Annual Report •2017•

FROM THE CHAIRMAN & PRESIDENTAs we reflect on 2017, we think of the many achievements your Akron Zoo enjoyed over the past year. Some of the 2017 highlights include:

• Welcoming 416,942 guests, setting a new attendance record.

• Opening Curious Creatures on June 3, 2017. This new exhibit features many unique creatures and an educational focus on climate science and biomimicry.

• Participation in thirteen field conservation programs both locally and globally.

• Managing two citizen science programs right here in Summit County.

• Increased participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Saving Animals From Extinction (S.A.F.E.) program through the VaquitaCPR initiative to save the last 30 vaquitas, a small porpoise, in the Gulf of California. The initiative united the Akron Zoo, other AZA accredited facilities from around the world, the United States Navy and the Mexican government to try to pull this important species back from the brink of extinction.

The Akron Zoo’s mission to connect your life to wildlife through lifelong learning and conservation action is central to who we are and how we engage with our community. In 2017, we expanded our formal education programming through grant funding to impact more local students, reaching a total of 46,545 learners through 756 education programs. Thanks to the generosity of Kay Jewelers, every 5th grade class in Akron Public Schools (5,124 students) received a science-based program in the classroom and also enjoyed a class trip to the zoo to reinforce the lessons taught in the classroom. Through funding from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, the zoo partnered with the National Inventors Hall of Fame Middle School in an Enrichment Challenge.

Fifth-grade students were asked to create new enrichment items for the animals. This STEM problem-based learning experience demonstrated some new and unique ideas.

This year we also completed an economic impact study for the first time, to examine the economic impact of the Akron Zoo on the greater Summit County community. The results show, Akron Zoo has generated economic activity and fiscal benefits of over $407 million across Summit County from between 2011 and 2016! In other words, every dollar of public support invested in the Akron Zoo has generated eight dollars in economic impact for our community.

Thanks to the support of voters, donors, sponsors, foundations, corporations, members, zoo friends and volunteers, your Akron Zoo is able to serve our community with an affordable, family-friendly experience that provides top-notch, science-based education programs, while participating in conservation efforts to truly make a positive difference for wildlife and wild places. The zoo is a wonderful place to connect your life to wildlife and spend quality time with family and friends. Visit us in 2018 and enjoy one of our special events or participate in an education program. We sincerely hope to see you at YOUR Akron Zoo!

Sincerely,

James F. Snider II Douglas M. PiekarzChairman, Board of Directors President & CEO

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WELCOMING GUESTSThe Akron Zoo offers Guest Appreciation Days to make the zoo accessible to everyone who wants to enjoy a day with wildlife. Two of our biggest days are Martin Luther King Day and Presidents’ Day. In 2017 we welcomed 10,181 guests during those events.

The zoo became only the second zoo in the country and the first zoo in Ohio to become sensory inclusive certified by KultureCity. The achievement happened because the zoo committed to making the park accessible to everyone by adding quiet zones, a guest comfort station and providing sensory friendly bags for guests who may need them (pictured right). The effort required comprehensive training of all staff on how to help guests with sensory sensitivities.

RECORD BREAKING ATTENDANCE

New attendance record for the year

416,942 guests

New event record Wild Lights

26,151 guests

New single-day record Boo at the Zoo

8,196 guests

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ANIMALS & HABITATSCurious Creatures Naked mole rats and electric eels (pictured left) joined the Akron Zoo in June as part of the new exhibit, Curious Creatures. Guests venture through this exhibit to see unique plants and animals and witness their out-of-the-ordinary adaptations. Unique hunting styles and color-changing abilities are just a few of the exciting and strange abilities these curious creatures have!

New FacesBesides the new species and individuals the zoo welcomed for Curious Creatures, we also said hello to a few others including Bandar, a male Sumatran tiger who arrived in October from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Biru, a male red panda, Padar, a male Komodo dragon, Scruffy, a female sun bear and four Humboldt penguins all arrived at the zoo during 2017.

Golden Lion TamarinThe Akron Zoo in partnership with Clear Choice Laser Center, Cleveland Eye Clinic and Great Lakes Veterinary Specialists teamed up to perform cataract surgery on Ana, our female golden lion tamarin. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first time cataract surgery has been successfully performed on a small primate like Ana.

