report

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Lowry Park Zoological Society 1101 W. Sligh Ave. Tampa, FL 33604-4756

This Impact Report was designed by

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marketing and pr by design

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marketing and pr by design

This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of Arts and Culture and the State of Florida (Section 286.25, Florida Statutes). This project is also sponsored in part by the Tourist Development Council of Hillsborough County, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and City of Tampa. This annual report is a publication of the Lowry Park Zoological Society of Tampa, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN# 59-2328289) committed to excellence in education, recreation, conservation and research. The Lowry Park Zoo Endowment Foundation (EIN# 59-3216472) exists to support the Lowry Park Zoological Society, which operates Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. All rights reserved. Photos provided by Dave Parkinson, Zoo Staff and volunteers.

2017 IMPACT

REPORT

mission

A five-time winner of the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over one million guests annually. The Zoo is home to endangered, threatened and vulnerable species from climates similar to that of the Tampa Bay region, with park areas devoted to Africa, Asia, Australia and Florida. Our animal habitats balance the importance of support for the maximum well-being of the animals while engaging our guests and inspiring them to connect with wildlife, and each other.  With your support, the Zoo cares for more than 1,300 animals, including the most comprehensive species of endangered Florida wildlife anywhere. Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo has won numerous awards for its animal conservation programs, many of which are carried out at the Jacarlene Foundation Animal Care Campus which features the Tiedemann-Cotton Animal Care Annex, and our new veterinary hospital which has earned accreditation with the American Association of Animal Hospitals twice since opening in 2015. We are the only zoo in the USA to have earned that distinction. Another important conservation program is the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Hospital. The only permitted nonprofit critical care facility of its kind in Florida, where our staff rehabilitates sick, injured or orphaned manatees, returning them to the wild when fully recovered. Additionally, the Zoo’s Education program has served more than 1.4 million school-aged children throughout Tampa Bay, second only to Hillsborough County Public Schools in terms of annual attendance. The Zoo, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, relies on contributions from people like you. Donations from individuals and businesses make up about 15% of the revenues these programs need to continue. There are many ways you can support Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. For example, you can make an annual contribution, provide underserved children and families’ admission to the Zoo and our educational programs, sponsor an animal program, or create a lasting legacy by naming the Lowry Park Zoo Endowment Foundation in a will or bequest. You can take comfort in knowing that Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo has a 4-star, top rating awarded by Charity Navigator, America’s premier charity evaluator, for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. Your gifts will be used wisely and will help to make sure that Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo will continue to be an enjoyable and important part of our community for generations to come. 

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S E N C E E S

“ensure that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.”

& V IS ION

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At Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo our vision is to

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letter

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OUR BRAND ESSENCE Unforgettable natural connections.

BRAND ESSENCE

OUR VISION Everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.

OUR MISSION Rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.

A significant endowment fund is essential to the long-term fiscal stability of your Lowry Park Zoo. Its annual investment income provides that margin of excellence for conservation, education and animal care initiatives that only private sector dollars can provide. My mother, Sally Lowry Baldwin, was your Zoo’s Founding Chairman. She believed deeply in the importance of building an endowment. Our family is continuing that tradition. By including your Zoo in your estate planning, you are creating a legacy for generations to come. In appreciation for your generosity and foresight, you will be recognized as members of our Safari Society. On behalf of my fellow Endowment Foundation Board members, thank you for your commitment to conserving wildlife, protecting endangered species and inspiring the “young-at-heart” of all ages to care for our living earth.

Joseph A. Couceiro Chief Executive Officer Tampa Lowry Park Zoo

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Dan Honegger, Chair, 2016 Lowry Park Zoological Society Board of Trustees

For details on how to get involved, please visit tlpz.org

Lowry Baldwin Chair, Lowry Park Zoo Endowment Foundation

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attendance

educational

& C OMM UNI CAT I O N

IM PA CT

1 Million

  Annual Visitors 70% local | 30% tourist The Zoo’s membership base has increased by more than 6,000 member households since 2015.

22 K

150K

Facebook Fans

Member Households

1.1M

18.5K

Flickr Photo Views

Twitter Followers

69,000

5,574

students, teachers and chaperones participated in self-guided visits.

admission tickets were given to local schools for community outreach.

