zoo sleeping with a strong interest in pursuing a under the stars! You’ll have a chance to Animal Exploration! career in animal care. check out some of our animals that just These classes are designed to give stu- love to stay up all night! Grab your tent dents a deeper look into six of our most Family Birding! and sleeping bag (optional sleeping popular areas of the zoo: Great Apes Looking for something fun to do with quarters inside) and come join us for and Primates; Reptiles; Elephants; Big your family on the weekends? Why not an evening of fun! Cats; Birds of Prey and Penguins; Bears try one of the most popular hobbies in and Small Carnivores. the world, birding! Learn all about this Zoofari - Zoo Clues During classes, students learn the ins addictive pastime, and start your own Calling all Zoo detectives! Explore the and outs of what makes these animals bird spotting list! We’ll teach you what Zoo, play games and use all of your so unique! Guests get the inside scoop you need to know to get started on senses to uncover the clues and solve on our animals, and peer into the eyes this adventure and give you the tips the mystery during this three-day camp. of some of our coolest animals! and tricks for finding the coolest Learn about up-coming education birds out there! programs at LittleRockZoo.com. 12 Development Fundraising – the Zoo raises funds through the Arkansas Zoological Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) organization. The Zoo Foundation raised funds to build a new penguin exhibit, cheetah exhibit, purchase a new train for the Zoo and to build the new Arkansas Heritage Farm. Donations are tax-deductible. Visit ArkZooFoundation.org for more information or call (501) 661-7208. Paving the Way – You can adopt a brick, bench or tree to honor that special someone or occasion through our “Paving the Way to the Future program.” Wild Club – It’s the Wildest Club in town! Join a special donor association within the Zoo Foundation that comes with an Annual Zoo Membership and other special benefits! Visit WildClub.org for more information. 13 14 Empower the Future: What’s Next The Arkansas Zoological Foundation will soon launch a new capital campaign to bring exciting new exhibits to the Little Rock Zoo. The success of the Laura P. Nichols Penguin Exhibit, Laura P. Nichols Cheetah Outpost, the new Diamond Express Train and the brand new Arkansas Heritage Farm show that private/public partnerships between the City of Little Rock and individual donors can help make our Zoo great. The next major capital campaign for the Zoo will launch at the end of 2016 and will be the largest undertaking of the Zoo Foundation and the City to date. It will renovate a significant portion of the Zoo and feature charismatic animals that will tell a story of wildlife conservation in an immersive and experiential setting. YOU can help make the difference! There are many ways to support the Zoo. Estate gifts have helped the Zoo Foundation lay the groundwork for many new exhibits and your legacy gift can make a huge difference. Planned giving is a significant way you can help the Zoo by leaving the Zoo Foundation in your estate, trust or will. The Zoo also offers opportunities for corporations and individuals to sponsor animal exhibits or special events. YOU can also make a monetary donation of any amount online at any time at ArkZooFoundation.org or by calling (501) 661-7208. 15 Impact: Local & Global Education – In 2015, the Little Rock Zoo hosted 357 programs that reached more than 46,000 people with the Zoo’s conservation message. Zoo programs help people connect with and care about the plight of wild animals. The knowledge gained from these programs leads to action that protects animals and their natural habitats. Tourism – More than 300,000 people visit the Zoo each year. With 75 percent of our guests visiting from outside the Little Rock metro area, many stay in local hotels and dine at local restaurants, contributing to the city’s economy. Conservation – In addition to education efforts that raise awareness about conservation, the Zoo is part of the AZA Species Survival Plan aimed at saving threatened/endangered species through cooperative breeding. Additionally, Zoo staff participate in a variety of conservation programs in the U.S. and abroad. 