We Are - Happy Holidays from Blank Park Zoo
Transcript of We Are - Happy Holidays from Blank Park Zoo
We Arethe blank park zoo
07-08 Annual Report
Our MissionFor over 4 decades, the Blank Park Zoo has been an inspiration to the people of Iowa.
INSPIRING…
» A look of wonder on a child’s face as he or she sees an animal for the first time. » A rare connection as one looks into an animal’s eyes. » A new found desire to protect our natural world and all things living in it.
The mission of the Blank Park Zoo is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education and recreation. The Zoo is operated and funded through the Blank Park Zoo Foundation.
The Blank Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. As an accredited member of AZA, America’s leading accrediting organization, rigorous professional standards are set to ensure our Zoo is dedicated to excellence in animal care and welfare, conservation, education, and research that collectively inspires respect for animals and nature. AZA is building North America’s largest wildlife conservation movement by engaging and inspiring visitors to help animals in their native habitats.
Where People Connect With Animals
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Message from the CEOThanks to your support, the Blank Park Zoo set new records this year touching the lives of 392,859 people. From Zoo Brew to Night Eyes; Dreamnight to Family Friday Nights, there were myriads of fun activities at the Blank Park Zoo.
Our educators met the challenges of teaching outside the classroom with enthusiasm and professionalism and found teachable moments for 71,560 persons onsite and 23,374 students on field trips – an all time record. They enriched the experience of a Zoo in ways that teachers and parents appreciate and students enjoy. Our outreach educators took our animal ambassadors throughout central Iowa. The next time you see the Zoomobile on the highway, you will know that a group at a public library or retirement center is in for a treat!
Our animal care staff are not only experts in the field of animal care and behavior, but also committed conservationists who work for preservation of wild habitats and sustainability of wild and captive populations. They are the heroes of our Zoo – the people who take care of the animals every day from the coldest January morning to the hottest August afternoon.
Our volunteers contributed thousands of hours to the Zoo. Their roles are amazingly diverse - from feeding animals to greeting Zoo guests. Not only do they save the Zoo money by providing valuable services, but they also enrich our institution through the knowledge they bring from careers and other experiences away from the Zoo.
Since the Blank Park Zoo first opened 42 years ago, we have grown from a small children’s zoo to a year-round zoological park with indoor and outdoor exhibits, educational resources and activities with wide appeal to all ages.
As you read through this report it is my hope that you will share our sense of pride and accomplishment, and perhaps find a desire to become even more involved in our mission – to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education and recreation.
Terry Rich, CEO
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A Message from the Outgoing Chairman of the BoardWith the end of this amazing fiscal year comes the end of my term as Chairman of the Blank Park Zoo Foundation Board of Directors. As a member of the board since 1999, I remain committed to our mission to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education and recreation.
I am particularly proud that the Wild About Animals Capital Campaign to raise $40 million for the Zoo’s renaissance - expansion and renovation - began this year. With excitement and pride I have watched Mike Hubbell and Loretta Sieman, the campaign co-chairs, provide nurturing connections with donors, Zoo members and community leaders.
The efforts of an incredibly talented and experienced staff have given me a renewed sense of gratitude and it was their hard work that allowed the Blank Park Zoo to again receive full accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), continuing its status as Iowa’s only accredited zoo.
On more than one occasion this past summer, I enjoyed hearing the laughter and seeing the smiles of Zoo visitors as they watched Rosie and JP, our visiting elephants, perform their amazing routine – and help bring our numbers to an all-time high of 392,859 guests.
Being Chairman of the Blank Park Zoo Foundation Board has been an amazing experience. Many of the board’s accomplishments are behind-the-scenes, but its work is critical to the well-being and future of the Zoo. I want to thank the board members for their diligence in keeping our budget “in the black” and for being such good stewards for the Zoo we all love.
Though my role as Chairman of the Board has ended, my involvement with the Zoo has not. I will continue working hard to make our Zoo one of the best – and I will continue my frequent visits to the Zoo to visit my favorite animal, Cha-Cha the lion! Thank you for your support – and for allowing me to serve you and the Blank Park Zoo Foundation this year.
Teri Wood TeBockhorst, Outgoing Chairman
392,859lives were touched by the Blank Park Zoo.
The Great Cats consumed
22,000 lbs. of beef and horsemeat.
An estimated 1,000 Koi fish reside in the Kid’s Kingdom lagoon.
20,370
people fed a Blank Park Zoo giraffe.
Over 20,000 school kids participated in educational field trips to the Blank Park Zoo.
Over 2,000 jellyfish were reared.
6,531 hot dogs were sold in the Safari Grill.
8,000 households were 2008 Zoo members.
There were
475,375 visits to the Blank Park Zoo website.
people received marriage
proposals at the Blank Park Zoo.
2
400 pumpkins decorated the Night Eyes pumpkin patch.
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New Acquisitions
» 3 Japanese macaques
» 1 Hedgehog
» 1 Bleeding-heart pigeon
» 2 Victoria crowned pigeons
» 6 Scarlet-chested parrots
» 2 Rothchild’s peacock pheasants
» 4 Red lory
» 1 Blue-tongued skink
» 1 American alligator
» 1 Bullfrog
» 3 American toads
» 2 Leopard frogs
» 12 Longsnout seahorses
» 1 Red lionfish
» 1 Snowflake eel
» 10 Common emperor scorpions
Born/Hatched
» 1 Reticulated giraffe
» 1 Magellan Penguin
» 2 Bennett’s wallaby
» 7 Speckled mousebirds
» 25 Gouldian finches
» 6 Emerald doves
» 2 Silver-eared mesias
» 1 Trumpeter swan
» 6 Chilean flamingos
» 3 Golfodulcean poison dart frogs
» 100+ Longsnout seahorses
» 2,000+ Moon jellyfish
The Blank Park Zoo has over 2,800 individual specimens representing 183 different species. The following animals were added to the Zoo family in 2008:
New at the Zoo
Victoria crowned pigeon
Scarlet-chested parrot
Blue-tongued skink
Red lionfish
Snowflake moray eel
Longsnout seahorses
We are AnimalsZoo staff continually seeks ways to improve the animal experience, for both our guests and our most important constituents of all . . . the animals themselves.
