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← ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF PHILADELPHIA

Form 990 for tax year 2023

Filed by ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF PHILADELPHIA.

Totals

Total revenue
$43,429,637
Total expenses
$42,203,101
Contributions and grants received
$18,728,272
Grants paid
$66,850
Program service revenue
$17,889,071
Investment income
$2,093,357
Other revenue
$4,718,937
Total assets, end of year
$126,969,495
Total liabilities, end of year
$15,151,941
Net assets or fund balances, end of year
$111,817,554
Program services expenses (Part IX)
$32,256,847
Management and general expenses
$7,279,314
Fundraising expenses
$2,666,940
Program service expenses (Part III)
$32,256,847

Program services were 76.4% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.

Line items

Every line the filer filed in Parts VIII, IX and X, as filed and in filed order. Blank columns are left out, and the lines are not forced to add up to the totals above.

Revenue

Part VIII, the statement of revenue.

  • 1c · Fundraising events

    $725,425

  • 1e · Government grants (contributions)

    $3,087,001

  • 1f · All other contributions, gifts and grants

    $14,915,846

  • 1g · Noncash contributions included above

    $12,111,737

  • 2a · Program service revenue: ADMISSION FEES

    total $11,323,940 · related or exempt $11,323,940

  • 2b · Program service revenue: MEMBERSHIPS

    total $6,323,009 · related or exempt $6,323,009

  • 2c · Program service revenue: EDUCATION PROGRAMS

    total $242,122 · related or exempt $242,122

  • 3 · Investment income

    total $1,934,663 · excluded $1,934,663

  • 5 · Royalties

    total $739,209 · excluded $739,209

  • 7a · Gross sales of assets other than inventory

    securities $6,314,000

  • 7b · Less cost or other basis and sales expenses

    securities $6,155,306

  • 7c · Gain or loss

    securities $158,694

  • 7d · Net gain or loss

    total $158,694 · excluded $158,694

  • 8a · Fundraising events: gross income

    $65,100

  • 8a · Fundraising events: contributions included on line 1c

    $725,425

  • 8b · Fundraising events: direct expenses

    $409,105

  • 8c · Net income from fundraising events

    total -$344,005 · excluded -$344,005

  • 11a · Other revenue: CONCESSIONS/PARKING

    total $3,145,360 · unrelated business $88,000 · excluded $3,057,360

  • 11b · Other revenue: RENTALS AND EVENTS

    total $1,023,481 · excluded $1,023,481

  • 11c · Other revenue: EMPLOYEE RETENTION TAX

    total $101,854 · excluded $101,854

  • 11d · All other revenue

    total $53,038 · excluded $53,038

  • 11e · Other revenue, total

    $4,323,733

Functional expenses

Part IX, the statement of functional expenses.

  • 1 · Grants to domestic organizations and governments

    total $64,000 · program services $64,000

  • 3 · Grants to foreign organizations and individuals

    total $2,850 · program services $2,850

  • 5 · Compensation of officers, directors and key employees

    total $1,270,738 · program services $647,716 · management and general $395,452 · fundraising $227,570

  • 7 · Other salaries and wages

    total $15,323,383 · program services $12,138,811 · management and general $1,828,710 · fundraising $1,355,862

  • 8 · Pension plan contributions

    total $460,788 · program services $365,025 · management and general $54,991 · fundraising $40,772

  • 9 · Other employee benefits

    total $2,801,308 · program services $2,202,897 · management and general $343,632 · fundraising $254,779

  • 10 · Payroll taxes

    total $1,304,825 · program services $1,033,651 · management and general $155,719 · fundraising $115,455

  • 11b · Fees: legal

    total $517,225 · program services $19,313 · management and general $492,912 · fundraising $5,000

  • 11c · Fees: accounting

    total $143,445 · management and general $143,445

  • 11d · Fees: lobbying

    total $96,179 · fundraising $96,179

  • 11f · Fees: investment management

    total $115,314 · management and general $115,314

  • 11g · Fees: other

    total $3,180,490 · program services $1,639,391 · management and general $1,234,978 · fundraising $306,121

  • 12 · Advertising and promotion

    total $1,494,732 · program services $759,153 · management and general $705,609 · fundraising $29,970

  • 13 · Office expenses

    total $2,248,672 · program services $1,834,113 · management and general $330,357 · fundraising $84,202

  • 14 · Information technology

    total $296,867 · program services $222,059 · management and general $47,088 · fundraising $27,720

  • 16 · Occupancy

    total $4,310,166 · program services $4,094,891 · management and general $172,417 · fundraising $42,858

  • 17 · Travel

    total $127,862 · program services $91,753 · management and general $29,998 · fundraising $6,111

  • 20 · Interest

    total $381,811 · program services $34,598 · management and general $347,213

  • 22 · Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    total $4,958,133 · program services $4,865,466 · management and general $84,401 · fundraising $8,266

  • 23 · Insurance

    total $932,597 · program services $880,592 · management and general $45,408 · fundraising $6,597

  • 24a · Other expenses: ANIMAL CARE

    total $578,990 · program services $578,990

  • 24b · Other expenses: CREDIT CARD FEES

    total $476,566 · management and general $470,236 · fundraising $6,330

  • 24c · Other expenses: SPECIAL PROGRAMS/EVENTS

    total $444,130 · program services $310,522 · management and general $81,380 · fundraising $52,228

  • 24d · Other expenses: PROJECT CANCELLATION

    total $222,728 · program services $222,728

  • 24e · All other expenses

    total $449,302 · program services $248,328 · management and general $200,054 · fundraising $920

Balance sheet

Part X, book values.

