Detroit Zoological Society | 1 MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS CREATING 2022 ANNUAL REPORT
2 | Detroit Zoological Society Dear Zoo Supporters, At the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS), we live by our mission to create meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive. We foster these connections in several ways – from giving our guests unique chances to view and experience wildlife at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center to delivering award-winning educational programs in our tri-county community to saving wild animals and their habitats through our conservation and sustainability initiatives. Too often, the work that propels our mission goes unseen, as it occurs behind the scenes or in remote areas across the globe. To shine a light on all we do, we are thrilled to present this 2022 Annual Report that tells the stories of how our contributions have benefitted wildlife and wild places near and far. None of these stories would be possible without our staff, volunteers, donors, board, guests and community. Your support fuels our organization and allows us to be leaders in animal well-being and rescue, conservation, education and environmental sustainability. Thank you for your support and belief in all we do. Together, we can continue to ignite positive change for animals and nature. Dr. Hayley Murphy Executive Director/CEO Tony Earley Chair, Board of Directors
Detroit Zoological Society | 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 Letter from the Director 4 Reopening of the PPCC 8 Polar Plunging 10 Connecting to the Community 12 Paving the Way for Diversity 14 A Greener Future 16 Belle Isle Nature Center Reopens 19 A Natural Partnership 20 New Friends, New Faces 22 Continuing Excellence 23 Thank You 24 Saving Wildlife and Wild Places 26 Mayor of Amphibiville 27 A Helping Hand 28 Wild Times at the Detroit Zoo 30 A Lot of Heart 32 Financials MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS CREATING
4 | Detroit Zoological Society Penguins Return to Their Spectacular Home COOLER THANEVER
Detroit Zoological Society | 5 One of the Detroit Zoo’s premier animal habitats reopened in 2022, and things have been going swimmingly. Closed since 2019 for waterproofing repairs, the Polk Penguin Conservation Center reopened on Valentine’s Day, bringing this much-loved facility back to the heart of metro Detroit. “While we were closed, we took the opportunity to enhance the penguins’ experience,” says DZS Executive Director and CEO Dr. Hayley Murphy. “These improvements are thanks in no small part to the support of our generous donors, guests and members – thank you for helping us reopen this incredible facility.” When it first opened in 2016, the Polk Penguin Conservation Center was noted as one of the largest penguin facilities in the world, boasting a 2-acre habitat, a 326,000-gallon, 25-foot-deep aquatic area, and an underwater gallery and tunnels. This unique facility, which received the 2017 Exhibit Award from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, offers breathtaking views that allow guests to interact with the penguins in ways that would be impossible in the wild. Since reopening, the penguin center has seen an incredible influx of visitors eager to see all it has to offer – including
a new species of penguin. Chinstraps, named for the distinctive black line marking their faces, now join more than 80 macaronis, kings, southern rockhoppers and gentoos. “The penguins love their habitat, and so do our guests,” says Bonnie Van Dam, curator of birds. “The Polk Penguin Conservation Center is a gem of the Zoo, and we are so glad it’s back.” As one of the largest penguin facilities in the world, the PPCC has: SEE BEHIND THE SCENES Did you know you can feed the penguins at the Detroit Zoo? When you book a Mingle With the Macaronis experience, you can meet these flippered friends up close and explore their behind-the-scenes habitat. Visit detroitzoo.org/zoo-experiences to learn more. GET THE SPECS 25-foot-deep aquatic area 2-acre habitat 326,000- gallon pool 6 | Detroit Zoological Society
Archie, who hatched in 2020 while the penguin center was closed to the public, was the first king penguin hatched at the Zoo in more than 20 years. Betty, a macaroni penguin who hatched in 2021, was raised by adoptive rockhopper parents. Maximilian hatched in 2022. His egg was transferred from the Cincinnati Zoo to the Detroit Zoo, where he was raised by adoptive parents. MEET THE WADDLE Detroit Zoological Society | 7
8 | Detroit Zoological Society Study Finds Penguins Thrive Inside New Habitat POLAR PLUNGING INTOPENGUIN WELL-BEING