Traveling TrunksIn late May, Rosie, a 26 year old female Asian elephant, and her
18 month old son, JP, arrived at the Blank Park Zoo from their home in Perris, California. The elephants were accompanied by their handlers Gary Johnson and Joann Schmidt. Daily presentations highlighted the importance of elephant conservation worldwide as well as demonstrating the agility and learning ability of the species. Rosie and JP stayed in Iowa for seven weeks drawing record crowds to the Blank Park Zoo.
Giraffe CalfOn the morning of July 26, 2008, the Blank Park Zoo welcomed to the world Mkuu, a 6’2” tall and 162 lbs. giraffe. Samburu, the calf ’s mother, was suspected of being pregnant for quite some time and was in a specially prepared maternity stall when the calf arrived. DNA analysis proved the sire to be Jakobi, our bull giraffe, who has now sired his first calf at the somewhat precocious age of 19 months. “Mkuu,” a Swahili word meaning chief or principal, was selected in honor of Barry Griswell, past CEO of Principal Financial Group, for his outstanding support of the Blank Park Zoo.
Growing TroopsThe Blank Park Zoo acquired three young male Japanese macaques to start a breeding program with our resident troop of 20. It’s hoped that reproduction will begin in the next three years.
The Hatchings ContinueWe had five successful flamingo hatchings this past year. Two hatched in September and three in October. The Zoo’s first successful hatching was in 2000, and the number of chicks has steadily increased since that time. It is rare for a small flock of our size to have such breeding success, especially in a northern climate.
New Sea LifeIn 2008, the Blank Park Zoo set up a new Longsnout Seahorse display. The exhibit was constructed using recycled materials in both the structural and life support components. The seahorses displayed are not available for wild collection and were aquacultured in a facility in Brazil. The Zoo is doing our part by initiating a breeding program to help distribute these seahorses to other zoos and aquariums across the country.
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We are EducationEducation based on discovery and joy instills passion for the natural world. Our programs for every generation rely on hands-on learning and foster a lifelong relationship with nature.
2008 Education Highlights » The Education Department conducted
over 800 programs reaching over 115,000 people.
» 249 Living Classroom programs were conducted in K-12th grade classrooms around Central Iowa.
» Over 23,000 students and chaperones came to the Zoo for field trip experiences.
» 56 programs were conducted in Central Iowa libraries reaching over 5,000 people.
» 17,000 child admission tickets were given to students that participated in the Central Iowa Library Association’s summer reading programs.
» Over 90 Early Childhood programs were held at the Zoo for a total of 2,175 child and parent participants.
» Over 400 children attended Summer Safari camp. Campers enjoyed hands-on activities, crafts, games, and live animals all related to different environmental topics.
» Over 150 teachers attended seven teacher workshops. Teachers learned about the resources at the Zoo and planned field experiences.
New in 2008 » Students from The Boys & Girls Club
participated in a year long program called Learning Environmental Action Program (LEAP) made possible by a generous contribution from The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) and Conservation Education Program (CEP).
» The Zoo partnered with the United Way of Central Iowa to install the Born Learning Trail. Born Learning is an early childhood initiative to teach parents how to spend time with young children and learn by playing. The Blank Park Zoo is the first Zoo in the country to be a part of this program and the first location in Des Moines to feature the Born Learning Trail.
» The Education department acquired seven new animals to utilize in programs on and off site. New animals include a Red-tail Hawk, two baby ducks, two baby chicks, a Blue-tongued skink, and Webster, an American Alligator rescued from flood waters in Webster City.
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We areConservation Conservation is an essential component of the Zoo’s mission, and we hope our guests realize that many of the animals they encounter are ambassadors for their counterparts, whose future may well be in peril.
» Eastern bongo » Snow leopard » Lion » Amur tiger » Red panda » Japanese macaque
» White-handed gibbon » Ring-tailed lemur » Golden-headed lion tamarin » Mauritius pink pigeon » Panamanian golden frog
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Species SurvivalManagement of the animal collection is key in helping the Blank Park Zoo fulfill its mission for the conservation of animal species and ensure the survival of wildlife – both in captivity and in the wild. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Blank Park Zoo has an ethical duty to participate in cooperatively managed programs.
» Bennett’s wallaby » Reticulated giraffe » North American river otter » California sea lion » Harbor seal » Serval » Lesser Madagascar hedgehog tenrec » Emerald dove » Luzon bleeding heart dove » Gouldian finch » Chilean flamingo
» Red-billed hornbill » Laughing kookaburra » Speckled mousebird » Magellan penguin » Rothchild’s pheasant » Crowned pigeon » Nicobar pigeon » Sunbittern » Trumpeter swan » Blue poison dart frog
For over 10 years, the Blank Park Zoo’s
Conservation Committee has
been dedicated to supporting
conservation efforts around
the world. This year’s projects
include:
» Project Golden Frog
» Hornbill Research Foundation
Family Adoption Program
» Center for Ecological Survival
» African Predator
Conservation Research
Organization
» Snow Leopard Trust
» Polar Bears International
» International Elephant
Foundation
» Iowa Nature Mapping
» Energy Conservation
» Hogs for Frogs
The highest level of management is a Species Survival Plan (SSP). At the Blank Park Zoo we have 11 species that are covered by a SSP:
The next level of management is called a Population Management Plan (PMP), similar to SSPs but requiring less intensive management and conservation action. At the Blank Park Zoo we have 22 species involved in PMPs:
We are VolunteersVolunteers who give their time and talents to the Zoo do so for many reasons, but primary among them are a love for the institution and a respect for its mission.