  • 1 · Cash, non-interest-bearing

    beginning of year $34,235 · end of year $0

  • 2 · Savings and temporary cash investments

    beginning of year $25,689,218 · end of year $16,972,448

  • 3 · Pledges and grants receivable

    beginning of year $2,501,306 · end of year $9,102,135

  • 4 · Accounts receivable

    beginning of year $389,900 · end of year $786,002

  • 9 · Prepaid expenses and deferred charges

    beginning of year $402,710 · end of year $1,271,837

  • 10a · Land, buildings and equipment: cost or other basis

    $193,073,575

  • 10b · Land, buildings and equipment: accumulated depreciation

    $137,237,288

  • 10c · Land, buildings and equipment, net

    beginning of year $53,842,453 · end of year $55,836,287

  • 11 · Investments: publicly traded securities

    beginning of year $38,207,227 · end of year $41,992,097

  • 12 · Investments: other securities

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 13 · Investments: program-related

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $0

  • 15 · Other assets

    beginning of year $784,580 · end of year $1,008,689

  • 17 · Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    beginning of year $3,351,073 · end of year $3,018,471

  • 19 · Deferred revenue

    beginning of year $452,308 · end of year $1,518,099

  • 20 · Tax-exempt bond liabilities

    beginning of year $3,336,809 · end of year $2,800,181

  • 23 · Secured mortgages and notes payable

    beginning of year $6,316,984 · end of year $6,112,190

  • 25 · Other liabilities

    beginning of year $1,557,775 · end of year $1,703,000

  • 27 · Net assets without donor restrictions

    beginning of year $84,691,000 · end of year $85,607,000

  • 28 · Net assets with donor restrictions

    beginning of year $22,145,680 · end of year $26,210,554

Mission and programs · 2023

Mission

PHILADELPHIA ZOO'S MISSION IS TO CONNECT PEOPLE WITH WILDLIFE, WHILE CREATING JOYFUL DISCOVERY AND INSPIRING ACTION FOR ANIMALS AND HABITATS.

Activities or mission (Part I)

CONNECTS PEOPLE WITH WILDLIFE AND CREATES DISCOVERY AND ACTION FOR ANIMALS/HABITATS.