While the Polk Penguin Conservation Center was closed for repairs, the penguins who call this habitat home moved to the Detroit Zoo’s old Penguinarium. Staff with the DZS’s Center for Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare and Ethics (CZAAWE), which serves as a resource center for captive animal welfare knowledge, took this opportunity to study how penguins use both habitats and which environmental features help them thrive. CZAAWE staff and volunteers conducted more than 6,000 observations on individual penguins representing more than 550 hours of data to understand how habitat impacts the penguins’ well-being. During each check-in, CZAAWE staff and volunteers recorded several well-being indicators, including the penguins’ behavior, their location within the habitat and the features of the habitat they were using. The study reported the penguins continued to thrive inside the old Penguinarium, but they exhibited more positive and natural behaviors inside the new penguin center. Researchers observed that king penguins showed a more than tenfold increase in their time spent swimming in the Polk Penguin Conservation Center than in the old Penguinarium. They also spent less time in proximity to other species of penguins and engaged in less aggressive behavior. The macaronis, rockhoppers and gentoos relished their new nesting sites, spending more time engaging in nest-building behavior than they did in the old Penguinarium. The gentoos also began to utilize the elevated nesting sites inside the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, a feature they did not use in their previous habitat. The gentoo, king and chinstrap penguins all showed an overall greater diversity of behaviors in the new penguin center compared to the old Penguinarium. These trends suggest that increased space and environmental complexity benefit the well-being of the penguins who call the Detroit Zoo home. WHEN THE GUESTS ARE AWAY, THE PENGUINS WILL PLAY! When the Zoo was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, DZS staff observed the penguins taking a walk through Zoo grounds. Detroit Zoological Society | 9
10 | Detroit Zoological Society The DZS’s commitment to creating meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive goes far beyond the borders of the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center. Through our award-winning educational programs, we can reach learners of all ages and connect our community to the natural world around them. Day at the Zoo Program Brings Classrooms to the Zoo School funding is not always available to bring students to the Detroit Zoo. The Day at the Zoo (DATZ) program addresses this need by providing admission, a transportation stipend and an educational program for Michigan school groups with limited funds. Virtual learning options are also available for school groups that cannot physically visit the Zoo. With the help of generous donors, including those who have contributed to the David K. Page Fund, DATZ makes dreams come true for thousands of students each year. In 2022 alone, nearly 3,000 students and teachers experienced the Zoo through the DATZ program. “The Day at the Zoo program allows us to give back to classrooms with fewer resources and create opportunities for children of all backgrounds, along with their teachers, to explore all the Zoo has to offer,” says Diane Miller, vice president of educational programming. Nocturnal Adventures Give Back For families and individuals experiencing homelessness, a trip to the Detroit Zoo is unlikely COMMUNITY TO THE CONNECTING
Detroit Zoological Society | 11 to be a part of their upcoming plans. Luckily, the education staff at the Zoo has developed a program to change that. Since launching in 2018, the DZS’s Nocturnal Adventures Program has continued to partner with local homeless and domestic violence shelters to provide evenings of respite and enjoyment for families who otherwise would not be able to visit the Zoo. The Nocturnal Adventures program includes dinner, guided tours of animal habitats, s’mores around a campfire and a craft activity for families living in area shelters. The DZS also gave our community a chance to support those experiencing homelessness through Nocturnal Adventures. In 2022, individuals, families and groups could purchase tickets to enjoy their own Nocturnal Adventure event. Proceeds from these private events provided critical support to the visits from local shelters. Community Partnerships Guide Us In 2022, the DZS provided programming for 3,107 first-grade students and teachers in the Detroit Public Schools Community District, as well as 1,122 first-grade students and teachers from the Warren Consolidated Schools district. Both long-term district partnerships provide opportunities for young learners to engage with hands-on, immersive learning experiences that bring classroom content to life. “We love to work with our district partners,” says Dr. Claire Lannoye-Hall, director of education. “These partnerships allow us to expand our reach and create deeper connections within our community.” THE EDUCATION TEAM INTERACTED WITH 150,704 individuals IN 2022.