One Good Egg Among ManyRoxanne Kucharski, an outstanding Blank Park Zoo volunteer, received the “2008 Good Egg Award”. Roxanne put in nearly 95 hours of volunteering last summer and is always willing to go above and beyond. Her volunteer hours included such activities as Zoo Brews, Family Friday Nights, helping the membership department, guest surveys, the Des Moines Art Festival, Born Learning Day, Learnapalooza and Party for the Planet. She has been a volunteer since 2006. Congratulations Roxanne, and thanks for your time and talents! » Blank Park Zoo had 130 active volunteers in 2008. » Volunteers donated over 6,200 hours of service.
Thank you to the many outstanding Blank Park Zoo volunteers – we couldn’t do it without you!
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Carol Akers
David Allen
Susan Allen
Rachel Amundson
DeAnn Barnhill
Sandy Blanchard Quinn
Penny Brockelsby
Loren Brown
Melody Burgus
Deb Burnett
Jim Carmody
Colleen Chisman
Zosh Choda
Jeanne Clark
Cindy Clefisch
Sharon Coates
Diane Coffey
Bobbie Davis
Jean Ann DeBiaggio
Dee Dennis
Martha DeVries
Roma Dye
Rollin and Karen Dyer
Tara Engel
Nancy Engle
Sandy Fallis
Lenora Fisher
Kirsten Gebhardt
Brooke Giberson
Cindy Griese
Sue Hines
Laurie Hoskins
Dennis Houghtaling
Sonia Houghton
Mary Ann Hynes
Adam Janik
Scott Jeffrey
Merri Johns
Tristan Johnson
Jordan Jones
Marj Jordan
Wilma Kennedy
Hok Kim
Kent Klein Sr.
Amy Kopatich
Kathy Krogmeier
Roxanne Kucharski
Pam Levine
Shandy Mikkelsen
Ica Miller
Kerri Moegenburg
Joe Moroney
Phyllis Nagel
Jessica Nybeck
Amanda Olson
Sue Osorio
Carlin Peer
Rebecca Petterson
Karl Ransom
Lana and Steve Riche
Rachel Scearcy
Lance Schreier
Rebecca Schumacher
Selisia Schwarz
Fred Scott
Mia Siebrasse
Jerry Smith
Adam Sorgen
Fran Stewart
Kayla Stokes
Laurie Strackelijahn
Saundra Stuart
Peter Thelen
Lori Tiangco
Chuck Vredenburg
Jacob Walker
Patty Weeks
Martha West
Leanna Whipple
Denise Williams
Eva Williams
Carol Wilson
We are RecreationFor more than 40 years, the Blank Park Zoo has been a part of this community. Generations have come to commune with the natural world. We are here to make sure the experience is extraordinary.
» Family Friday Night: This summer series offered extended hours for families to enjoy the Blank Park Zoo. Guests enjoyed special entertainment, music, activities and more!
» Dreamnight: The first Friday in June marked a special evening for children with special healthcare needs and their families. This year hundreds of children and their families came out to enjoy activities, special animal demonstrations and much more at this cost-free evening.
» Zoo Brew: A summer series where the Blank Park Zoo became a playground for those 21 and over. Guests enjoyed
all the animals of the Zoo, as well as music, drinks, food and activities!
» Concert in the Park: An unexpected visitor, country music artist Billy Currington, dropped by Blank Park this fall to perform a concert. Admission was free for nearly 7,000 people who attended the afternoon show.
» 18th Annual Night Eyes: Nearly 27,000 children and adults came to this merry, not scary, Halloween event. They made their way through the treat safari and found family-friendly activities, proving that the Zoo is Central Iowa’s favorite place to trick-or-treat.
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Community EventsThis year, the Zoo was proud to host a number of community events, including:
Blank Park Zoo EventsThroughout the year, the Blank Park Zoo provides a variety of special events that benefit the community by providing entertainment for kids of all ages. This year over 88,000 people attended these events, made possible through the generous support of community sponsors and our devoted volunteers.
» Arthritis Walk » Head Start Day » IPTV Kids Day at the Zoo » Jazz in July » Jingle Jam
» June Jam » Latino Heritage Festival » Run for Ronald » Step Out Walk to Fight Diabetes
We are Great . . .because of you!Supporters of the Blank Park Zoo enable us to inspire and entertain visitors, offer quality educational programming, and provide the best possible care for the animals in residence. For you we are grateful!
UpTown HoeDown Gala Raises Over $100,000 Nearly 300 guests donned their favorite jeans and dancing boots to enjoy a night of exZOOberant entertainment, festive food, down-home drinks and raise $107,000 in support of the programs and operations of the Blank Park Zoo. Gala guests dined on a chuck wagon dinner while being entertained by local artists Gina Gedler and Alexis Van Fleet. The evening was topped off with uptown desserts and dancing to country western band, 8 Seconds.
Friends of the Zoo Luncheon Honors SponsorsOn December 2, 2008 the Blank Park Zoo Foundation Board of Directors hosted nearly 80 corporate sponsors to a special recognition luncheon to say “thank you” for their important support. The generosity of these sponsors allowed the Blank Park Zoo to bring you Rosie and JP, (the Asian elephants), Family Friday Night, Zoo Brew, Night Eyes, the UpTown HoeDown Gala and many educational programs.