  • EXHIBITS AND GARDEN CARE: PHILADELPHIA ZOO'S MISSION IS TO CONNECT PEOPLE WITH WILDLIFE, WHILE CREATING JOYFUL DISCOVERY AND INSPIRING ACTION FOR ANIMALS AND HABITATS. ACCREDITED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS, PHILADELPHIA ZOO, AMERICA'S FIRST ZOO, TYPICALLY WELCOMES MORE THAN 1 MILLION VISITORS EACH YEAR THROUGH ITS HISTORIC GATES.PHILADELPHIA ZOO HAS WORKED DILIGENTLY TO REIMAGINE AND TRANSFORM ITS CAMPUS AND THE OVERALL ZOO EXPERIENCE, WITH THE ADDITIONS OF AWARD-WINNING EXHIBITS SUCH AS THE PIONEERING ZOO360, KIDZOOU: HAMILTON FAMILY CHILDREN'S ZOO & FARIS FAMILY EDUCATION CENTER (KIDZOOU), MCNEIL AVIAN CENTER AND BIG CAT FALLS. (SEE SCHED O).OVER THE PAST DECADE, OTHER UPDATES EXHIBIT ENHANCEMENTS INCLUDE:ZOO360: ZOO360 IS AN INNOVATIVE, FIRST-IN-THE-WORLD SYSTEM OF SEE-THROUGH TRAILS PASSING THROUGH TREETOPS, CROSSING OVER PATHWAYS AND CONNECTING HABITATS, PROVIDING ANIMALS LIKE AMAZING BIG CATS, MAJESTIC PRIMATES AND MARVELOUS MEERKATS OPPORTUNITIES TO TRAVEL AND EXPLORE. ZOO360 OFFERS EXCITING AND ENRICHING EXPERIENCES FOR ANIMALS AND VISITORS ALIKE, TAKING THE ZOO EXPERIENCE TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL. ZOO360 BENEFITS ANIMAL BY OFFERING MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR LONG-DISTANCE TRAVEL, GREATER ENVIRONMENTAL VARIETY AND AN INCREASED ABILITY TO DETERMINE THEIR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHILE SIMILARLY ENHANCING THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE BY CREATING A MORE DYNAMIC ENGAGEMENT. ANIMALS ARE ON THE MOVE LIKE NEVER BEFORE AT PHILADELPHIA ZOO, NOW AS YOU MOVE AROUND THE ZOO, THE ZOO MOVES AROUND YOU.ZOO360 TRAILS LINK EXISTING HABITATS, SO ANIMALS WITH SIMILAR HABITAT REQUIREMENTS CAN UTILIZE EACH OTHER'S SPACES IN A TIME-SHARING SITUATION. ZOO360 IS ANOTHER FIRST AT PHILADELPHIA ZOO AND IN THE WORLD, AND SHOWCASES THE ZOO'S COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE IN ANIMAL CARE AND INSPIRING GUESTS TO CONSERVATION ACTION. KIDZOOU, HAMILTON FAMILY CHILDREN'S ZOO & FARIS FAMILY EDUCATION CENTER: AT THE HEART OF THE CAMPUS IS KIDZOOU: AN INDOOR-OUTDOOR WILDLIFE ACADEMY AND CHILDREN'S ZOO THAT BOASTS INTERACTIVE, EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES FOR THE YOUNGEST ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDS. KIDZOOU OFFERS DYNAMIC DISPLAYS, HANDS-ON LEARNING AND RARE AND UNUSUAL GOATS, SHEEP, CHICKENS AND DUCKS FOR TODDLERS AND TWEENS ALIKE. LOCATED ON THE SITE OF THE FORMER PACHYDERM HOUSE, KIDZOOU WAS DESIGNED WITH SPECIAL NEEDS COMMUNITIES IN MIND AND WITH THE INPUT OF EXPERTS FROM THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA'S CENTER FOR AUTISM RESEARCH, THE OVERBROOK SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND AND OTHERS. EXHIBITS FEATURE UNIVERSAL DESIGN ELEMENTS, SIGNAGE IN BRAILLE, SIGN LANGUAGE AND A PICTURE EXCHANGE SYSTEM FOR VERY YOUNG CHILDREN OR THOSE ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM, AS WELL AS AUDIO AND TACTILE ELEMENTS. THE SITE IS WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE AND BUILDINGS FEATURE POWER DOORS. AMENITIES ALSO INCLUDE ADOLESCENT-SIZE CHANGING TABLES IN FAMILY RESTROOMS.KIDZOOU IS LEED GOLD CERTIFIED AND UTILIZES ELEMENTS SUCH AS GEOTHERMAL WELLS FOR HEATING AND COOLING; DAYLIGHTING; RAIN WATER COLLECTION FOR USE AS GRAY WATER TO FLUSH THE PUBLIC TOILETS; RAIN GARDENS AND VEGETATED ROOFS TO REDUCE WATER RUNOFF INTO STORM DRAINS; BUILDING REUSE (RENOVATION OF THE FORMER PACHYDERM EXHIBIT); AND RECYCLED AND SALVAGE BUILDING MATERIALS.KIDZOOU HAS RECEIVED SEVERAL PRESTIGIOUS HONORS INCLUDING:-THE GROUNDBREAKER AWARD FROM THE DELAWARE VALLEY GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL-THE CONSTRUCTION AWARD FROM PRESERVATION PENNSYLVANIA-BEST NEW STORMWATER CONTROL MEASURE FROM TEMPLE/VILLANOVA SUSTAINABLE STORMWATER INITIATIVE-THE MAYOR'S COMMISSION ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES-THE GRAND JURY AWARD FROM THE PRESERVATION ALLIANCE FOR GREATER PHILADELPHIA-2014 EXHIBIT OF THE YEAR FROM ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS (AZA)MCNEIL AVIAN CENTER SHOWCASES LUSH WALK-THROUGH HABITATS, WHICH HOUSE OVER 100 RARE AND ENDANGERED BIRDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. NOTABLE FEATURES INCLUDE THE RAINFOREST, WHICH IMMERSES VISITORS IN COLOR AND SOUND AS THEY ARE SURROUNDED BY BIRD SPECIES, AND THE MULTI-SENSORY 4-D MIGRATION THEATER.BIG CAT FALLS OFFERS IS A STUNNING LANDSCAPE OF HABITATS WHERE GUESTS COME FACE-TO-FACE WITH ENDANGERED BIG CATS FROM AROUND THE WORLD, INCLUDING BEAUTIFUL SNOW LEOPARDS, PLAYFUL PUMAS, CRITICALLY-ENDANGERED AMUR TIGERS, AFRICAN LIONS, JAGUARS AND AMUR LEOPARDS AND MORE. BIG CATS MOVE FROM ONE EXHIBIT TO ANOTHER UTILIZING BIG CAT CROSSING, AN EXTENSION OF ZOO360 THAT CROSSES OVER THE MAIN VISITOR PATH STOPPING GUESTS IN THEIR TRACKS.OUTBACK OUTPOSTPHILADELPHIA ZOO'S AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK EXHIBIT LETS GUESTS EXPLORE THE LAND OF THE RED KANGAROO, THE WORLD'S LARGEST MARSUPIAL, AND THE EMU, THE SECOND TALLEST BIRD IN THE WORLD. VISITORS CAN TAKE AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY OF THE JOEY, SAY G'DAY TO A FEW OF AUSTRALIA'S GIANTS, AND JUMP INTO THE POUCH OF GIANT KANGAROO STATUE TO TAKE A SELFIE OR KICK BACK AND RELAX IN A NEW OUTDOOR SEATING AREA.WINGS OF THE WORLDREPLICATING A GARDEN, WINGS OF THE WORLD IS FILLED WITH COLOR, SOUND AND A SPECTACULAR COLLECTION OF UNIQUE BIRDS! THIS FREE FLIGHT AVIARY OFFERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAND-FEED AMAZING CREATURES, PROVIDING AN UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BIRDS ON THE PLANET.RAPTOR RIDGEHOME TO THE ZOO'S BALD EAGLES AND OWLS, TWO OF NORTH AMERICA'S MOST RECOGNIZABLE BIRDS OF PREY, RAPTOR RIDGE ALSO FEATURES WORK FROM LOCAL ARTISTS THAT ACCENTUATE THE EXHIBIT INCLUDING EXQUISITE BENCHES MADE WITH CHAINSAWS AND A 40-FOOT-LONG MURAL FEATURING PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES FOR GUESTS TO SOAR LIKE THE IMPRESSIVE BIRDS ILLUSTRATED IN THE ARTWORK.WATER IS LIFEA COMPLETE REDESIGN OF THE FORMER CARNIVORE KINGDOM EXHIBIT, WATER IS LIFE HIGHLIGHTS ONE OF THE PLANET'S MOST IMPORTANT RESOURCES AND SHOWCASES ITS ROLE IN SHELTER, NOURISHMENT, ANIMALS AND HUMANS. OFFERING TWO ZONES TO EXPLORE, RED PANDA PASS OFFERS A WINDING MAZE OF OVERHEAD BRIDGES AND OTTER FALLS, A NEW AQUATIC VERSION OF ZOO360, PROVIDES OVERSIZED SLIDES FOR GIANT RIVER OTTERS TO ENJOY.PENGUIN POINTANOTHER COMPLETE REDESIGN OF THE FORMER POLAR BEAR EXHIBIT, PENGUIN POINT IS HOME TO SIXTEEN OF THE ZOO'S MOST POPULAR RESIDENT-- HUMBOLDT PENGUINS. FEATURING AN OVERSIZED SWIMMING POOL AND ENORMOUS UNDERWATER VIEWING AREA FOR GUESTS PENGUIN POINT IS ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING EXHIBITS AT THE ZOO.LUMINATURE IS A FANTASTICAL, HOLIDAY-SEASON LIGHT EXPERIENCE THAT TRANSFORMED THE ZOO FROM ITS DAYTIME MAGIC INTO A WINTER WONDERLAND, TAKING GUESTS ON A MAGICAL JOURNEY OF LIGHTS, MUSIC, SOUNDS AND SURPRISES. LUMINATURE WAS AN ADVENTURE CREATED TO BRING THE JOY OF ANIMALS, NATURE AND THE HOLIDAY SEASON TOGETHER IN AN EXCITING AND BEAUTIFUL WAY.