Animal Type Species Total IndividualsTerrestrial Invertebrates 6 720

Aquatic Invertebrates 63 365 (includes animals such as true corals, soft corals, anemones and zooanthids)

Fish 37 303

Amphibians 11 57

Reptiles 21 49

Birds 66 236

Mammals 39 727

Totals 243 2,457

The Zoo Family

The Akron Zoo participates in 48 AZA Species Survival Plans focused on saving endangered species from extinction.

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CONSERVATION & SUSTAINABILITY

In 2017, $40,410 was donated by our friends and members to support Akron Zoo’s Conservation efforts. The zoo invested $29,710 in field conservation to support the efforts to save species from extinction.

Field ConservationThe Akron Zoo’s Conservation Fund is dedicated to supporting field conservation to help save endangered species and the ecosystems on which they depend. Specific field work supported by the conservation fund include activities such as:

• The vaquita, a small porpoise, is one of the most critically endangered species with only 30 individuals left in the wild. The Akron Zoo and its chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers teamed up with many other accredited zoos and aquariums and conservation organizations to help fund a rescue effort to save the last remaining individuals. Funds were used to build sea pens to safely house the vaquita and to raise awareness about this conservation crisis.

• Support for monitoring activities, allowed the Snow Leopard Trust to provide GPS collars for three snow leopards. One of the new collared snow leopards led the team to an active den where they collected important data on the mother and cubs.

• Donations to the Tiger Conservation Campaign supported efforts to reduce tiger-human conflict and illegal encroachment.

The campaign was also able to remove 159 snare traps and investigated eight tiger trade networks, resulting in the arrest of 12 tiger traders.

• Purchased survey supplies and educational materials for a study being conducted by the Endangered Wolf Center and master’s student Lauren Toivonen on red wolves. The studies include “Red Wolf Habitat Suitability Assessment” and “Education Effectiveness Survey.”

• The Akron Zoo donated a portion of admissions from one week to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Hurricane Relief Fund The AZA Hurricane Relief Fund exists to help AZA-accredited organizations recover from the effects of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma which hit Texas and Florida in 2017.

Telling the StoryIn May, Akron Zoo held the inaugural Hope for the Wild event, sponsored by the Leiden Conservation Foundation, to support Akron Zoo’s global conservation efforts and Rebuilding the Pride. Guy Western, a conservationist in Kenya and founder of Rebuilding the Pride shared his work in helping the lion population to thrive in Kenya. Thanks to Rebuilding the Pride, the lion population around Kenya’s Olkirmatian and Shompole ranches has rebounded from 10 to the recent estimate of 70. From the Hope for the Wild event, nearly $4,000 was donated to assist the Rebuilding the Pride program.

Continued on next page.

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CONNECTING YOUR LIFE TO WILDLIFE The Education Department continues to increase the number of people we reach with the zoo’s mission – 46,545 individuals were connected to wildlife through 756 science-based conservation education programs.

In 2017, we presented:

• 355 ZooMobile Programs serving 33,579 people

• Served 3,700 people through 128 On-Grounds Programs

• 128 ZooCamp programs engaged 714 children, ages 2-14 with activities in STEM and biomimicry

• 620 scouts and families spent the night at the zoo during Snooze at the Zoo programs

• The Wild World Animal Show connected 6,809 guests with our animal ambassadors and conservation messages.

Conservation & Sustainability continued.

2017 Conservation ProgramsAZP Conservation Speakers ProgramAkron Zoo/Hiram College/ Sylvan Heights PartnershipAssociation of Zoos and Aquariums’ Hurricane Relief Fund Audubon Christmas and Summer Bird Counts Conservation Breeding Specialist GroupEndangered Wolf Center

Environ - White-Winged Wood Duck Study, India Florida Aquarium Coral Study (Conservation of Reef Life) FrogWatch USA Instituto de Pesquisas Ecologicas (IPE)Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group Medina Raptor CenterRebuilding the Pride

Red Panda NetworkRed Wolf CoalitionSnow Leopard Trust St. Louis Zoo WildCare Institute (Humboldt penguin conservation)Tiger Conservation Campaign Turtle Survival Alliance VaquitaCPR (Conservation, Protection, and Recovery)Wildlife SOS

In 2017, the Akron Zoo Conservation Fund supported 21 conservation and recovery projects on four continents, encompassing a variety of ecosystems and species.