Blank Park Zoo Plans to GrowIn 2008, the Blank Park Zoo began the Wild About Animals capital campaign soliciting leadership gifts during the “quiet” phase of the $40 million campaign.
The campaign has three important goals. » Expand the Zoo from 23 to 103 acres. » Renovate the existing Zoo. » Expand the Zoo’s endowment to ensure
future sustainability.
Thirty community leaders were recruited for the campaign cabinet and began meeting regularly in August 2008. This dedicated group has the enthusiasm, motivation and resources to ensure success. To date, $13.4 million has been raised for this exciting project, thanks to our generous leadership donors!
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My decision to donate
18 acres of land to the Blank
Park Zoo was an easy one.
I can think of no better
way to develop the land
to benefit the community
than with the Zoo.
—Bill Knapp, pictured with wife Susan
“
”
Philanthropy is a very special part of my life. I feel very lucky to be
able to support such an important project for Iowa.
—Elizabeth Kruidenier, pictured with daughter Lisa
“ ”
Bob and Gloria Burnett, longtime Zoo supporters, at the UpTown HoeDown.
Cumulative GiftsThe names listed below reflect
cumulative gifts totaling $200,000
and above to the Blank Park Zoo.
$1 Million and Above Myron* and Jacqueline* Blank
City of Des Moines
Elizabeth and David* Kruidenier
William C. and Susan Knapp
John and Lilyan Stoddard Estate
$200,000 - $1 Million
Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling, Co.
Bravo Greater Des Moines
Robert and Gloria Burnett
Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust
City of West Des Moines
Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
Gardner and Florence Call Cowles Foundation
W.T. and Edna M. Dahl Trust
Paul and Sandy Easter
EMC Insurance Companies
Jo and Tom* Ghrist
Helen and James W. Hubbell, Jr.
Fred Maytag Family Foundation
Meredith Corporation Foundation
MidAmerican Energy, Co.
Pioneer Hi-Bred International
Polk County Board of Supervisors
Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
Principal Financial Group
Tim and Toni Urban
Townsend Engineering Company
David and Dolores Wallace
Capital Campaign Gifts Many thanks to our generous
Wild About Animals Capital
Campaign donors.
$1 Million and Above City of Des Moines
Elizabeth Kruidenier
William C. and Susan Knapp
$250,000 - $999.999 Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
Helen and James W. Hubbell, Jr.
Meredith Corporation Foundation
$100,000 - $249,999 Robert and Gloria Burnett
W.T. and Edna M. Dahl Trust
Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
Stan and Dotty Thurston
Tim and Toni Urban
$25,000 - $99,999 Paul and Sandy Easter
Allison and Jim Fleming
Jo Ghrist
Michael and Debbie Hubbell
Suzy and Chuck Muelhaupt
Governor Robert and Billie Ray
Pat and Lou Schneider
David and Dolores Wallace
John B. and Kathy Williams
$5,000 - $24,999 Baker Electric, Inc.
Judy Blank
Kaye Condon
Ann Cownie
Russ and Beth Cross
With deep appreciation, the Blank Park Zoo acknowledges the extraordinary support of the following donors.
* deceased
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Fran Fleck and Terry Greenley
Matt and Bridget Fryar
Sara Ghrist
Rusty and Jody Goode
James and Pam Hagenbucher
Pat Henson
Jim and Sheila Hourigan
Lisa Kruidenier
Mary O’Keefe and Jeff Nall
Kevin and Debbie Prust
Suku and Mary Radia
Terry and Kim Rich
Alison and John Ruan IV
Loretta and Bob Sieman
Kathleen and Jefffrey Stahl
Teri Wood TeBockhorst and Andy TeBockhorst
Mike and Vickie Tousley
Teresa and Howard Wahlert
Dean and Lisa Whitaker
Jonathan Wilson
Connie Wimer and Frank Fogarty
Maria Wittern
$4,999 and Below Kelly and Sherri Aschan
Suzanne and Jake Arnold
Brett and Lisa Ashburn
Robert and Nicole Beaman
Connie Boesen
Andrew Bouska and Emily Williams-Bouska
Molly Catron
Carl and Nancy Coates
Chris Coleman
Kirk and Dina Embree
Daniela Graham
Jim Green and Keiko Sampson
Kylie and Kaleb Glover
Anna C. Hudson
Dick and Connie Isaacson
John and Sally Irving
Bill and Twyla Johnson
Dr. Alan and Margie Koslow
John and Kathy Krogmeier
Tracy Levine
Raymond and Shirley Michel
Mary Jean Paschen
John Peterson
Brian and Wendy Rickert
Randy Rogers
Fred Scott
Brian Seaman
Chris Shay
Miranda Shields
Tim and Anne Shimerdla
South Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
Steve Walker and Megan Wright
Stephanie Windsor
Jolene and Brian Veach
Governor Tom and Christie Vilsack
Annual Fund Gifts The Blank Park Zoo thanks the
following donors for their
contributions to the Zoo’s Annual Fund made
between November 1, 2007 and December 31,
2008. These gifts provide vital funding for the
programs and activities of the Zoo. (This list
does not include Wild About Animals Capital
Campaign Gifts.)
$100,000 and Above Beverly Blank Perry Foundation
BRAVO Greater Des Moines
City of Des Moines
Helen and James W. Hubbell, Jr.