    Expenses $21,514,056 · Revenue $17,646,949

  • ANIMAL CARE: PHILADELPHIA ZOO IS ONE OF FOREMOST CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS AND CURRENTLY HOME TO APPROXIMATELY 1,700 ANIMALS OF MORE THAN 240 DIFFERENT SPECIES. THROUGHOUT ITS HISTORY, PHILADELPHIA ZOO HAS PROVIDED EXCEPTIONAL CARE FOR ANIMALS WHILE EDUCATING AND INSPIRING GUESTS AND PARTICIPATING IN IN WORLDWIDE CONSERVATION EFFORTS. KNOWN FOR CONTINUED INNOVATION, COMMITMENT TO WILDLIFE, AND ACHIEVING LONGEVITY RECORDS, PHILADELPHIA ZOO IS A ZOO OF MANY FIRSTS. RANGING FROM HAVING THE FIRST ORANGUTAN AND CHIMPANZEE BORN IN THE U.S. IN THE 1920'S TO THE FIRST GIANT RIVER OTTER BORN IN THE U.S. IN 2004 TO THE CREATION OF ZOO360 A FIRST-IN-THE-WORLD ANIMAL TRAVEL AND EXPLORATION SYSTEM DEVELOPED IN 2011 AND NOW IMPLEMENTED IN MORE THAN 20 ZOOS ACROSS THE GLOBE, (SEE SCHED O).PHILADELPHIA ZOO, CONTINUES TO SET STANDARDS ACROSS THE INDUSTRY.PHILADELPHIA ZOO IS PART OF A GREATER MISSION TO CREATE NATIONAL ZOO CONSERVATION AND BREEDING PROGRAMS FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES. THE ZOO WORKS IN COOPERATION WITH OTHER ACCREDITED ZOOS IN NORTH AMERICA AND WORLDWIDE VIA THE SPECIES SURVIVAL PLAN (SSP), A COOPERATIVE EFFORT USED TO MANAGE AND BREED ENDANGERED AND OTHER ANIMAL SPECIES TO ENSURE HEALTHY, SELF-SUSTAINING GENETICALLY DIVERSE ANIMAL POPULATIONS. THESE BREEDING PROGRAMS SERVE AS SAFETY NETS FOR SPECIES THAT ARE THREATENED WITH EXTINCTION IN THE WILD.PHILADELPHIA ZOO CONTINUES TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS IN ALL AREAS OF ITS MISSION, OFFERING STATE-OF-THE-ART ANIMAL EXHIBITS AND HEALTH-CARE FACILITIES, AWARD-WINNING EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS, EXCEPTIONAL GUEST SERVICES, SCIENTIFIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS MAKING THIS HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT VENUE ONE OF THE MOST RENOWNED ZOOS IN THE WORLD.