12 | Detroit Zoological Society DIVERSITY PAVING THE WAY FOR
Detroit Zoological Society | 13 Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to our diverse communities and audiences and that our staff and volunteers reflect the multicultural fabric that is the strength of southeast Michigan. Though we have always held these values, in 2022, we embarked on new partnerships and launched new programs to further our diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) goals. DZS Joins Sunflower Hidden Disabilities Program In November 2022, the DZS became the first zoo in Michigan to join the Sunflower Hidden Disabilities Program, amplifying its support for individuals living with hidden disabilities. Guests may now discretely indicate any needed support or assistance during their experience at the Zoo or Belle Isle Nature Center. DZS staff will in turn, and upon request, provide a Sunflower pin, lanyard or bracelet to guests to reaffirm that assistance is available whenever they need it. Sunflower Program officials estimate 80 percent of all disabilities are hidden – making the Sunflower an important, recognizable symbol to destigmatize hidden disabilities and offer support when needed. “The majority of the time, when we think about disability, we think about things we can see. But when hidden disabilities make up the majority, we don’t necessarily know when someone needs additional assistance, patience or understanding,” says Dr. De’Andrea Matthews, DZS vice president of diversity and community engagement. “With programs like the Sunflower Hidden Disabilities Program, we can enhance what we offer to the communities we serve.” KultureCity Keeps DZS Sensory Inclusive In 2019, the DZS became certified sensory inclusive through KultureCity. KultureCity’s certification process entailed staff and volunteers at both the Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center being trained on how to recognize guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensoryoverload situation. In 2022, we continued to build on our sensory inclusivity, with KultureCity bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and verbal cue cards. Weighted lap pads and strobe glasses are also available upon request. KultureCity bags are available at Customer Care and the Park Safety office, and the Zoo also has a dedicated sensory room available for those who may need a quieter and more secure space. “The DZS is always seeking to be inclusive and continue to improve how we give our guests with disabilities the best possible experience,” Matthews says.
14 | Detroit Zoological Society DZS Team Plants Trees Throughout Metro Detroit DZS team members have been rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty for a good cause. As part of our commitment to plant 2,000 trees at the Detroit Zoo, the Belle Isle Nature Center and throughout metro Detroit, we have partnered with local organizations and municipalities to further our reach, beautify the community and restore urban landscapes. So far, we have participated in numerous tree plantings throughout Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. “These plantings are a lot of work – and a lot of fun,” says Andy McDowell, DZS manager of sustainability. “The DZS has always been committed to environmental sustainability, and our team loves to give back to the community and make the world a greener place, one tree at a time.” GREENER FUTURE From eliminating single-use plastic bag and water bottle sales on our campuses to planting trees throughout metro Detroit, the DZS is always looking for ways to protect the environment, implement sustainable practices and advocate for a greener future. Here are just a few ways we worked toward this goal in 2022. A
Detroit Zoological Society | 15 Award Program Inspires the Next Generation In 2022, the DZS rewarded students who are making their schools – and the world – greener with GreenPrize. The GreenPrize Award Program is a sustainabilityfocused project that encourages student-led green programs and “Green Teams” – clubs focused on environmental sustainability – in schools. GreenPrize applicants developed and implemented a sustainable project in their school or community that could impact lasting change. A total of $4,500 in prize money was distributed among Green Teams at participating schools in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. “This program is a great opportunity to inspire the next generation of environmentalists,” McDowell says. “These kids came up with some great projects that will have a real impact. As GreenPrize grows, I know it will help us create positive change for animals and nature.” Zoo Restaurants Earn Prestigious Award The DZS, in partnership with its food and retail provider, SSA Group, announced in spring 2022 that Buddy’s Pizza and Table 28 are verified by the Green Restaurant Association (GRA) as 3 Star Certified Green Restaurants. The GRA is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to making restaurants more sustainable through rigorous standards. Our restaurants offer innovative recycling programs, vegan-friendly menu items, numerous eco-friendly products, utilize 100 percent LED lighting throughout the buildings and more. These innovations qualified us for the award. “This certification reflects our unified charge toward making our home here at DZS an industry leader in environmental sustainability,” says Michelle Hurley, general manager for SSA Group. “We’re excited to continue this mission in the years to come.” Permeable Pavers Lead the Way Guests at the Detroit Zoo can take a – literal – step toward sustainability. The DZS recently replaced the more-than-20,000square-foot pathway at the Arctic Ring of Life due to cracks and trip hazards caused by the age of the poured-in-place concrete. While the replacement was necessary, we took this as an opportunity to upgrade the pathway in a way that exemplifies our mission of healing nature. The new clay permeable paver system allows stormwater to flow through the joints into the ground below, which keeps stormwater from running off into the sewer and replenishes the groundwater supply. This new system both lasts longer than concrete and is better for the environment.