William C. and Susan Knapp
$50,000 - $99,999 Polk County Board of Supervisors
$20,000 - $49,999 Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
Bank of America
City of Altoona
City of Ankeny
City of Clive
City of Johnston
City of Urbandale
City of West Des Moines
City of Windsor Heights
State of Iowa Department of
Cultural Affairs - Cultural
Enrichment Program
Meredith Corporation Foundation
Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
Governor Robert and Billie Ray
Wells Fargo
Windsor Charitable Foundation
$10,000 - $19,999 Allied Insurance
Bankers Trust
Community Foundation of
Greater Des Moines
Paul and Sandy Easter
EMC Insurance Companies
John Deere Des Moines Operations
Principal Financial Group
The Vredenberg Foundation
Tim and Toni Urban
$5,000 - $9,999 AVIVA Charitable Foundation
Kaye Condon
Matt and Bridget Fryar
HI Foundation, Inc.
Nationwide Insurance
Variety - The Children’s Charity of Iowa
West Bank
$1,000 - $4,999 Advanced Analytical Technologies
Ahlers and Cooney, P.C.
Apple Tree Children’s Center
Austin Blank
Blank Children’s Hospital
Don and Margo Blumenthal
Harry Bookey and Pamela Bass-Bookey
Brenton Foundation
John and Colleen Burgeson
Casey’s General Store
Charles Gabus Dealerships
CDS Global
Community State Bank
Jim and Patty Cownie
DaVita
Des Moines Cold Storage
Marty and Jean Dunn
Electrical Engineering and Equipment
Ernst & Young
Ann Fleming
Holmes and Marjorie Foster
Jo Ghrist
Sara Ghrist
Barbara Graham
James and Pam Hagenbucher
Pat Henson
Holmes Murphy Charitable Fund
Jim and Sheila Hourigan
Harriett Hubbell
Fred and Charlotte Hubbell
Michael and Deborah Hubbell
Iowa One Gift
Alissa Jourdan
KDSM
Kenton Klein Sr.
Krause Gentle Foundation
Elizabeth Kruidenier
Lisa Kruidenier
Stephen and Cathy Lacy
Nixon and Nancy Lauridsen
Caroline Levine
Richard and Jeanne Levitt
Richard and LaDonna Matthes
McDonald’s
Mercy Children’s Center
Merit Resources
Mrs. Clark’s Foods
Charles and Suzy Muelhaupt
Neumann Brothers, Inc.
Samuel and Carolyn O’Brien
Tamas Otrok
Dale and Mary Parker
Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
Kevin and Debbie Prust
RDG Planning and Design
Terry and Kim Rich
Michael and Ann Richards
Risk Management Consultants, Ltd.
Ruan Family Foundation
Sam’s Club
Scheels All Sports
Screenscape Studios
Robert and Loretta Sieman
Roger and Shirley Stetson Charitable Trust
Stew Hansen Dodge City
Stork Townsend
Andrew TeBockhorst and
Teri Wood TeBockhorst
Ted Townsend
Vision Bank
Fred Weitz
Wild Rose Entertainment
Stephanie Windsor
Violet G. Young Charitable Trust
Steve and Kathy Zumbach
$500 - $999 Affinity Credit Union
Ball Construction Services
Clark and Christine Bening
Birdies for Charity
Judy Blank
Marguerite Boss
Broadlawns Medical Center
Carl and Nancy Coates
Consumer Credit of Des Moines
Continental Western Group
Jon and Pat Crose
Tom Dentel
Delta Dental
Des Moines International Airport
Joel and Lori Doyle
Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company
Dr. Herman and Sara Graefe
Terry Greenley and Fran Fleck
Norman and Cindy Griese
Russell Hansen
Richard and Jane Hein
Homesteaders Life Company
John and Ellen Hunter
Innova Ideas & Services A Sigler Company
Dick and Connie Isaacson
ITA Group
Scott Ivers
Steven Jayne and Karen Shaff
07-08 Annual Report | p.23
Charles and Jaina Johnson
Josephs Jewelers
Selma Kastle
William and Dorothy McGinnis
Helen McReynolds
Deborah Miller
Nanny 2 Shoes
Perkins Restaurants
Picture People
Pinnacle Construction Group LLC
Polk County Bank
Donald and Mary Ryckman
Charlie Schafer
Sertoma Club of Des Moines
Chris Shay
David and Rebecca Stark
The Vernon Company
Toyota of Des Moines
YMCA of Greater Des Moines
$100 - $499 L J Thomas and Charlene Ahlers
Kristian and Cindy Anderson
Terri Anderson
John and Cynthia Andrews
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Michael and Melissa Atterberg
John and Sue Auer
Mary K. Baker
Barnes & Noble
Barton Solvents
Aaron Bauch
Robert and Nicole Beaman
Al Beaty
Ryan and Tammy Bickel
Adam Blank
Michael and Julie Blaser
Nancy Bone
Matt Bradner
J.C. and Sue Brenton
Jacqueline and Arthur Ely Brewer Jr.
Katie Broughton
Kendall Brown and Diane Todd-Brown
Gary and Pamela Bauer
Brenda Bucklew
Betty Buland
Douglas and Rochelle Burnett
Gregory Burnett and Cindy Barker
Robert Burnett Jr. and Barbara Burnett
Gregory Burt and Suzie Glazer Burt
Frank and Janet Burton
George and Kathlyn Carpenter
Molly Catron
Lynne Champion
Zach and Azure Christensen
Patrick Clem
Joseph and Margaret Ann Comito
Community Choice Credit Union
Troy and Deann Cook
Steven and Gwenn Copple
Ann Cownie
Frank Cownie and Christine Manbeck
M.C. and Mary Ellen Crawford
Creative Leap, Inc.
