2017 Annual Report from the President
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Audubon Nature Institute 2017 Annual Report From the President In this world of algorithms, metrics, “likes,” and “friends,” numbers take on new significance. For those of us interested in nature, the numbers give us pause. Endangered wildlife, disappearing natural places, oceans filled with plastic trash—numbers around these issues can be discouraging. But, at Audubon Nature Institute, we have numbers that shine a ray of hope. Our 2017 Annual Report is, at its core, a report of our financials. One of Audubon’s From the President Page 1 primary objectives is to “operate a financially self-sufficient collection of museums and parks.” It’s a pledge we renew every day as we work with donors, members, guests, and Board other supporters who depend on our organization to wisely use the resources they give us. Commission Foundation Page 2 Because of this careful management, we have an impact on other numbers just as central to our mission —the number of underserved children we welcome, the number Our Mission Page 3 of endangered species programs we participate in, the number of injured animals we treat and release back into local waters, the number of excellent students earning free Audubon 2017 Page 4 memberships for achieving good grades. Social Conversations Page 25 Our 2017 Annual Report reflects these numbers, all made possible by you—our donors, members, guests, and community. Through involvement with Audubon, your efforts are Our Future Page 26 creating hope locally and around the world. From everyone here at Audubon Nature Institute, thank you for all you do and for being an essential part of our family. Financial Summary Page 27 Donor Acknowledgments Page 28 L. Ronald Forman Stay Connected Page 37 President and CEO, Audubon Nature Institute 1 An African serval is one of Audubon Audubon Commission Audubon Nature Institute Zoo’s Animal Ambassadors, teaching J. Kelly Duncan: President Board of Directors visitors memorable lessons about Daniel O. Conwill IV: First Vice President wildlife and conservation. Christopher Bardell: Chairman Boysie Bollinger: Second Vice President Lynes R. Sloss: First Vice Chair Linda G. Baum: Secretary Mark C. Romig: Second Vice Chair K. Barton Farris, MD: Treasurer Dr. Willard Dumas, DDS: Recording Secretary Bart Farris: Corresponding Secretary Gayle Benson Vincent J. Palumbo: Treasurer Storey Charbonnet Wilmer Jacobs: Parliamentarian Leila Eames Joseph A. Jaeger, Jr.: Immediate Past Chairman Frances G. Fayard Ludovico Feoli Leah Brown Ashley Francis Hunter Cazes Deborah D. Harkins Jennifer D. Charpentier, MD Bruce R. Hoefer, Jr. Henry L. Coaxum, Jr. Beth Lambert Cecile V. Colhoun Olivia Manning Leslie Gottsegen, DDS Christopher Meeks Deirdre O. Hooper, MD Catherine Morrell Steve Kupperman Field Ogden, MD Dennis Lauscha Coleman Ridley F. Theodore Le Clercq Pamela Ryan Anne Long Norma Jane Sabiston Quentin Messer Ravi Sangisetty Peter Moss Charles C. Teamer, Sr. Steve Perry Carol B. Wise Julie Quinn Charles L. Rice, Jr. Virginia Rowan Audubon Nature Institute Michael Smith Foundation Board Cleveland Spears Susu Stall Boysie Bollinger: Chairman Bernard Vanderlinden Charles C. Teamer Sr.: Vice Chairman Katherine B. Werner Thomas D. Westfeldt Linda G. Baum Qiana Wiggins Catherine H. Cary Dr. Willard Dumas, DDS Leslie Gottsegen, DDS Joe Jaeger Peter E. Moss 2 Audubon Nature Institute Mission and Purpose Audubon Nature Institute Purpose Celebrating the Wonders of Nature is a 501(c)3 not for profit that operates a family of Vision Creating a family of museums and parks dedicated to nature museums and parks dedicated to nature. Mission Eight objectives support our mission: Working together, we create a bright future • Provide a guest experience of outstanding quality. for generations to come. • Exhibit the diversity of wildlife. • Preserve native Louisiana habitats. • Educate our diverse audience about the natural world. • Enhance the care and survival of wildlife through research and conservation. • Provide opportunities for recreation in natural settings. • Operate a financially self-sufficient collection of museums and parks. • Weave quality entertainment through the Audubon Zoo guest experience. ACCREDITED • Audubon Park and Riverview Audubon Aquarium Our family • Audubon Zoo of the Americas of museums • Audubon Aquarium of the Americas ACCREDITED • Entergy Giant Screen Theater and parks • Woldenberg Riverfront Park • Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium Freeport-McMoRan dedicated • Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center Audubon Species • Audubon Louisiana Nature Center Survival Center to nature • Audubon Wilderness Park CERTIFIED 3 TOP STORIES 4 Gorilla Numbers Game It’s the number of primary colors, and, according to the Pythagoreans, the first true number. For basketball fans, it’s points earned for a shot beyond the arc. But, for Audubon Zoo in 2017, the number three had deeper meaning as changes were launched in the group of primates under our care. Three gorillas made new homes at Audubon Zoo in 2017, increasing opportunities for conservation breeding that could boost numbers and diversify the genetics of these highly endangered animals. While Audubon Zoo welcomed gorillas Okpara, Alafia, and Tumani, international animal conservation scientists were planning more moves in 2018, each carefully calculated to maximize the potential for baby primates in Audubon’s future. 