16 | Detroit Zoological Society Belle Isle Nature Center Reopens Following $2.5 Million Renovation BETTER THANEVER
Detroit Zoological Society | 17 The best thing on Belle Isle is back and better than ever. In September, the newly reimagined Belle Isle Nature Center, 176 Lakeside Dr., Detroit, reopened to the public after being closed for more than two years. Since its doors were shut in March 2020, the Nature Center, operated by the DZS, underwent a $2.5-million makeover. The center is now home to all-new exhibits and animal habitats designed to celebrate urban wildlife and highlight the intersection of humans, infrastructure and nature. “We are so proud of this new facility, and after more than two years of being closed, we have so many new and exciting things to explore,” says Amy Greene, nature centers director. “We’ve completely reimagined a new nature center that puts the focus on urban wildlife. Our intention is to reinforce the connections people have and the spaces they share with the nature that surrounds us. We want people to feel that nature is where we already are – we just have to notice and appreciate it.” Located on 5 acres at the northeastern tip of Belle Isle State Park in Detroit, the Belle Isle Nature Center offers unique educational, environmental and natural experiences that help connect people with urban nature. Highlights of the BY THE NUMBERS: Opening day attendance: 373 guests Total 2022 attendance: 20,577 guests Total programs and field trips: 237
18 | Detroit Zoological Society upgraded facility include an expanded mudpuppy habitat, a replica Detroit sewer tunnel and a pollinator area that allows guests to see how bumblebees experience their world. Since reopening, Greene says she has been overwhelmed by the positive feedback and interaction from the community. “It’s been amazing,” she says. “We have a commitment to the city of Detroit to deliver quality experiences, and I couldn’t be happier that we are back and able to deliver those experiences to our community.” The Belle Isle Nature Center is free for guests to attend and is open daily to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Leaders of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks and DZS have embarked on an exciting partnership, building off each other’s strengths to bring meaningful programming and educational resources to the residents of Macomb County and southeast Michigan. The partnership focuses on collaborating with local leaders, teachers and Macomb County residents to expand the educational components of nature and wildlife beyond the Detroit Zoo and the Metroparks. This collaboration, which was still in the planning phase as of 2022, will ultimately showcase the advantages of having these organizations in our backyards creating opportunities for communities to connect with nature. “As two beloved Metro Detroit organizations focused on meaningful experiences with nature, our partnership is uniquely positioned to enhance connections to wildlife and wild places, serve the community and invest in the residents of Macomb County,” says Dr. Hayley Murphy, DZS executive director and CEO. After months of collaboration and planning, both DZS and Metroparks leaders have a shared vision for future projects and are excited to share their plans with the communities they serve. “Together, the DZS and Metroparks will connect people to the natural world around them,” Murphy says. “We still have a ton of work ahead of us – luckily, we have an incredible and capable team leading the way.” Detroit Zoological Society | 19 NATURAL A PARTNERSHIP Detroit Zoological Society, Huron-Clinton Metroparks Team Up to Promote Outdoor Education in Macomb County
20 | Detroit Zoological Society NEW FRIENDS, NEW FACES
Detroit Zoological Society | 21 Sometimes a little bundle of joy arrives at the perfect time. For Japanese macaque and first-time mom Lynda, her bundle of joy arrived on Mother’s Day. Kota, a male Japanese macaque, was born in the early hours of May 8, 2022, to Lynda, a 21-year-old snow monkey born at the Detroit Zoo in 2001, and Haru, 9, who joined the Zoo in 2016. Since his birth, Kota — a Japanese name meaning happiness and good fortune — has continued to grow and thrive. He loves exploring his habitat, spending time with his mom and playing with his half-siblings, Hana, Jun and Umi. “We couldn’t have been happier to welcome Kota — especially on a day as special as Mother’s Day,” says Melissa Thueme, DZS mammal supervisor. “Lynda has been an excellent mom, and Kota is so curious and playful. We can’t wait to see how he will grow up.” Some things are all sugar, spice and everything nice. At least that’s the case for Ginger, a red panda who moved to the Holtzman Wildlife Foundation Red Panda Forest in December 2022. Since her arrival, animal care staff say they have fallen in love with her curious and playful personality. “She can be a little sassy,” says Sarah Allan, an animal care specialist who works closely with Ginger. “She’s also pretty brave.” Staff members aren’t the only ones enjoying Ginger’s company. Ravi, a male red panda, also gets along well with her. The two can often be seen lounging in their habitat’s high trees. A new species has found a home at the Zoo. Over the 2022 Fourth of July weekend, DZS staff welcomed two unrelated Allen’s swamp monkeys — Azizi and Pepper. Since moving to their new habitat inside the Zoo’s Asian Forest, the monkeys have been exploring their home and delighting guests. “They are both very inquisitive about people,” Thueme says. “They like to watch for people coming down the path. They really like interacting with the guests and sitting where the guests can see them.” Azizi and Pepper Kota Ginger