    Expenses $8,006,122

  • EDUCATION, CONSERVATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMMING: DRIVEN BY A PASSION FOR PROMOTING ACTION THAT SUPPORTS WILDLIFE CONSERVATION, THE ZOO OFFERS A BROAD PORTFOLIO OF DYNAMIC EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS. AS THE REGION'S LARGEST LIVING CLASSROOM, THE ZOO OFFERS HANDS-ON, CURRICULUM-CONNECTED AND MISSION-FOCUSED ANIMAL EXPERIENCES TO THOUSANDS OF SCHOOLCHILDREN EACH YEAR. THROUGH THESE PROGRAMS, THE ZOO HELPS TO GROW THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDS, GIVING YOUNG PEOPLE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE THEIR NEW WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION KNOWLEDGE WITH THEIR COMMUNITIES. (SEE SCHED O).FIELD TRIPSNOT ONLY ARE FIELD TRIPS FUN, THEY IMMERSE STUDENTS IN THE WORLD'S WILDLIFE, BUILDING EMPATHY AND ENCOURAGING THEM TO MAKE SMALL CHANGES IN THEIR EVERYDAY LIFE THAT CAN HAVE AN IMPACT ON ANIMALS. A FIELD TRIP TO THE ZOO IS AN EXPERIENCE THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME.COMMUNITY ACCESS PROGRAM (CAP)IN PARTNERSHIP WITH INDIVIDUAL, CORPORATE, AND FOUNDATION DONORS THROUGHOUT OUR REGION, THE ZOO PROVIDES FREE VISITS AND ENGAGING LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES TO K-12 STUDENTS FROM TITLE I SCHOOLS ANNUALLY. BY COMMITTING TO PROVIDING ACCESS TO THE ZOO IN ECONOMICALLY DISTRESSED COMMUNITIES, THE ZOO HAS MADE FREE ZOO VISITS POSSIBLE FOR HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS FROM AROUND THE REGION.THE UNLESS CONTESTTHE ALBERT M. GREENFIELD UNLESS CONTEST CHALLENGES STUDENTS FROM K THROUGH 12 TO DEVELOP CREATIVE SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS THAT IMPACT WILDLIFE. STUDENTS ARE PRESENTED WITH A CHALLENGE TO ADDRESS, AND THEY WORK TO OBTAIN A SOLUTION THROUGH ADVOCACY. SINCE THE START OF UNLESS, THE CONTEST HAS ENGAGED THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS FROM MORE THAN 400 SCHOOLS ACROSS THE REGION, AND THEIR CAMPAIGNS ARE ESTIMATED TO HAVE REACHED MILLIONS.PHILLY ZOO TO YOUPHILLY ZOO TO YOU IS A WEB-BASED SUITE OF CROSS-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES THAT CONNECTS TEACHERS AND STUDENTS TO SCIENCE, NATURE, AND CONSERVATION. THESE VIRTUAL SCIENCE LEARNING OPTIONS K-4 GRADE STUDENTS ARE OFFERED AT NO COST TO FAMILIES AND TEACHERS.WILD CONNECTIONSWILD CONNECTIONS A COMPONENT OF PHILLY ZOO TO YOU, IS A 45-MINUTE CURRICULAR-FOCUSED PROGRAM THAT FEATURES LIVE ANIMALS ALONG WITH ZOO EXPERTS. EACH LIVE PROGRAM DIRECTLY CONNECTS PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT CLASSROOM TEACHERS AND THEIR STUDENTS WITH ZOO EDUCATORS, WHILE LEARNING CORE SCIENCE CONCEPTS THAT INTRODUCE OR REINFORCE STATE AND NATIONAL SCIENCE STANDARDS.NEIGHBORHOOD MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMTHE NEIGHBORHOOD MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM IS A FREE MEMBERSHIP TO THE ZOO AT THE FAMILY PLUS ($200) LEVEL FOR RESIDENTS OF MANTUA, EAST PARKSIDE, BELMONT, AND BREWERYTOWN. THIS MEMBERSHIP LEVEL INCLUDES UNLIMITED FREE ADMISSION FOR TWO ADULTS AND UP TO FOUR CHILDREN. THE GOAL IS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE CIVIC LIFE OF OUR REGION AND OUR NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES BY AMPLIFYING THE ZOO'S IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE, CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY, AND LIFELONG LEARNING THAT BEGINS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD.WEST PHILADELPHIA ZOO SCHOLARSBEGINNING IN 2022 TO REPLACE ZOO CREW, THE ZOO WILL SERVE UP TO 75 WEST PHILADELPHIA AREA STUDENTS FROM GRADES 10 THROUGH 12. FOR THREE YEARS, STUDENTS WILL BE IMMERSED IN THE SCIENCES THROUGH ACADEMIC AND EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AT THE ZOO. THE PROGRAM WILL PREPARE STUDENTS FOR CAREERS IN ZOOLOGICAL AND ANIMAL SCIENCES WITH AN EMPHASIS ON ZOOKEEPING, WILDLIFE CONSERVATION, AND VETERINARY SCIENCES. UPON HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION, STUDENTS PURSUING POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION IN STEM DISCIPLINES WILL CONTINUE RECEIVING GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT FROM THE PROGRAM INCLUDING PAID INTERNSHIPS. ONCE STUDENTS GRADUATE COLLEGE, THEY WILL HAVE MET THE NATIONAL