The Lowry Park Neighborhood Initiative (LPNI), a collaboration between Seniors in Service (SIS) of Tampa Bay and Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, links senior citizens with kindergarten programs to serve as mentors.

Since 1998, Zoo School has served more than

1.4 Million

school-aged children throughout Tampa Bay. Its annual attendance is only second to Hillsborough County Public Schools.

5.4 M

$ Total Publicity Value

tlpz.org

Unique Visitors

1M+

16K

Instagram Followers

The Zoo has been awarded the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence year-after-year for demonstrating an exemplary guest experience. The Zoo has received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest and mostutilized independent evaluator of charities.

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo Social Media Sites facebook, twitter, pinterest, instagram, flickr, YouTube, Google+ and Snapchat

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4

animal care campus

in the field

JA CA R LE NE FOUNDAT IO N

A NIM A L CARE

Animal Care Hospital

Animal Care Professional Spotlights

The only nonprofit, critical care facility accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association

– Lee Ann Rottman, General Curator

Commissary & Nutrition Building

– Ray L Ball, DVM, MRCVS, Senior Veterinarian

“African great apes and monkeys are in crisis due to poaching for bush meat and illegal pet trading. The Pan African Sanctuary Alliance is a network of 22 member organizations in 13 African countries that are working to help protect and save our closest living relatives. I have been privileged over the years to be able to provide on-the-ground support to many of these organizations in the role of advisor, assisting with animal care training and primate social introductions. I am very grateful to the Zoo for supporting this work and my commitment to primate conservation.” “It is a privilege to contribute to the health and welfare of diverse animals. We respond to local species when they need medical attention, and contribute to panther field evaluations. Our partnerships with wildlife agencies allow us to contribute to animal health, like providing care at manatee health a s s e s s m e n t s . T h i s i n c re a s e s o u r understanding of cold stress and red tide in manatees, so that we can develop new diagnostic therapies to utilize in manatee rehabilitation.”

Tiedemann-Cotton Animal Care Annex

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6

impact TH E WO R L D

Okapi Indian rhino

The wild population has decreased by 50% in the last two decades. The Zoo has contributed to the managed population with two successful calves born, including “Bakari” in 2015.

Florida panther Once on the edge of extinction with as few as 20-30 cats, decades of conservation has resulted in nearly 200. The Zoo has cared for many orphaned or injured panthers, and is home to two permanent residents.

Extinct

Threatened

EX EW CR

EN

VU

LC

Threatened

E X E W CR

Extinct

Threatened

EX EW CR

EN

VU

Extinct

NT

Threatened

LC E X E W CR

Least Threatened Concern Least Threatened E X E W CRConcern EN VU NT LC

Extinct

Extinct

Least Concern

This vulnerable species has been reduced by over 30% in the past 75 years due to loss of swamp forest. The Zoo is a haven for many of these animals. The Zoo currently houses a female.

Extinct

Least Concern NT

Tomistoma

Also known as the greater onehorned rhino, this endangered mammal is one of three species found in Asia with an estimated wild population of no more than 2,850. The Zoo has contributed to the managed population with three successful calves.

EN

VU

EN

VU

E X Least E W CR

LC

VU

NT

LC

E X E W CR

EN

VU

Concern Extinct

NT

Least Concern NT

EN

LC

As a forest-dependent species the clouded leopard is vulnerable to extinction. The Zoo maintains a breeding pair of leopards that gave birth to two sisters, “Aiya” and “Shigu” in 2016.

Least Concern

Threatened

Extinct

Clouded leopard

NT

LC

Threatened

E X EW CR

EN

VU

Least Concern NT

LC

Koala Formerly common in forests and woodlands, its geographic range has decreased due to large habitat loss. The Zoo is home to a pair of young koalas, hoping to contribute to the breeding program.

Linne’s two-toed sloth The northern subpopulation of sloths is declining due to habitat loss. The Zoo protects a pair of these slow-moving mammals who live in the trees of the main aviary.

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Southern white rhino Escalated poaching in South Africa has reached record numbers, threatening this species’ survival. The Zoo has birthed four successful calves, including “Kipenzi” born in 2016.