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Café Stays GreenThe zoo’s Food Service Team renewed the 4-star green restaurant certification for Komodo Kingdom Café and expanded its sustainability products by switching to Vegware compostable, plant-based tableware. The café also started the process of switching to products containing only sustainable palm oil, an effort that will help save rainforest ecosystems.

Corn BagsIn an effort to eliminate plastic bags, the Gift Shop Team replaced them with a biodegradable bag made from corn. To further these efforts, the Marketing Team used these corn based bags as well as reusable gift bags during Boo at the Zoo, greatly reducing the use of plastic bags by trick-or-treaters.

OUR CLOSEST FRIENDS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

We truly appreciate the generous support and commitment of our community. Because of the support from individuals, groups, corporations and foundations the Akron Zoo can accomplish its mission and be a leader in animal welfare, conservation, education, while also providing a top-notch guest experience.

Our MembersOur members are some of our biggest supporters and we experienced record growth with 11,855 member households in 2017.

Our DonorsThe zoo continues to raise funds to help support our mission and future capital projects. In 2017, more than $974,747 was raised with $483,448 to specifically support our capital projects. Over $98,172 was provided by individuals, companies, and foundations for education initiatives and $393,126 for the Akron Zoo’s Animal Fund. Annual support provides critical funding for us to fulfill our mission to nurture respect and appreciation for the natural world.

Because of the support of Summit County residents through a levy, the zoo is able to provide exceptional animal care and welfare, build new habitats for endangered species, present quality science-based education programs and serve our community through a variety of programs and partnerships.

Our VolunteersOur EdZoocator volunteer program consists of 130 adults dedicated to making the zoo a wonderful guest experience and leader in conservation education. The EdZoocators participate in special events, education programs and guest services. Many of them enjoy roaming the park answering guests’ questions and providing interesting information about the animals and our conservation efforts.

These amazing volunteers contributed 13,360 hours in 2017. That’s a savings of $286,572!

We had 541 outside volunteers contribute 1,623 hours for Boo at the Zoo! That is more than double the amount of individuals and hours compared to 2016. The Horticulture Team hosted 10 corporate volunteer groups for a total of 30 hours and 10 completed projects. That translates to $35,457 in community support. These passionate individuals make it possible for us to achieve our mission.

Our teen volunteer program, Jr. Interpreters, make a key contribution to the zoo’s success. Our Jr. Interpreters assist with birthday parties, education programs and man the Learning Lab during the busy summer months. Once again, an outstanding teen was recognized by the Akron Optimist Club. This is the 4th year in a row that our program has been honored. In 2017 we had 26 teens volunteering 4,396 hours saving the zoo $94,294!

Rounding Up

In 2017, the zoo’s roundup donation program hit $250,000 since its inception in 2009. In 2017 alone, we raised more than $40,000 in support of the

program. The donation roundup program is proof that small gifts add up to make a big difference.

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Over $125,000Ohio Environmental Protection Agency

$50,000-$125,000Mr. and Mrs. Thomas KoutnikRobert O. & Annamae Orr Family FoundationThe June D. Kitarich Living Trust

$20,000-$49,999Mr. Lawrence C. Best

$10,000-$19,999Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bevilacqua CPALehner Family FoundationJohn A. McAlonan Fund of Akron Community FoundationOMNOVA Solutions Foundation

$2,500-$9,999Mr. Roger G. Berk and Ms. Ellen TschappatKenneth L. Calhoun Charitable TrustLinda and Jeff CrissMrs. Sandra DelariaMary and Dr. George L. Demetros Charitable TrustPamela and Adam HoltzThe R.C. Musson and Katharine M. Charitable FoundationGertrude F. Orr Trust Advised Fund of Akron Community FoundationThe Joan M. and Louis B. Perry Family FoundationDoug and Kim PiekarzMellissa and Randy ReedSisler McFawn FoundationTaylor Oswald LLCMrs. and Mr. Elizabeth VoudourisPat and Mark Waickman

Mr. and Mrs. Charles WaltonThe Welty Family Foundation

$2,499 and underBuckingham, Doolittle & BurroughsLisle M. Buckingham Endowment Fund of Akron Community FoundationEmbracing FuturesMr. and Mrs. James G. FidlerHillier Family FoundationMs. Carol A. HulsemannMrs. Susan KruderMs. Sandy LowryMr. and Mrs. David OttoSandi and Scot PhillipsMaynard Family FoundationCharles E. and Mabel M. Ritchie Memorial FoundationLloyd L. & Louise K. Smith Memorial Foundation

