COLUMBUS ZOOLOGICAL PARK ASSOCIATION
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Mission Statement
Founded in 1927, with a small menagerie of donated animals, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium gained international recognition and stature with the 1956 birth of Colo, the world’s first gorilla born under zoo care. Today, the Zoo is a nationally and internationally acclaimed conservation center, housing more than 10,200 animals representing over 570 species, 38 of which are classified as endangered or threatened.
About This Cause
MISSION STATEMENT To lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife In addition to its role as a global conservation leader, the Zoo is a renowned year-round educational and recreational facility for visitors of all ages, backgrounds and experiences – attracting 2.2 million visitors annually with a membership base representing nearly 73,000 households. The Zoo resides on 580 acres consisting of five (soon to be six) zoogeographic parks, a waterpark and a golf course – making it one of the fastest growing zoos in the world and the third largest municipally affiliated zoo in North America. The Zoo is ranked as the number one zoo in America by USA Travel Guide and as a four-star charity by Charity Navigator. CURRENT PROGRAMS In working toward our mission to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife, there are three commitments that we prioritize: education, conservation, and caring for our animals. Animals As one of 223 national institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Zoo prides itself on being an innovator in animal management and husbandry. The Zoo is home to more than 570 species, 38 of which are classified as endangered or threatened. Having such a diverse animal population is a huge asset to our conservation and education initiatives, and it allows our staff to understand the biology and behavior of each species so we can all work toward preserving them for future generations. Also, to ensure that our animals are both happy and healthy, the Zoo provides access to top-notch veterinary care and a variety of enrichment programs. Conservation The Zoo is a leader in field conservation, allocating $1 million each year to support international wildlife and ecosystem projects throughout 30 countries. These funds are divided between the Zoo’s Conservation Grants Program, which awards approximately 70 grants per year; and Partners in Conservation, a collaborative partnership between Zoo experts and people living in Central Africa to holistically address conservation issues impacting the region. The Zoo also participates in the North American Species Survival Plan (SSP) which strives to maintain healthy, self-sustaining zoological populations of endangered species. Education The Zoo’s late visionary leader, Jeff Swanagan, coined the phrase “touch the heart to teach the mind,” which is the foundation of our educational programming. By investing in outreach programs, field trips, development opportunities, educator training and more, the Zoo is able to educate 250,000 children and adults on average each year. And, as we inform the public about conservation issues, we believe it’s important for emotional connections to be formed between people and animals. Whether it’s from petting a two-toed sloth in Animal Encounters Village, looking into the eyes of a gorilla or watching tigers wrestle and play, appreciating and relating to an animal is the first step in caring about the challenges it faces in the wild.