Extinct

Threatened

EX E W CR

EN

VU

Least Concern NT

LC

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The Zoo maintains the only breeding group of African penguins in the state of Florida, and recently opened B R EEDan I NG CENT ER amazing new breeding facility.

asian species

african penguin

UR GENT CO NS E RVAT IO N

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The Zoo is home to a number of species endemic to Southeast Asia. Urgent conservation actions are needed to support these imperiled species, due to heavy losses of native habitats. Tomistoma

They have experienced a dramatic increase in population since 1975. However, some populations are decreasing, especially in Nepal and parts of northeastern India. 

This vulnerable species has been reduced by over 30% in the past 75 years due to loss of swamp forest. The Zoo is a haven for many of these animals. The Zoo currently houses a female. Population Trend:

Population Trend: Least Threatened NEPAL Concern

Extinct

I

N

D

I

Extinct

EN

A

VU

NT

LC

EN

VU

1956

Least Concern

Threatened

EX E W CR

Sloth bear Evidence suggests the population has declined 30-49% over the past 30 years largely as Extinct a result of habitat Threatened loss. Poaching and trade in sloth bears is also common in many parts EX EW CR EN VU of their range, including the capture and removal of cubs from the wild. 

decline in wild breeding pairs

C H I N A

EX EW CR

NT

LC

MYANMAR (Burma)

NT

90%

THAILAND

Today

LC

Least MALAYSIA Concern

Extinct Threatened SRI LANKA EX E W CR

141,000

decrease

Least Concern

Population Trend:

EN

VU

NT

LC

Malayan tiger Habitat fragmentation and poaching for illegal trade are the most serious threats to a declining population.

INDONESIA

Population Trend:

NEW at the Zoo, experience an up-close encounter with a greater onehorned rhino – a rare species vulnerable to extinction. During this once-in-a-lifetime experience, learn how you can take action to help protect this incredible species. 9

Chicks hatched Since 2011

Greater one-horned rhino

19,000

Africa Animal Care Professional Spotlight PHILIPPINES

“I have worked with the Zoo’s African penguin colony for almost five years now. The Zoo has an amazing group of penguins, all with such different personalities. It has been amazing to see how each of them has grown throughout the years. Thalia for example, was one of the first penguin chicks I helped raise—and now she is almost three and full of attitude! Working with endangered penguins is such a fulfilling career! I know I am making a difference for this species through conservation actions at the Zoo.” – Kristen Merrill, Animal Care Professional 10

african elephants

Africa Animal Care Professional Spotlight

GLOB A L M O V E M E N T “As 96 elephants a day are lost due to poaching, our elephant herd at TLPZ act as ambassadors to help educate guests about their plight in the wild. Their presence is a symbol for elephant conservation and sparks inspiration for guests to help save their declining species.”

35,000 – 365 = 96 elephants killed

days in 2012

elephants / day

The Zoo joined 96 Elephants, a global coalition that seeks to: protect African elephants

secure a U.S. moratorium on ivory

– Mike Burns, Animal Care Manager

educate the public

Elephants at the Zoo

Population of African elephants in the wild

10 M

Matjeka

Sdudla

Mbali

Ellie

Wild born in Swaziland, 1991, first time mother of Mavi

Wild born in Swaziland, 1990 has fathered three calves

Wild born in Swaziland, 1992, first time mother of Mpumi

Wild born in Namibia, 1983, first time mother of Tamani

1900

1,200,000 1980

420,000 2013

Mavi

Mpumi

Msholo

Born at the Zoo July 29, 2013

Born at the Zoo December 23, 2012

Wild born in Swaziland, 1990. Came to the Zoo in 2003. Relocated to San Diego Zoo Global in 2009 on breeding loan.