Sikich, LLPMr. and Mrs. James F. Snider IIMike and Mary StarkDr. and Mrs. Wes Van FossenMrs. Sophia L. Veillette

Michael R. Beck, Jr.Paul and Kimberely BednarikMr. and Mrs. Robert BerkMr. Roger G. Berk and Ms. Ellen TschappatMr. Lawrence C. BestMr. and Mrs. Frank Bevilacqua CPADavid and Ann BrennanMrs. Linda BuchholzerMaxene D. DarrahMrs. Sandra Delaria

Mr. and Mrs. James G. FidlerDr. and Mrs. Barry J. GreenbergMs. Carol A. HulsemannJune D. KitarichMrs. Cynthia K. KnightMs. Darlene KosarMr. and Mrs. Thomas KoutnikTom and Kathleen LeidenMr. and Mrs. Robert LittmanMs. Orlene Makinson

Dennis MerittMs. Sue ModeralliLois M. NoraBrandy and Igor OlefirMs. Jeanne OttWave Reaume and Cheryl LemkeMr. and Mrs. Tony SantanaMrs. Faydelle SchottRoger J. Sherman Martha and Dale Simms Mr. and Mrs. John Slagter

Mr. and Mrs. James F. Snider IIMike and Mary StarkStuart Terrass and Mary A. WeaverMargaret TribbyMs. Janet TussingNatalie Van Sickle Janet K. Walker Edward Wenhart Alan and Karen WilberMrs. Virginia Wojno-Forney

SPECIAL GIFTS2017 donors who made a gift or commitment to Akron Zoo capital projects.

WILD SOCIETYMembers have given a total of $10,000 or more to the Akron Zoo in any one given year or have expressed that they have established a living legacy by naming the zoo in their estate plans.

THANK YOU TO Our donorsSpecial EventsOur premier summer event - Summer Safari - presented by Lehner Family Foundation and Robert O. & Annamae Orr Family Foundation is the zoo’s largest annual fundraiser. In 2017, Honorary Chairs, Nick and Cindy Browning greeted around 500 guests who spent the evening dining on fine cuisine, meeting the zoo’s animal ambassadors up-close and bidding on fabulous silent auction items.

This enchanted evening raised $144,435 gross revenue to support the zoo’s mission.

Zoo guests went wild for a brand new event in August. Wild for Wine gave visitors the chance to snack on appetizers, sip on wine, and enjoy live music at the zoo. This new event is a creative way for the zoo to reach new audiences and offer special events for adults looking for a unique experience.

Our Closest Friends… continued

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$100,000 and OverCitizens of Summit CountyCity of Akron

$20,000 - $99,999The Grainger FoundationLehner Family FoundationTom and Kathleen LeidenRobert O. & Annamae Orr Family FoundationSignet Jewelers

$10,000-$19,999Acme Fresh MarketAkron Children’s HospitalDominion East Ohio Foundation

$5,000-$9,999AnonymousBath FitterBuckingham, Doolittle & BurroughsMr. and Mrs. James G. FidlerFirstEnergy FoundationHuntington National BankMacy’s Foundation Mr. and Mrs. James F. Snider IIWilliam Wallace Fund of Akron Community Foundation

$1,000-$4,999Mr. and Mrs. Dennis A. AntonAtNet Plus, Inc.BDO USA, LLPMr. and Mrs. Robert BerkMr. Roger G. Berk and Ms. Ellen TschappatMr. and Mrs. Frank Bevilacqua CPALucy & Emily Beasley Charitable TrustBetty V. and John M. Jacobson FoundationBridgestone Americas Trust FundBuckeye Corrugated, IncBuckeye Health PlanCardinal GroupCleveland Clinic Akron GeneralCopley Feed & SupplyCovelli Enterprises HeadquartersMr. and Mrs. James DeVoeFidelity CharitableGLMV Architecture, Inc.GPD GroupThe GreenhouseGutter Logic of Ohio LLCHasenstab Architects, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Joe HenningerHillier Family FoundationHylantInfinity from Marvin of Cleveland