John and Karen Croat
Steve Cruse
Scott Dahlstrom
David and Myrlene Darnell
Des Moines Area Community College
Wells and Sharon Dickson
Jeff Dier
Kevin Drees and Tracey Dolphin-Drees
M. Burton Drexler
Andy Drish
Christina Drown
Bill Dryer
Jeffrey Duehlmeyer
Randy and Paula Duncan
Donald and Marian Easter
Evelyn Eckles
Bob and Jane Elgin
Roland and Jean Farley
John and Suzanne Farrington
Donald and Barbara Fatka
Financial Plus Credit Union
Steven and Susan Flack
James and Allison Fleming
Jonathan and Amanda Fletcher
Rosalie Gallagher
Julia Gentleman
Anne Ghrist
Mary Ghrist-James
J. Paul and Marlene Glahn
Carl Grant
Steven Gunson
Jerry and Mari Hall
Tom and Cynthia Hamilton
Tom and Sara Hanely
Ted and Corinne Hanke
Timothy Hartman
Jim and Sarah Hayes
Ruth Henson
John Hines
Harlan Hockenberg
Robert Hoehle
Dr. William Hornaday
David Hott
David and Barb Hurd
InPlay Des Moines
Iowa State Bank
Jefferson-Scranton High School
Kurt Johnson
Mark and Allison Johnson
Russ and Lucile Johnson
Angie Kaiser
Walt and Liz Kennedy
Guy Koenigsberger
Michael Kruse
Daniel Kucera
Kris and Roxanne Kucharski
Michael and Pamela Kulik
Robert Larsen
Laura Larson
John and Prudence Leachman
Leachman Lumber
Webster Lehmann
Alfred Leiserowitz
Kathleen Leonard
Rick and Jeri Levi
Tracy Levine
Victoria Lewis
Wade and Angie Lookingbill
Jim and Pat Luhrs
Dean Luttrell
Mark and Jeanne Lyle
Barbara Mack
Harriet S. Macomber
Robert and Joanne Mahaffey
Mahaska Veterinary Clinic
John Maletta
Michael Matthes
David and Maddy Maxwell
Christy McCormick
Randy McNeal
Dan and Joanne McPhail
John and Susan McRoberts
Donald and Janet Metcalf
John and Karen Miksich
Polly Moore
Sandra Morris
Roscoe and Cheryl Morton
Kurt and Jennifer Mumm
Chris and Colleen Murphy
Connie Newlin
Andrew and Barbara Nish
David Norris
Derek Notch
Richard and Patricia Noyce
Dan and Mary Ellen Oberender
Cathy O’Brien
Jim and Jeanne O’Halloran
Eric and Holly Olson
Dr. and Mrs. Roy W. Overton
Mary Jean Paschen
Rick and Jackie Patton
Arland Petersen
John Peterson
Playground for Kids
Joe and Diane Proctor
Sheldon and Roselind Rabinowitz
Dr. Brian Randall and Dr. Mary Kemen
Jack and Cynthia Rehm
Sue Reichardt
Edwin and Beverly Richardson
Brian and Wendy Rickert
Anne Riley Trust
Joe and Robin Rios
Steve and Dawn Roberts
George and Susan Robeson
Louis and Gretchen Rodgers
Brian Roskamp
Frank and Juliane Ross
Steven Rowe and Mary Louise Hlavin
Lorenzo Sandoval and Robin Heinemann
Richard and Carolyn Santi
Chris Schafer
Carl and Brenda Schumann
Carl T. Schwab
Carl and Margaret Schwab
Stanley and Mary Seidler
Robert and Lisa Shaw
Lawrence Shelton
Shive-Hattery
Robert and Anne Shumaker
Mac and Cally Slauson
Barbara Smith
Jill Smith
Stephanie Smith
Bernard Spaeth
Kathleen and Jeff Stahl
Dr. Lawrence and Marilyn Staples
William and Beth Stokes
Kathleen and Ted Stuart
George Sullivan
Kenneth and Cathy Talcott
Dawn Taylor
Kent Taylor
Rick and Tina Thompson
Tom and Mary Urban
Val Lanes Recreation Center
07-08 Annual Report | p.25
William and Wicker Van Orsdel
Jeff and Brenda Vasichek
Jolene and Brian Veach
Thomas and Kathy Wallace
Steve Walsh
Melissa Warner
Waterfront Seafood Market, Inc.
Steve and Patty Weeks
William and Linda Weidmaier
George Welch
Chuck and Tracy Wheeler
Dean and Lisa Whitaker
Frances Leschin Wilke
Bob and Gladys Wilkins
John and Kathy Williams
Gary Wilson
Jean and George Wilson
James and Sandra Windsor
Marvin and Marilyn Winick
Craig Winters
Workspace Inc.
Sumner and Karen Worth
Dorothy Wright
Under $100Arnis Akselis
Dr. M E Alberts
Patricia Aldrich
Barbara Amend
David Ashcraft
Rodney Bales
Laura Baumgartner
Ron and Carlita Beltz
Gary Bisignano
Doug and Martha Brown
Keith and Barbara Bullock
John and Ellen Burnquist
Chuck and Sandy Callahan
Robert and Linda Carpenter
Brandi Chasar
Lester Choate
Franklin and Tracy Codel
Robert and Janet Cole
Connie Comfort
Christopher Connelly
Corey and Colleen Conrad
Timothy Coughennower
Stevin and Staci Dahl
Donald L. Darnell
Katie Davenport and Joy Davis
T E and Ami Davidson
Ding Darling Women’s Chapter
Philip and Nora Doster
Vicki Doud-Gustafson
Vernon and Phyllis Drees
Bert Drost
Chris Drumm and Amy Garrett
Janet Dunn and Norma Vandenberg
Jeffrey Edwards
Jeremie Eginoire
Clark Eilers
Sara Erickson
Charlie and Jamie Evans
Craig and Cindy Fausch
Danial Findley
Mr. Thomas B. Freeman
Carol and Detlef Friedrichsen
Lori Fuqua
Frank and Nina Gallardo
Scott Gass and Elizabeth Vaughn
Michael and Ann Gersie
Julie Ghrist
Daniel Gilliatt
Joseph Giudicessi
Daniela Graham
Jim Green and Keiko Sampson
Daniel Greenland
Mark Gregory
Bruce Greiner
Florence Halbert
Larry Hare, Jr.