16 Engage: Special Events ARROC Autism Walk – May ADA Day – September This “spooktacular” experience even Held in partnership with the Arkansas had a new Haunted Train and Haunted Wild Wines – May Governor’s Commission on People House along with a new interactive light Wild Wines has quickly become one of with Disabilities and Arkansas Spinal feature sponsored by Aristotle that let Arkansas’s largest food and wine events Cord Commission, Disability Rights guests control the lights on trees with with 50 restaurants serving-up food and Arkansas, and Arkansas State Inde- their phones at the Haunted Train. hundreds of wines to sample donated by pendent Living Council. O’Looney’s Wine and Liquor. Wright, Holidays in the Wild – December Lindsey & Jennings serve as the presenting Zoo Brew – September The Little Rock Zoo hosts a holiday sponsor for this delectable event. Learn Zoo Brew is a frothy celebration like no extravaganza with holiday lights more at LIttleRockZoo.com/wildwines. other with hundreds of beers to sample throughout the park, decorated trees, and food trucks serving up the yummi- crafts for the kids, pictures with Santa, Great Strides Walk Benefiting the est food in central Arkansas! Live bands a chance to meet our penguins, and a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – May in Café Africa and the Civitan Pavilion polar express train ride with lights! keep guests moving all night long! Hiland Dairy Dollar Day – July Charity Walks Thanks to the generosity of Hiland Alzheimer’s Arkansas Walk – October The Little Rock Zoo is pleased to host a Dairy, the Little Rock Zoo is able to pro- number of charity walks for organizations vide Zoo admission for one day for only Boo at the Zoo – October raising funds for a special cause. $1! In 2015 more than 12,000 people Arkansas’s largest Halloween festival If you are interested in hosting a enjoyed this event. added new LED lights and attractions charity walk at the Zoo, contact us making it bigger and brighter than 2015! at (501) 661-7222. 17 18 The Zoo at a Glance Membership – Our membership base has doubled from just 2,500 household memberships in 2010, to more than 5,400 in 2015. Membership sales totaled more than $500,000, adding to the bedrock of the Zoo’s Revenue. In 2015 we had our highest membership renewal rate percentage yet with 53 percent of our membership revenue coming from renewals! Animal Care Costs – Animals require special diets and just like humans some are picky eaters. Little Rock Zoo staff take care to ensure that each animal’s nutritional and medical needs are met. • 2015 Animal Food Cost: $263,564 • 2015 Animal Medical Cost: $121,000 • 2015 Exhibit Maintenance Cost: $438,199 Taking care of our animals goes beyond keeping them fed. Over the course of a year, many will be prescribed costly medications. Additionally, as animals age, their nutritional needs change and many will need dietary supplements. 19 Partnerships/Recognition & Awards Partnerships Recognition & Awards → Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality → Debbie Thompson 2015 CLR Employee of the Year → AR Governor’s Commission on People with Disabilities → 2015 Best Choice for Kids & Families Kid’s Directory → Arkansas Children’s Hospital → 2015 Kid’s Directory- Best Choice for Kids & Families - → Baptist Hospital Best Field Trip → Central Arkansas Library System → 2015 Little Rock Family – Gold Winner - Best Field Trip → Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission → 2015 Arkansas Democrat Gazette - Best of the Best - → Disability Rights Arkansas Best Family Outing → Arkansas State Independent Living Council Grants → Central Arkansas Water → 2015 Regional Recycling (Recycling Containers) → Heifer International → 2014 Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism Outdoor → Hiland Diary – Also an annual sponsor of Recreation Grant (Arkansas Heritage Farm) the Zoo providing in-kind donations and sponsorships → 2014 Roy and Christine Sturgis Charitable for Zoo events Trust, Bank of America, N.A. Trustee → Regional Recycling District (Arkansas Diamond Express) → San Diego Zoo Global → University of Arkansas at Little Rock Cooperative Extension Service → University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences 20 Volunteer Opportunities How to Volunteer – There are lots and education programs. Their work of ways you can volunteer at the Little helps to further the Little Rock Zoo’s Rock Zoo! Sign-up now at mission to create engaging experiences LittleRockZoo.com/volunteer or call that inspire people to value and con- (501) 661-7212. Types of volunteer serve our natural world. opportunities include: Zoo Crew – Provide general info to Special Event Volunteers – Assist with guests, assist at Arkansas Heritage set-up, guest check-in and activities at Farm exhibit with grooming and petting special events like Wild Wines, Cheetah animals plus help school groups unload Chase and Boo at the Zoo. during peak hours.