STANDARD FOR ENTRY-LEVEL ZOOLOGICAL POSITIONS: A DEGREE IN ZOOLOGICAL OR ANIMAL SCIENCES, AND TWO YEARS OF WORK EXPERIENCE.THROUGH A SERIES OF FOCUSED EFFORTS, THE ZOO HAS DEFINED ITS ROLE AS A CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION WORKING TO SIGNIFICANTLY DEEPEN POSITIVE IMPACT ON WILDLIFE AND THE ENVIRONMENT. THE GREATEST OPPORTUNITY TO ACHIEVE CONSERVATION IMPACT IS THROUGH PARTNERING WITH THE MILLIONS OF DAY-TO-DAY GUESTS THAT VISIT ONSITE OR ONLINE; THE THOUSANDS OF SCHOOLCHILDREN INSPIRED EACH YEAR THROUGH VISITS AND OUTREACH; AND BY LEVERAGING ACCESS TO A DIVERSE GROUP OF LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS WHO SHARE COMMITMENT TO MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE FOR PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE.THE ZOO HAS ADOPTED AN ACTION-ORIENTED VISION FOR OUR CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION EFFORTS, DEDICATING RESOURCES TO IMPLEMENTING PROGRAMMING TO ENGAGE OUR ONSITE AUDIENCES AND OUR COMMUNITY IN DIRECT CONSERVATION ACTION. OUR PROGRAM IS DESIGNED AROUND A THEORY OF CHANGE. OUR CHANGE FRAMEWORK LEVERAGES THE EMPATHETIC CONNECTION GUESTS MAKE WITH ANIMALS AT THE ZOO AND BY SHARING TOOLS THAT EMPOWER EVERYONE TO TAKE ACTION IN THEIR DAILY LIVES, PEOPLE WHO CONNECT WITH THE ZOO WILL MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE BY BECOMING CONSERVATION-MINDED, CIVICALLY ENGAGED ADVOCATES FOR WILDLIFE AND HABITAT.PHILADELPHIA ZOO WORKS TO ENGAGE VISITORS ABOUT THE POSITIVE CORRELATION BETWEEN REDUCING CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS AND CONSERVING THE PLANET'S WILDLIFE POPULATION. ENERGY USE AND FOREST LOSS ARE THE LEADING GLOBAL SOURCES OF CARBON EMISSIONS WHICH ARE ALREADY CHANGING THE CLIMATE AND THREATENING THE SURVIVAL OF MANY ENDANGERED SPECIES. MIGRATORY PATTERNS OF BIRDS AND POLLINATORS LIKE BUTTERFLIES AND BEES ARE DISRUPTED, RAINFALL CHANGES ARE IMPACTING THE MOIST CONDITIONS NECESSARY FOR SPECIES LIKE FROGS TO BREED, RISING OCEAN TEMPERATURES ARE JEOPARDIZING ENTIRE FOOD CHAINS AND CONTINUED LOSS OF FOREST COULD LEAD TO ORANGUTAN EXTINCTION BY 2050.THE ZOO IS COMMITTED TO REDUCING THE IMPACTS OF A CHANGING CLIMATE ON WILDLIFE HERE AND AROUND THE WORLD. EVERYDAY CHOICES AROUND SAVING ELECTRICITY, CONSERVING WATER, AND RECYCLING, ALONG WITH ADVOCATING FOR THE PROTECTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES LIKE FORESTS, CAN HELP WILDLIFE AND THE ENVIRONMENT. EVERY CONNECTION WITH THE ZOO IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GUESTS TO CONNECT WITH WILDLIFE AND BE INSPIRED TO CONSERVATION ACTION.ZOO STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS ENGAGE IN CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:ENDANGERED SPECIES BREEDING PROGRAMS: NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE-BASED COOPERATIVE ZOO BREEDING PROGRAMS, SOME LED BY PHILADELPHIA ZOO STAFF, SERVE AS A SAFETY NET FOR SPECIES THREATENED WITH EXTINCTION IN THE WILD.EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING: ZOO STAFF DEPLOYS A BROAD RANGE OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND INTERPRETATION TO PROMOTE DISCOVERY, UNDERSTANDING, AND STEWARDSHIP OF THE NATURAL WORLD.INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION: THE ZOO SUPPORTS, DEVELOPS, AND CONDUCTS PROJECTS THAT PROTECT WILDLIFE AND WILD PLACES.LOCAL CONSERVATION: STAFF WORK WITH ORGANIZATIONS AND AGENCIES TO EXCHANGE EXPERTISE AND RESOURCES, IMPLEMENT CONSERVATION PROJECTS, PROVIDE TRAINING AND FIELD EXPERIENCE, AND COMMUNICATE INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS ACTIVITIES.GREEN PRACTICES: THE ZOO IS INCREASINGLY FOCUSED ON REDUCING ITS ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT THROUGH SUSTAINABLE OPERATING PRACTICES. KIDZOOU WAS DESIGNED TO INCORPORATE 'GREEN' ELEMENTS SUCH AS GEOTHERMAL WELLS FOR HEATING AND COOLING, DAYLIGHTING, AND ROOF RAINWATER COLLECTION FOR USE AS GRAY WATER TO FLUSH THE PUBLIC TOILETS. RAIN GARDENS REDUCE WATER RUNOFF INTO STORM DRAINS. STABLES FOR DOMESTIC LIVESTOCK FEATURE GREEN ROOFS AND ARE BUILT WITH RECOVERED WOOD. MOVING FORWARD EACH NEW OR REFURBISHED EXHIBIT WILL INCORPORATE GREEN ELEMENTS IN ITS BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE AND UTILIZE SUSTAINABLE OPERATING PRACTICES.