Extinct ? 2020

African elephants population has decreased 65% since 1980

AWARDS

Edward H. Bean Award (African bush elephant program) Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), 2014 Behavioral Management Innovation Award (elephant training) Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA), 2014

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Impact Award (elephant training) Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA), 2014

In 2003, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo (together with San Diego Zoo Global) saved 11 elephants from Swaziland that were in danger of being culled. 4 came to Tampa (3 are still in residence). In 2013, most of the original herd from the airlift reproduced, increasing the managed population by 14 elephants. 12

zoo babies SAVING S P E CI E S

Clouded Leopards “Aiya” and “Shigu”

Malayan Tiger “Berisi”

Born February 29, 2016

Born September 11, 2016

Born to parents “Yim” (male) and “Malee” (female), matched through the AZA Clouded Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP) program, this family is a species vulnerable to extinction. The leopard’s native range is undergoing the world’s Least Extinct Threatened Extinct fastest regional deforestation rates. Concern E X E W CR

EN

VU

NT

LC E X E W CR

Southern White Rhinoceros “Kipenzi”

VU

NT

VU

NT

LC

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo participates in more than 100 Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to carefully maintain healthy, selfsustaining populations in human care. These SSP programs help with conservation efforts ensure a goal of improving species survival rates.

Mother “Kidogo” gave birth to this female calf, marking this the fifth successful white rhino birth at the Zoo. The Zoo participates in the AZA Rhino Taxon Advisory Group (TAG), which includes theLeast Extinct Threatened Concern Rhino Species Survival Plan (SSP). EN

EN

Species Survival Plan Program

Born September 12, 2016

E X E W CR

With only 250 Malayan tigers left in the wild, the implications of this birth are massive for the protection of this species. Berisi was born to parents “Mata” (male) and “Bzui” (female), matched through the AZA Malayan TigerLeast Species Survival Threatened Plan (SSP). Concern

LC

Asia Animal Care Professional Spotlight

Malayan Tapir “Tengahari” Born September 10, 2016 After more than a year of pregnancy, “Ubi” gave birth to this special baby whose species is threatened due to human development and habitat loss. The Zoo works with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to Extinct Threatened manage the population in human care. 13

E X E W CR

EN

VU

Least Concern NT

LC

“In 2016, three offspring were produced per SSP breeding recommendations, involving critically endangered Malayan tigers, endangered Malayan tapirs and vulnerable babirusa pigs. With their numbers low in the wild, these births are massive in the protection of the species both in the wild and in human care. I am proud to be part of a team that saves species like these, as well as the greater one-horned rhinoceros – a rare species vulnerable to extinction.” – Angela Belcher, Animal Care Manager 14

florida

florida

WILD

WATERS

Micanopy, is a two-year-old Florida panther. Without his new home at the Zoo this year, his life would be in danger. The Florida panther is an integral species in our native ecosystem that our Zoo is dedicated to protecting.

Smokey Junior,

The David A. Straz Jr. M a n a t e e H o s p i t a l i s specifically dedicated to critical care for injured, sick and orphaned wild manatees. It’s one of just three contracted and federally permitted manatee rehabilitation facilities in the state of Florida.

424

manatees treated since 1991

20%

an orphaned manatee calf, came to the Zoo in 2016 with a stomach full of trash and a fight for life. Unfortunately, Emoji passed away after receiving over two months of critical care. Emoji is a tragic illustration of the consequences that simple human actions have on the world around us.

returned to Florida waters

1M / year

$

manatee care

Florida Animal Care Professional Spotlight

“The Manatee Rehabilitation Program at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo has provided critical care to over 400 manatees since 1991. Whether injured, ill or orphaned, our goal is to help these manatees fully recover so they may return to Florida waters.” – Virginia Edmonds, Animal Care Manager

WAZA Conservation Project Branding (conservation program of international significance) World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), 2014 AWARDS

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244 manatees

(20% of total animal care budget)

a Florida black bear rescued in April, 2016 from brush fires in Lake County, was b ro u g h t t o t h e Z o o f o r professional care. After rehabilitation, he was eventually reintroduced to a wild habitat.

Emoji,

more than

North American Conservation Award (manatee care and leadership in conservation) Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), 2012 Strong Voice for Conservation Award (field conservation efforts) Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), 2012

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ways to give

master plan Invest in the Future Zoo Membership Membership makes a difference. Every penny helps the Zoo save imperiled species. Make a direct impact on wildlife preservation, for now and years to come!