Brett and Siobhan Harman
Doug and Annette Hatch
Mr. and Mrs. Hauston
Steven Held and Susan Breen-Held
Dennis Henderson
Andrew Hennesy
Lana Hinderks
Herndon and Martha Hippee
Max Hockett
Robert Hoelscher
Michael Hoffman
Kyle and Laura Holtman
Lisa Homstad
Andrew and Angie Hoyt
David and Linda Hueser
Eric Huntoon
Joel Hutchinson
Larry and Karen Hutzell
William and Carol Hyden
Stuart Isaacson
Phyllis Jagiello
Douglas Jensen
Curtis and Audrey Jones
Marjorie Jordan
Robert and Loral Kirke
Kristopher Klop
Christopher Knox
Rod Kruse and Jan Berg-Kruse
Christina Kyseth
Gerald and Dorothea Lalonde
Jacqueline Lloyd
Steve and Carol Looney
Michael Ludwig
Katherine Manion
Donald McLaughlin
Arthur and JoAnn McLendon
Trish McMullin
Gary and Cathy Miller
Mark Miller
Paul Moede
Ryan Moffatt
Marvin Morford
Paul and Gloria Morris
William and Anna Morrison
Aaron and Sarah Neely
Todd Neilsen
Tore Nelson
David Ness
Eric Nevins
Robert Newbury
Marc Nielsen
Ben and Jean Norman
Jerry Palmer
Thomas Perry Jr.
Larry Peters
Bradley Peterson
Brian and Margaret Quetsch-Bales
Randall Rees
Ricahrd Rexroat
Don and Amy Reynolds
Don Reynolds
Jill Richardson
David and Judith Risvold
Ray and Ann Robinson
David Scanlan
Joe Sciarrotta II
Emily Shanks
Joan Smith-Legg
Terry and Jean Smith
Linda Spad
Heather Spurlin
Scott Stearns
Kevin and Jennifer Stetson
Aaron and Melody Stone
Robert Suarez
Gary and Judy Svec
Lydon and Roberta Swartzendruber
Harold and Janice Thompson
Stephen and Christina Thompson
Stephanie Trujillo
Jason Van Essen
Lee and Joyce Vavra
Bert and Rita Verhey
John and Vera Wanamaker
Jerry and Margaret Weiner
Linda and Lindsay Wells
Gregg Westemeyer
Don and Anita Westerhaus
Janel Whitlatch
Lisa Williams
Ginny Wooldridge
Joel and Linette Worsfold
Robert and Lynda Wruck
Craig Zumbrod
In-Kind Gifts Affinity Credit Union
Allegra Print and Imaging
Applishus
Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company
Azalea Restaurant and Lounge
Baratta’s
Big Barn Harley-Davidson
Blue Bunny
Centro Restaurant
Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewery
Creative Images
Dahl’s Food Stores
Bobbie Davis
Des Moines Art Center
Des Moines Cold Storage
Des Moines Metro Opera
Des Moines Radio Group
Des Moines Register
Des Moines Symphony
Dex Media
Kevin Drees and Tracey Dolphin-Drees
Eden
Bob and Jane Elgin
Great American Outdoors
Grounds for Celebration
Frank and Holly Hansen
Have Trunk Will Travel
Daniel Hodges
Holmes Hyundai
Hy-Vee Food Stores
Innova Ideas and Solutions
Dick and Connie Isaacson
Jasper Winery
Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse
KCCI
Tim and Becky Kinman
Darel Kuhlmann
Loffredo Fresh Produce
Lucca
McMurray Hatchery
Moberg Gallery
Roy and Christine Molina
Palmer’s Deli and Market
Radical Cycle
Radio Garage Productions
Radisson Hotel
Rainbow Play Systems of Iowa
Revolution Cycle
Rider’s Edge Powersports
Stage West
Sticks
Scot and Jenipher Sutherland
Teri Wood TeBockhorst
Toyota of Des Moines
Waterfront Seafood Market
Wells Fargo
Rhonda Wheeler
Stephanie Windsor
Weitz Company
Winefest
Yellowbook
Memorial GiftsGift in Memory of Tom Ghrist
Anne Ghrist
Gift in Memory of Brice Janvrin
Bruce and Diane Janvrin
Gift in Memory of Retha Teare
Mark and Krista Beck
Rand and Cyndi Fisher
Pat Henson
Tim Jameson
John Stoddard Cancer Center
Mary Krantz
Chris and Colleen Murphy
Terry and Kim Rich
Stephanie Spencer
The Consortium
Gift in Memory of Wayne McCracken
Isaac and Martha Young
Honorarium GiftsGift in Honor of Bob Burnett
Arthur and Helen Stein
Gift in Honor of Ian and Ava Carlson
Chad and Amanda Carlson
Gift in Honor of Jon Crose
Al Beaty
Gift in Honor of Jean Ann Dunn
Cindy Dunn
Gift in Honor of Mr. and Mrs. John Marshal
Carl and Sally Harris
Gift in Honor of Eva and Sinead O’Neill
John and Cara O’Neill
Gift in Honor of Carlin Peer
Lindsay Barsness and Mary Schemmel
Gift in Honor of Mr. and Mrs. David Stitzer
Bambi Cero
07-08 Annual Report | p.27
You can make a difference!