22 | Detroit Zoological Society In recognition of its dedication to continuing excellence, the Detroit Zoo was granted accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the U.S. and eight other countries, in September 2022. Founded in 1924, the AZA is a nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal well-being, education, science and recreation. The AZA only accredits institutions that meet the highest standards and are proven leaders in the care and conservation of wildlife and wild places. The Detroit Zoo has been continuously accredited by the organization since 1985. To be accredited, the Detroit Zoo underwent a thorough review to assure it has and will continue to meet rising standards. The accreditation process includes a detailed application and on-site inspection by a team of trained zoo and aquarium professionals. “We look forward to continuing to be accredited by the AZA for years to come,” says Executive Director and CEO Dr. Hayley Murphy. “We plan to continue to move forward and provide leadership in the areas of animal well-being, conservation, education, environmental sustainability, and diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.” Detroit Zoo Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums CONTINUING EXCELLENCE
Detroit Zoological Society | 23 Membership Highlights In 2022, the Detroit Zoo was visited by more than 1.2 million guests, and nearly half of those visits came from our dedicated members. We are so grateful to members for showing their support 365 days of the year! We are grateful for every contribution to support the DZS mission. In 2022, thousands of people, foundations and companies made gifts to advance animal well-being, conservation, sustainability and educational programs. Here are the numbers at a glance: DOESN’T BEGIN TO COVER OUR GRATITUDE THANK YOU 1,234,847 Total 2022 attendance 48,200 Total number of 2022 membership households 489,338 Total number of 2022 member visits General Support: Total contributions $4,585,692 Number of donors 2,122 Capital Projects: Total contributions $1,612,274 Number of donors 298 Programs and Endowments: Total contributions $3,306,556 Number of donors 49 BY THE NUMBERS: GENEROSITY MAKES A DIFFERENCE YOUR
24 | Detroit Zoological Society Our impact goes far beyond the Detroit Zoo’s 125 acres. Guided by our vision and values, the DZS conducts a wide array of field conservation activities that have brought back species from the brink of extinction, support local communities and help environments thrive. From red pandas in Nepal to piping plovers in the United States, we protect wild animals and their habitats on all seven continents. SAVING WILDLIFE AND WILD PLACES
Detroit Zoological Society | 25 The National Amphibian Conservation Center team participated in two field trips in summer 2022 to assist with Wyoming toad reintroductions and surveys. The Wyoming toad is considered extinct in the wild, and the DZS has been breeding Wyoming toads for more than 20 years as part of a captive rearing program. In that time, we have reintroduced more than 11,000 tadpoles and toads to their native habitats. “In 2022, our staff assisted with the tadpole release and found toads at all field locations we visited, a hopeful indication for the future of this species,” says Curator of Amphibians Mark Vassallo. Hopping Back From Extinction The DZS works with many Species Survival Plan Programs (SSPs) to ensure the health and sustainability of animal populations in human care. One such successful program is for Aruba Island rattlesnakes. Aruba Island rattlesnakes are native to a small area on the island of Aruba – making them the rarest rattlesnake in the world. In the wild, Arubas are threatened by human encroachment, the illegal pet trade and invasive snake species. In August 2022, we welcomed several newborn Arubas as part of the SSP, helping to increase the numbers of this critically endangered species. On May 23, 2022, the DZS received a perfectly timed surprise. A freshly hatched McCord’s box turtle (one of the most critically endangered species in the world) was discovered in a behind-the-scenes habitat at the Detroit Zoo on World Turtle Day. The hatchling, whose shell is the size of a half dollar, was a surprise to the animal care team, as the mother had hidden her egg – much like she would have in the wild. “McCord’s are native to the mountain streams of Asia and are tragically hunted for their meat and perceived medicinal properties,” says Curator of Reptiles Jeff Jundt. “These turtles are thought to be extinct in the wild, making the tiny wonder so important to the survival of its species.” A World Turtle Day Surprise Slithering Toward Conservation