Kohl’sMr. and Mrs. Thomas KoutnikMrs. Susan KruderMetroPCSMr. and Mrs. Donald MoulOhio State WaterproofingOhlin & Reed, Inc.Mr. Charles D. PowellDiane ReedRoetzel & AndressMr. and Mrs. Tony SantanaSikich, LLPSky ZoneThe Helen F. Stolier and Louis Stolier Family FoundationSumma Health SystemSummaCare, Inc.Superior Beverage GroupPatricia TaylorDr. and Mrs. Wes Van FossenMr. J. Darell VerburgMr. Donald J. WilliamsTaylor Oswald LLCTeamsters Local Union No. 507Thomas & Marker Construction Co.Unique Home Solutions of Ohio, LLC

$500-$999AnonymousAkrochem CorporationBell Music Company

CTF PartnersGary and Janice CuddyMrs. Sandra DelariaEnvironmental Design GroupFeth Family FoundationMr. and Mrs. David GeorgeMr. and Mrs. Robert GippinGOJO Industries, Inc.John and Christopher GlennPamela and Adam HoltzThe House of LaRoseMr. and Mrs. David KolyE. A. Mahoney Family FoundationMr. and Mrs. Stanley MarksMaynard Family FoundationMichelson Foundation Charitable TrustMorgan StanleyMr. and Mrs. David OttoDoug and Kim PiekarzMrs. Dana Pulk-DickinsonRedfinMr. and Mrs. John RohrerSchwab CharitableJohn and Barbara SteinhauerMr. and Mrs. Steve TaylorLinda and Robert TothWeitzel Family FoundationGary and Gail ZoldesyLaurie B. Zuckerman

ANIMAL FUND2017 donors contributing $500 or more to the Akron Zoo’s Annual Animal Fund

IN-KIND GIFTS OVER $1000

AA Executive Caterers, Inc.Acme Fresh Market CateringAmos Communications, Inc. Black Squirrel CookiesBradley’s CateringChef CultivatedChef Chris QuinnCitizens of Summit CountyCity of AkronCliff BarsCrazy But True Popcorn

Falls Wheel and Wrench Bike ShopGavin Scott Salon & SpaGiant EagleGOJO Industries, Inc.Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company FoundationHattie’s Food HubKen Stewart’s GrilleMetro Regional Transit Authority

Mr. and Mrs. William BuckeyeMr. Ronald J. ImbrognoOld Carolina Barbecue & Catering Co.PAVS Ice CreamPizza FireRetro DogRita’s Italian IceSaffron Patch of AkronSam’s Club

Signet JewelersSouthwest AirlinesStutler LeasingTangierThe Tasty Cupcake Co. Tomorrow’s Treasures Picture Framing & Art GalleryTotally CookedTRIAD Communications, Inc.WhiteSpace CreativeWild Republic

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Statement of financial Position

Total Revenues

Total Expenses

As of December 31, 2017 (unaudited)

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Cash and cash equivalents $21,476,804

Pledges receivable $810,461

Prepaid expenses and other assets $195,617

Inventories $93,029

Property and equipment, net $47,675,234

Total assets $70,251,145

Liabilities $2,272,433

Net assets $67,978,712

Total liabilities and net assets $70,251,145

ASSETS

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

1% Memberships

1% Pledges

9% Special Events & Fundraising

12% Admissions & Guest Services

5% Education

10% Special Events & Donations

12% Administration

6% Memberships

9% Guest Services

3% Services In-Kind

9% Concessions

3% Grants

10% Concessions

1% Interest

55% Animal Care &

Facilities/Grounds

29% County Tax

Levy – Operations

25% County Tax

Levy – Future Development

Board of DirectorsOfficersJames F. Snider II - ChairmanRobert M. Littman - Immediate Past ChairmanDoug Piekarz - President & CEOFrank Bevilacqua - Vice ChairSophia Veillette - TreasurerRobert DeJournett - Secretary

Operating boardTerry AlbaneseGregory BeanRobert BerkEren DemirayJames DeVoeJerry FeemanDavid A. GeorgeBarry GreenbergLeigh GreenfelderCarol HulsemannRonald KleinmanDavid KolyJane LitzPatrick McMahonWilliam MillerDonald MoulNancy RayMichele SantanaCarla SibleyJill Hinig SkapinJohn SlagterSteve TaylorEddie TaylorTom TeodosioLaShawn TerrellElizabeth VoudourisVirginia Wojno Forney

Akron Zoological Park

MISSIONWe connect your life to wildlife while inspiring lifelong learning and conservation action.

VISIONTo create excitement and stir passion in every visitor to become a champion of our natural world.

akronzoo.org

500 Edgewood Ave. | Akron, OH 44307 330-375-2550