    Expenses $2,736,669 · Grants $66,850 · Revenue $242,122

As filed on the 2023 return. The filer continues this part on Schedule O, which is not shown here.

Listed in Part VII

  • Joanna M Lewis

    CHAIR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    10
  • John A Ginter

    VICE CHAIR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    4
  • Zachary Klehr

    VICE CHAIR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    4
  • John Walsh

    VICE CHAIR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    4
  • Michael Pearson

    VICE CHAIR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    4
  • Ed Brassel

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Micheal Diberardinis

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Brian Di Sabatino

    DIRECTOR (AS OF 06/23)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Cynthia Figueroa

    DIRECTOR (AS OF 06/23)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Joel Frank

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • John Fry

    DIRECTOR (AS OF 09/23)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Robb Fox

    DIRECTOR (AS OF 06/23)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Anthony Gay

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Peter G Gould

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Carole Haas Gravano

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Nathaniel P Hamilton Jr

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Andrew Hoffman

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Susan Hollenstein

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Martha King

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Rachel Luber-Cevera

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Christoper Luning

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • William McNabb

    DIRECTOR (AS OF 06/23)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Patricia Owens

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Dale Prestipino

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Caroline Buck Rogers

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Marcy Feldman Rost

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Barbara Smit

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Andrew Smith

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Sam Whitaker

    DIRECTOR (AS OF 06/23)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Sally West Williams

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Phoebe Wetzel

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Lisa Bonnell

    DIRECTOR (THRU 06/23)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Diana Ramsay

    DIRECTOR (THRU 06/23)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Paul D Ridder

    DIRECTOR (THRU 06/23)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Jay H Calvert Jr

    DIRECTOR (THRU 09/23)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • George Day

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Omar Blaik

    DIRECTOR (THRU 12/23)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Ramon Kemp

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2
  • Vikram Dewan

    PRESIDENT AND CEO (THRU 10/23)

    Total calculated
    $583,789
    From this org
    $563,295
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $20,494
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $392,295
    Bonus
    $165,000
    Other
    $6,000
    Deferred
    $15,098
    Nontaxable benefits
    $5,396
    Filer's total
    $583,789
  • Jo-Elle Mogerman

    PRESIDENT AND CEO (AS OF 10/23)

    Total calculated
    $84,780
    From this org
    $78,003
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $6,777
    Hours/week
    40
  • Laurette Pitts

    CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

    Total calculated
    $244,631
    From this org
    $229,440
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $15,191
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $228,498
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $942
    Deferred
    $11,852
    Nontaxable benefits
    $3,339
    Filer's total
    $244,631
  • Kristen Waldron

    CHIEF OF STAFF

    Total calculated
    $149,533
    From this org
    $133,445
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $16,088
    Hours/week
    40
  • Neil Vincent Batiancila

    CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

    Total calculated
    $278,224
    From this org
    $263,505
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $14,719
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $262,563
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $942
    Deferred
    $11,380
    Nontaxable benefits
    $3,339
    Filer's total
    $278,224
  • Amy Shearer

    CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

    Total calculated
    $291,688
    From this org
    $278,348
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $13,340
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $277,406
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $942
    Deferred
    $13,340
    Nontaxable benefits
    $0
    Filer's total
    $291,688
  • Rachel Metz