26 | Detroit Zoological Society Blake Myers, a 13-year-old from Oxford, Michigan, is the DZS’s Mayor of Amphibiville. During his term, he has been a voice for amphibians, advocating for some of the world’s smallest animals on social media and beyond. Hear more from Blake and how he is inspiring the next generation of conservationists: As the Detroit Zoo Mayor of Amphibiville, my goal is simple: I want to be the voice of the amphibians. When I became mayor, I created a video series called “Amazing Amphibians” to educate and provide fun facts about many kinds of amphibians. This series currently has 12 episodes, and each covers a unique topic. While working on this series, I also started my first fundraiser with Hanson’s Running Shop as the Charity of the Month. We raised $701 for the amphibians, and a second time we raised $572. Fundraising was a great way to purchase two Japanese maple trees. These Japanese maple trees were recently installed in the Japanese giant salamander habitat, where you can see them now! I also went on my first field study with Curator of Amphibians Mark Vassallo to find salamanders in their natural habitat. The last two years have been incredible. I am thrilled to be mayor through 2024. Amphibians everywhere need our help. You can get involved in the conservation of amphibians, even as a kid! Examples include: learning about amphibians and spreading information about them, starting a fundraiser at school for the amphibians, and reducing pollution and waste by using reusable water bottles and putting trash and recyclables in appropriate containers. Finally, when you explore nature, leave it as you found it, so you don’t disrupt the natural habitat of the amphibians. Together, we can make a massive impact! THE MAYOR OF AMPHIBIVILLE A LETTER FROM
Detroit Zoological Society | 27 The DZS couldn’t be a leader in animal well-being, education, sustainability, conservation and community engagement without a few helping hands. Whether they are roaming throughout the Zoo educating our guests, tending to the gardens or helping out behind the scenes, our volunteers play a vital role in our mission of creating meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive. “I’m so grateful to each and every one of our volunteers,” says Crystal Bell, volunteer services manager. “They dedicate their valuable time – often all day long, multiple times a week – to support the Zoo and our mission. Their support is crucial.” THE GIFT OF TIME In 2022, a total of 1,493 volunteers generously contributed 44,479 hours of their time. A HELPING HAND
28 | Detroit Zoological Society By attending events hosted by the Detroit Zoo, you are directly supporting the DZS’s vision to be a force for positive change in a world where animals and nature are valued, understood and protected by all. Your event admission provides critical funding for conservation, animal well-being, education and environmental sustainability. Dinosauria Summer 2022 transported zoogoers back to the Mesozoic Era. For the first time since 2018, Dinosauria returned to a 3-acre trail inside the Zoo and featured replicas of prehistoric creatures. The immersive experience included fossil dig sites, a predator/prey experience and more than 30 life-like animatronic dinosaurs, including a 65-footlong brachiosaurus. Sunset at the Zoo For the DZS’s biggest fundraiser of the year, we invited guests to enjoy an evening like no other at the Detroit Zoo. With a theme of “Mission Possible,” Sunset at the Zoo encouraged guests to embrace our commitment to animals and nature as they were treated to delicious cuisine from dozens of local restaurants, delectable drinks, live entertainment and an auction filled with “zoonique” prizes. WILD TIMES Total Dinosauria attendance: 186,075 Total Sunset attendance: 1,772 Total $ raised: $725,786 AT THE DETROIT ZOO
Detroit Zoological Society | 29 GreenFest In 2022, we embraced our Green Journey by revamping the Zoo’s annual GreenFest event into a two-day sustainability festival. This weekend-long event encouraged guests to embrace sustainable practices through educational displays, hands-on activities, a sustainable market, yoga sessions, vegan food trucks, live music and more. Wild Lights Wild Lights celebrated a milestone anniversary in 2022. This event, presented by Strategic Staffing Solutions, rang in 10 consecutive years at the Zoo with more than 230 sculptures made of millions of twinkling lights. New features such as the Enchanted Trail, Toyland and Wild Lights Lodge lit the way for a bright future ahead. Total GreenFest attendance: 10,592 Total 2022 Wild Lights attendance: 121,091
30 | Detroit Zoological Society Great Ape Heart Project Finds Home in Detroit LOT A OFHEART
Detroit Zoological Society | 31 For decades, heart disease has been noted as the leading cause of death observed among great apes in zoos. Now, a group based at the Detroit Zoo is working to fight heart disease in animals such as gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans and bonobos. In early 2022, the Great Ape Heart Project (GAHP), a group of experts who provide a network of clinical, pathologic and research strategies to aid in understanding and treating cardiac disease in all ape species, moved its headquarters to the Detroit Zoo. Originally based at Zoo Atlanta, this collaborative project was founded to create a centralized database that analyzes cardiac data, generates reports and coordinates cardiac-related research. The move to Detroit was announced after Dr. Hayley Murphy, founder and director emeritus of the GAHP, was named the executive director and CEO of the DZS. Though formally established in 2010, the GAHP got its start much earlier. Together with cardiologist Dr. Ilana Kutinksy, Murphy created a Gorilla Cardiac Database in 2002. Eight years later, with the assistance of grant funding, the GAHP was officially born. “For more than a decade, the project has maintained a hub for researchers,” says Dr. Marietta Danforth, director of the GAHP. “Prior to this move, Detroit was like a second home for us because we had so many fruitful meetings here at the Zoo. It’s exciting to have it be our home base now.” For more information, visit greatapeheartproject.org.