5 Groundbreaking Partnerships Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center welcomed the first group of animals from San Diego Zoo Global as part of an innovative partnership between the two animal conservation leaders to bolster populations of declining species. The collaboration—Alliance for Sustainable Wildlife—is a modern-day ark to preserve animals that are vulnerable in the wild and sustain populations in human care. The first arrivals included reticulated giraffe, sable, bongo, okapi, common eland, and yellow-backed duiker. Based on the conservation premise that a few hundred is a few hundred too few, the Alliance focuses on animals that live in large herds or flocks. These are species that by their very TM nature need space for large populations to be viable, sustainable breeding groups. 6 Rediscovering Nature in the East When a cherished community resources comes back to life after a long hiatus, that’s cause for celebration. Audubon Louisiana Nature Center in New Orleans East reopened in 2017 after recovering from the devastating blow of Hurricane Katrina. Was it worth the wait? Check out the smiles on the faces above, just some of the first visitors who came to the Nature Center to experience a beautiful new interpretive center, winding boardwalks through forests and swamps, and tranquil nature trails that are home to an array of Louisiana wildlife. 7 Plastics Awareness—and Action The looming threat of single-use plastics to our environment became alarmingly evident in 2017, and Audubon Nature Institute joined with other conservation organizations to battle it. The City of New Orleans recognized Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in 2017 as we joined nineteen other aquariums across the country to initiate a shift away from these destructive plastics and build market demand for alternatives. The process began, for example, for Audubon gift shops to phase out single-use plastic bags and look toward offering water in aluminum cans. The New Orleans City Council commended the Aquarium for its leadership in educating the public about the harmful effects of plastic trash and alternatives that are better for our environment —especially our oceans. 8 OUR ANIMALS 9 Animal Babies It’s a high-stakes numbers game for species around the world. Conservation organizations everywhere work to boost numbers of endangered and disappearing animals. It’s a tough fight, but at Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Zoo, and all our museums and parks, we’re committed to saving animals. At Audubon Zoo, for example, we had good news to report in 2017 with 44 endangered or vulnerable animals born. The celebrated births included two black-and-white ruffed lemurs, a Colobus monkey, and the Barasingha deer (pictured left). At the Survival Center, a baby bongo arrived in December. What facility had the most babies? Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium welcomed record-breaking new additions, both on-site and at the Audubon Insect Rearing Facility (IRF) in New Orleans East. The IRF maintains a large quantity of insects numbering in the thousands for the Butterfly Garden and Insectarium and includes housing extra bugs along with those they breed and raise in the lab. Which group of animals had the most births or hatchings? It’s not the mammals! Audubon Zoo’s reptile department had 74 reptile hatchings and births as well as 57 new Vulnerable, endangered, or critically amphibians in 2017. endangered species born at the Zoo in 2017. 44 10 Amazing Insects In 2017, Audubon entomologists bred tarantula hawks for the first time. These insects made their local debut at Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, and are teaching visitors about the beauty of this very large wasp that preys on spiders. Insect experts hope to repeat the tarantula hawk breeding success in 2018. While breeding numbers for many species may number in the double digits, for insects, breeding goals can reach into Ruby Arrives the thousands. The Aquarium welcomed Ruby to the Audubon family At Audubon’s in early 2017. This young endangered sea otter was Insect Rearing rescued