Landscape Volunteers – Perform many tasks that beautify the Zoo grounds including planting trees, shrubs and flower beds. Volunteers are utilized year round on the grounds and in the greenhouses.

Docent Education Volunteers – Docents don’t only serve as guides to orientate and inform guests about the Zoo but also function as teachers and interpreters, delivering interpretive talks 21 22 LR CENT Accomplishments

Due to the support of Little Rock voters, Because of the additional one • Bush Dog & Otter Exhibits Upgrades. a one (1) cent tax increase to the sales penny tax, the Little Rock Zoo has Improvements were made to this fifty and compensation tax was approved in been able to accomplish the (50) year old exhibit which now meets 2011 which provides the City with addi- following tasks in 2015: USDA, OSHA and AZA standards. tional funding for Capital Improvements • Opening of the Reticulated Python • Purchase of new Veterinarian Hospi- and Operations. The tax is divided Exhibit, a brand new exhibit was built tal X-ray Equipment. This equipment into two components: 3/8% for Capital to house one of the Zoo’s largest allows the Zoo to improve the quality of Improvements and 5/8% for Opera- snakes. care for animals. It replaced outdated tions. The Capital funds are designated and ineffective older equipment. for the creation of new exhibits and • Construction of the Arkansas facilities at the Zoo. The City Board of Heritage Farm Exhibit. Built with LR • Renovation of the Camel Exhibit. The Directors allocated the Zoo’s operation- Cent and privately raised funds, this existing camel yard was renovated al funds for additional personnel and interactive exhibit, which opened in to house new alpacas. The previ- other costs associated with the capital April 2016, partners with Heifer Inter- ous giraffe exhibit was renovated to improvements. national to promote the importance of temporarily house camels until a new sustainable farming and educates the giraffe exhibit is built. In order to ensure that 100% of the tax public about agriculture in Arkansas. are expended as promised, the City Board of Directors created the Little • Installation of the Gray Water Rock Citizens Evaluation of New Tax Treatment Plant. Designed to Committee (LR CENT). The Little Rock reduce water consumption throughout Zoo has made numerous updates to the Zoo to promote environmental the LR CENT Committee. These can stewardship and reduce cost. be viewed on the LR CENT website at http://littlerock.org/lrcent/. 23 Arkansas Heritage Farm Little Rock Zoo partners with Heifer International to promote the importance of sustainable farming and to educate the public about agriculture in Arkansas.

Photo by Christie Campney 24 LR CENT Accomplishments

LR CENT funded activities scheduled • New Roofs – Installation of new The Future for 2016 include many updates roofs on multiple buildings for proper LR CENT Tax Funds will continue to be throughout the Zoo: upkeep and to meet USDA require- used to update the Zoo and to invest in • Safety Barriers – Mounting second- ments for Zoo building maintenance. new Zoo exhibits. City tax dollars will ary barriers to all dangerous animal • Lemur Exhibit – Addition of new sec- be matched with funds raised by the exhibits to prevent accidental falls ondary barriers to maintain safe view- Arkansas Zoological Foundation to and improve overall guest safety. ing and improve the exhibit’s physical build exciting new exhibits in the next • Exhibit Renovations – Improve appearance. Creation of additional few years. Funds will also be used to existing animal exhibits and visitor education space by enclosing the be- help the Zoo maintain its accreditation experiences with the addition of new hind-the-scenes area at amphitheater. with the Association of Zoos and Aquar- animals such as: Somali wild asses, • Lion Exhibit – Upgrade the lion exhibit iums – the highest standard in animal yellow-backed duikers, ostriches and to meet current USDA and AZA re- care and conservation. anteaters. quirements for animal holding. These • Point of Sale System – Purchase and upgrades will also allow for increased implement new software and hard- visitor engagement by allowing them to ware to improve customer service in view operant conditioning of the lions. the areas of admissions, education, food sales, ride tickets, member entry and special events. 25 26 Financials Every dollar spent at the Little Rock Zoo is used to operate the Zoo. Below is a recap of the 2015 sales revenue, grants and allocations to the Zoo from the City of Little Rock Revenue Source 2015 Totals

Concessions $472,153

Education Events $48,613

Gate Revenue* $1,688,910

Memberships $504,148

Merchandise Sales $308,742

Special Events $233,389

Rentals $59,200

Rides $198,686

Grants/Donations $433,480

Miscellaneous Revenue $23,406

City Operational Support $2,136,578

Total Income $6,107,305 *Includes parking 27

$74,470 Expenses $315,937 Salaries, Wages & Benefits Contracts & Utilities Supplies & Materials Repairs & Maintenance $1,043,562 Total Depreciation

Total Expenses $6,107,305

$3,538,297

$1,135,039 Animal photos by Karen Caster

Little Rock Zoo 1 Zoo Dr Little Rock, AR 72205 (501) 666-2406 http://littlerockzoo.com