WRY P A

Phase One: Gator Falls

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Along with the enhancement of animal homes during this renovation, the water ride replacement, Rescue Rapids, will offer an improved guest experience. Families will enjoy a welcomed splash and reprieve from the Florida heat, made possible by a generous donation from Pinch-A-Penny.

ZO

TAM

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A

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E

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Take your membership to a whole new level! Join a group of philanthropic individuals who help support the Zoo’s core animal care, education and conservation programs. Spend time behind-the-scenes and enjoy many exclusive benefits and events.

’S

K

New Wild Circle

Imagine a rescued Florida panther walking above you, being surrounded by colorful, iridescent jellyfish or making a splash among American alligators! This year marks the start of a renovated splash attraction and updated Florida Boardwalk habitats that expand the Zoo’s ability to provide vital care, rescue and rehabilitation to threatened Florida wildlife.

CI

RCLE SO

C

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New Corporate Sponsorship Program Connect your brand with our family-friendly destination! We welcome partners who want to expand their brand awareness and be recognized for giving back to the community.

Phase Two: Florida Wild We’ll be expanding homes for endangered, threatened and vulnerable Florida wildlife, like panthers and black bears. A larger panther safe-haven will include an overhead catwalk for the animals to roam and explore, while guests experience a unique viewing perspective.

Safari Society

Phase Three: Florida Waters

Create a legacy that will help ensure the Zoo’s future. Join a society that recognizes individuals who graciously include a gift to the Lowry Park Zoo Endowment Foundation in their estate plans.

We’ll be creating refreshed manatee experiences for guests as well as the species, including improved veterinary support equipment. This phase will also include an immersive river otter habitat, and a new Florida jellies and marine life display.

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More to come!

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economic

operating revenue

IMPACT

& EX PE NSES

Revenue

38.5

4.7

$

$

MILLION

MILLION

8.1

$

MILLION

Revenue

Added to Florida’s Gross State Product via the Zoo’s Direct Annual Spending

Added to Local & State Economies via the Zoo’s On-Site Food & Beverage Partner

$

Added as Local Economic Impact via Out-of-Market Zoo Visitor Spending

50.3 MILLION

contributed to both the Florida & Tampa Bay Economies via Direct Zoo Spending & Out-of-Market Visitor Spending

TAMPA’S LOWRY PARK ZOO IS PROUD TO BE A

COMMUNITY ANCHOR

Source: The George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis analyzed the Zoo’s FY2013 economic impact on Florida and the Tampa Bay market.

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67% 14% 13% 7%

Admissions & Programs Fundraising & Special Events Retail and Food Sales, net Government (City, County, State)

67% Adm 14% Fun Revenue 13% Reta 7% Gov 67% Adm 14% Fun 13% Reta 7% Gov

Expenses

39% Park 35% Anim Expenses 10% Adm Expenses 9% Mar 39% Park 39% Park Operations and Maintenance 35% Animal & Education Programs 4% Anim Fun 35% 10% Administration & General Expenses 9% Marketing, Public Policy and Media 3% Adm Dev 10% Revenue 4% Fundraising 67% 9% Mar 3% Admissions Development& Programs 14% Fundraising & Special Events 4% Fun 13% Retail and Food Sales, net 7% Government (City, County, State) 3% Dev Expenses 39% 35% 10% 9% 4% 3%

Park Operations and Maintenance Animal & Education Programs Administration & General Expenses Marketing, Public Policy and Media Fundraising Development 20

Lowry Park Zoological Society 1101 W. Sligh Ave. Tampa, FL 33604-4756

This Impact Report was designed by

doubletake

marketing and pr by design

doubletake

marketing and pr by design

This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of Arts and Culture and the State of Florida (Section 286.25, Florida Statutes). This project is also sponsored in part by the Tourist Development Council of Hillsborough County, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and City of Tampa. This annual report is a publication of the Lowry Park Zoological Society of Tampa, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN# 59-2328289) committed to excellence in education, recreation, conservation and research. The Lowry Park Zoo Endowment Foundation (EIN# 59-3216472) exists to support the Lowry Park Zoological Society, which operates Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. All rights reserved. Photos provided by Dave Parkinson, Zoo Staff and volunteers.

2017 IMPACT

REPORT