Purchase a Zoo MembershipOur annual Zoo pass allows members to come and go as often as they like. Members receive exclusive discounts including free or discounted admission to other conservation and education organizations, and invitations to special member-only events.
Adopt an AnimalThis is a fun and unique way to support the Zoo’s animal conservation efforts and create a special bond with one of your favorite Zoo animals. As part of the adoption program you will receive a certificate of adoption, special photo and fact sheet about your adopted animal, and your name displayed by the adopted animal throughout the Zoo season.
Host an EventThe Zoo offers a natural serene escape for special gatherings, and is a great place for private and corporate outings. Our staff will assist you in making your day, dinner, meeting or outing spectacular and memorable.
VolunteerYour time and talents are valuable! Volunteers are essential to the operation of the Blank Park Zoo. Volunteers support special events, animal care, education and service projects. Contact the Zoo’s volunteer coordinator for more information on how you can help.
Attend a FundraiserProceeds from Zoo events support animal care and education programs. From ZooBrew’s and the UpTown HoeDown to Night Eyes, we are certain to have an event you will love!
Support the Zoo Today By participating as a corporate sponsor, naming the Blank Park Zoo in your estate, or making an immediate impact to animal care, education and conservation through a gift to the Annual Fund! Your charitable gift helps the Blank Park Zoo care for more than 2,800 animals, offer education programs to over 115,000 people, and take part in conservation efforts worldwide.
The Blank Park Zoo is designed
to enhance the quality of
life in Iowa as an affordable
destination, and as a center
for education and endangered
species conservation. We hope
that the FY08 annual report
offers a snapshot of the many
things taking place at our Zoo.
07-08 Annual Report | p.29
Financials2007-2008 Operating Revenue
Financials based on Blank Park Zoo fiscal year end operating statements November 1, 2007–October 31, 2008. For the latest
financial statement, including endowment and restricted accounts, visit blankparkzoo.com or charitynavigator.com
2007-2008 Operating Expensesn Program Services $3,040,624
n General Operating $841,387
n Concession / Gift Shop $361,454
n Marketing $188,357
n Repairs / Maintenance $114,150
n Animal Feed $104,669
n Fundraising $69,485
Total $4,720,126
n Contributions $1,358,445
n Admissions $1,064,688
n Rentals / Other Revenues $808,947
n Memberships $564,773
n Gift Shop $450,397
n Train Rides $163,088
n Educational Programs $141,106
Total $4,551,444
Teri Wood TeBockhorst, Chair
Michael Hubbell, First Vice-Chair
Dean Whitaker, Second Vice-Chair
Jolene Veach, Secretary /
Treasurer
Jim Hourigan, Past Chair
Pat Henson, Board Liaison
Judy Blank
Molly Catron
Richard Clark
Chris Coleman
Kaye Condon
Paul Easter
Matt Fryar
Sara Ghrist
James Hagenbucher
Russell Hansen
Scott Ivers
Lana Jones-Gould
Robert Knudsen
Lisa Kruidenier
Cathy Lacy
Tracy Levine
Mary Jean Paschen
John Peterson
Billie Ray
Chris Shay
Loretta Sieman
Kathleen Stahl
Tom Stanberry
Tim Urban
David Wallace
Jonathan Wilson
Stephanie Windsor
07-08 Annual Report | p.31
Blank Park Zoo Foundation 2007 – 2008 Board of Directors
Connie Boesen
Bob Burnett
Gloria Burnett
Carl Coates
Ann Cownie
Jon Crose
Rusty Goode
Philip Gustafson
Mari Hall
John Hintze
Alan Koslow
Elizabeth Kruidenier
Barbara Lukavsky
Suzy Muelhaupt
Greg Philby
Kevin Prust
Brian Rickert
Wendy Rickert
Barbara Smith
Curtis Van Veldhuizen
Marilyn Vernon
Chuck Wheeler
Michael Wille
John Williams
Kelly Wirt
Maria Wittern
Blank Park Zoo Foundation 2007 - 2008 Advisory Board
Blank Park Zoo StaffAdministrationKrista Beck
Pat Henson
Terry Rich
Miranda Shields
Animal CareBrett Ashburn
Lisa Ashburn
Myrna Booth
Rachael Cohen
Chad Comer
Kathy Cross
Jeff Dier
Kevin Drees
Kirk Embree
James Graff
Valene Hautekeete
William Johnson
John Krogmeier
Shannon Osterholm
Keiko Sampson
Bonnie Van Ellen
Jessica Weeks
Megan Wright
DevelopmentSarah Bonefas
Azure Christensen
Anna Hudson
Emily Williams-Bouska
EducationHaley Anderson
Sherri Aschan
Lori Boatwright
Daniela Graham
Katie Petty
Kira Bowles
Guest Services / OperationsPenny Brockelsby
Katie Broughton
Laura Holtman
Cindy Hutt
Daniel Kucera
Brian Seaman
Anne Shimerdla
Horticulture / Grounds / MaintenanceKenny Ball
Patrick Callahan
Cindy Fausch
Dan Greenland
Marketing / MembershipRyan Bickel
Matthew Forland
Lisa Williams
Special EventsRachael Shields
Zoo VeterinarianJune Olds, DVM
Blank Park Zoo Foundation Inc.7401 SW 9th StreetDes Moines, IA 50315
www.blankparkzoo.com