    VP, ANIMAL WELL BEING

    Total calculated
    $190,855
    From this org
    $180,630
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $10,225
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $179,782
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $848
    Deferred
    $9,082
    Nontaxable benefits
    $1,143
    Filer's total
    $190,855
  • Julie Good

    VP, FACILITIES

    Total calculated
    $162,404
    From this org
    $151,285
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $11,119
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $150,513
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $772
    Deferred
    $7,780
    Nontaxable benefits
    $3,339
    Filer's total
    $162,404
  • Cara Treadway

    VP, GUEST ENGAGEMENT

    Total calculated
    $170,339
    From this org
    $166,191
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $4,148
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $165,343
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $848
    Deferred
    $1,346
    Nontaxable benefits
    $2,802
    Filer's total
    $170,339
  • Patrick McMaster

    DIRECTOR, MARKETING

    Total calculated
    $158,224
    From this org
    $149,103
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $9,121
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $148,330
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $773
    Deferred
    $7,625
    Nontaxable benefits
    $1,496
    Filer's total
    $158,224
  • Courtney MacLean Johnson

    CHIEF ADMINISTRATION OFFICER

    Total calculated
    $232,982
    From this org
    $217,063
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $15,919
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $196,121
    Bonus
    $20,000
    Other
    $942
    Deferred
    $7,580
    Nontaxable benefits
    $8,339
    Filer's total
    $232,982
  • Gerald Griffin

    DIRECTOR, IT

    Total calculated
    $174,967
    From this org
    $165,220
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $9,747
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $164,394
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $826
    Deferred
    $8,466
    Nontaxable benefits
    $1,281
    Filer's total
    $174,967
  • Kristin Kelly

    CONTROLLER

    Total calculated
    $154,485
    From this org
    $145,887
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $8,598
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $138,676
    Bonus
    $6,500
    Other
    $711
    Deferred
    $7,475
    Nontaxable benefits
    $1,123
    Filer's total
    $154,485
  • Suzanne Gaadt

    CREATIVE DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $146,362
    From this org
    $140,287
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $6,075
    Hours/week
    40

Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those. A Schedule J breakdown is as filed: base pay, bonus, other, deferred compensation and nontaxable benefits from this organization, with any from related organizations beside each, and the filer's own total. It is shown with the Part VII listing of the same name on the same return. The form gives no key between the two, so that pairing is ours, and is marked matched by us.

Schedule J

Answered yes

  • 1a · Travel for companions
  • 1a · Housing allowance or residence for personal use
  • 1b · Written policy on the line-1a expenses
  • 3 · Compensation committee
  • 3 · Independent compensation consultant
  • 3 · Form 990 of other organizations
  • 3 · Approval by the board or compensation committee
  • 7 · Other non-fixed payments
  • 8 · Paid under the initial-contract exception
  • 9 · Followed the rebuttable-presumption procedure

Answered no

  • 2 · Substantiation required before reimbursing expenses
  • 4a · Severance or change-of-control payment
  • 4b · Supplemental nonqualified retirement plan
  • 4c · Equity-based compensation arrangement
  • 5a · Pay contingent on this organization's revenues
  • 5b · Pay contingent on a related organization's revenues
  • 6a · Pay contingent on this organization's net earnings
  • 6b · Pay contingent on a related organization's net earnings

The filer's explanations (Part III)

PART I, LINE 1A
THE PHILADELPHIA ZOO PROVIDES A HOUSING ALLOWANCE AND ALLOWS TRAVEL FOR COMPANIONS FOR THE PRESIDENT/CEO, JO-ELLE MOGERMAN. WHILE WE HAVE PROVIDED THE DESCRIPTION OF THE BENEFIT THAT OCCURRED IN THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED 2024, ZERO BENEFIT WAS RECORDED IN MS. MOGERMAN'S COMPENSATION FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2023.
PART I, LINE 8
JO-ELLE MOGERMAN WAS HIRED UNDER A BINDING WRITTEN CONTRACT. THIS CONTRACT INCLUDES AN ANNUAL SALARY, MOVING EXPENSES, ROUNDTRIP AIRFARE, AND MONTHLY STIPENDS. AFTER 2 YEARS OF EMPLOYMENT, A DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN WILL BE ESTABLISHED.
SCHEDULE J, PART I, LINE 7:
ONE-TIME BONUSES WERE PAID TO INDIVIDUALS AS RECOGNITION FOR CONTINUED SERVICE DURING THE TRANSITION OF THE FORMER AND CURRENT CEO. ONE-TIME PAYMENTS WERE ALSO MADE TO COVER RELOCATION EXPENSES AND WERE VIEWED AS REIMBURSEMENTS AS PART OF THE HIRING OF CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS.

Part I's answers as filed. A line not listed was left unanswered; on lines 1a and 3 that means the box was not checked.

Grants on this return

Provenance

Return type
form_990
Tax year
2023
Filed
13 December 2024
IRS schema version
2023v5.1
Source object
202423489349300937

Check it against the return as filed: the GivingTuesday Data Lake hosts a public copy of the original XML.

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