32 | Detroit Zoological Society Generous donor support makes all the difference for the DZS. Everyone who visits our facilities, participates in a program or makes a gift helps the DZS fulfill our mission. Thank you for your generosity and your profound commitment to people, animals and nature. $25.5M Earned Revenue $12.2M Park Operations & Facilities $10.2M Animal Care $4.8M Administration $6.1M Guest Experience $3.8M Education Programs + Donated Services $2.0M Fundraising $0.9M Marketing $5.9M Capital Projects + Other $6.8M Contributions $15.0M Public Support $0.8M Other 53% 27% 22% 10% 13% 8% 4% 2% 13% 14% 31% 2% 2022 Financials 2022 TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE $48.1 MILLION 2022 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES $45.9 MILLION
Detroit Zoological Society | 33 The Detroit Zoological Society’s Board of Directors Lloyd A. Semple Chairperson Lynn Ford Alandt Mary Kay Crain Leslie Devereaux Edsel B. Ford II Allan D. Gilmour Richard Manoogian Edward Mardigian, Jr. Richard B. Platt Gail L. Warden Marilyn J. Way Jeffrey K. Willemain EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR’S ADVISORY COUNCIL Anthony F. Earley, Jr. Chair Stephen R. Polk Vice Chair Robert G. Riney Vice Chair John G. Sznewajs Treasurer Lloyd A. Semple Chair Emeritus Tonya Berry Denise Brooks-Williams Dr. William Conway Cynthia Ford Dr. Terry S. Harvill Alan Kalter Alan J. Kaufman Bonnie Larson Thomas Lewand, Jr. Denise J. Lewis Shawn Patterson Ismael Ahmed N. Charles Anderson Diane M. Banks Alisha R. Bell Andrew Blake Thomas C. Buhl Sharima Bulchak Beth Chappell Matthew P. Cullen Marvin Daitch Dr. Beth Daly Mark Douglas David E. Duprey Charles Ellis (Bishop) John Erb Jennifer M. Grieco Hassan Jaber Brandon Kolo Dr. Isaiah McKinnon Mario Morrow, Sr. Sandra Pierce Stuart Robbins Gino Roncelli James Rosenthal Rick Ruffner Dr. James Sawyer Shirley R. Stancato James Tate Joel D. Tauber Manny Torgow Marianne Vidershain Lawrence A. Wolfe N. Charles Anderson Sharima Bulchak Cynthia Ford Dr. Isaiah McKinnon Shirley R. Stancato Hayley W. Murphy, DVM, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Sabarras George, VP of Operations and Facilities and Chief Operating Officer Randi Hamilton, VP of Guest Experience, Communications and Marketing Diane Miller, VP of Education Jane Alessandrini, VP of Development Robert Schumaker, VP of Finance and Chief Financial Officer Toria Bradley, VP of Human Resources Dr. De’Andrea Matthews, NDCCDP, VP of Diversity and Community Engagement Mike Murray, VP of Life Sciences Ann Duncan, DVM, Associate VP of Life Sciences Amanda Hanlin, Ph.D., Chief of Staff COMMISSIONERS EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM
Igniting Positive Change for Animals and Nature 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd Royal Oak, MI 48067 248-541-5717 detroitzoo.org The DZS received an “exceptional” designation from Charity Navigator after earning a four-star rating for the 11th consecutive year for sound fiscal management. This designation places the DZS among only 5 percent of more than 8,000 charities rated who have received five or more consecutive four-star ratings.
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