AKRON ZOOLOGICAL PARK

EIN: 346003866 501(c)(3) Animal-Related

AKRON, OH

Total Revenue
$25,160,371
Total Expenses
$18,806,803
Total Assets
$102,731,475
Net Assets
$99,869,148
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Organization Details

Formation Year
1953
Legal Domicile
OH
Principal Officer
DOUG PIEKARZ
Phone
3303752550
Tax Period
2024-01-01 to 2024-12-31

AKRON ZOOLOGICAL PARK, founded in 1953, is a mid-sized nonprofit in the Animal-Related sector that reported $25.2M in total revenue in fiscal year 2024. The organization ran a surplus of $6.4M, a strong 25% operating margin.

Mission

WE CONNECT YOUR LIFE TO WILDLIFE WHILE INSPIRING LIFELONG LEARNING AND CONSERVATION ACTION.

Program Service Accomplishments

Program 1
Expenses: $6,422,096

HORTICULTURE & PRESERVATIONTHE MISSION OF THE HORTICULTURE AND PRESERVATION PROGRAM IS TO FOSTER A CONNECTION WITH WILDLIFE AND A DESIRE TO PROTECT WILD PLACES BY CREATING A POSITIVE GUEST...

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HORTICULTURE & PRESERVATIONTHE MISSION OF THE HORTICULTURE AND PRESERVATION PROGRAM IS TO FOSTER A CONNECTION WITH WILDLIFE AND A DESIRE TO PROTECT WILD PLACES BY CREATING A POSITIVE GUEST EXPERIENCE. THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH IMMERSIVE THEMING THROUGH LANDSCAPE PLANTS, HIGHLIGHTING THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PLANTS AND ANIMALS, AND THE DEMONSTRATION OF SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING PRACTICES. THE AKRON ZOO IS AN ACCREDITED PUBLIC GARDEN THROUGH THE AMERICAN PUBLIC GARDENS ASSOCIATION (APGA) AND MAINTAINS A WIDE COLLECTION OF UNIQUE PLANTS FOR DISPLAY AND EDUCATION PURPOSES. ALL LANDSCAPING AT THE ZOO IS DESIGNED TO INCLUDE NATIVE PLANT SPECIES, DROUGHT-TOLERANT SPECIES, HOST OR FOOD PLANTS FOR NATIVE WILDLIFE, AND OTHER ECOLOGICALLY-BENEFICIAL PLANTS. THE AKRON ZOO GARDENS INCLUDE A MONARCH WAYSTATION. AS CONSERVATORS OF WILDLIFE, THE AKRON ZOO DOES NOT INSTALL INVASIVE OR POTENTIALLY INVASIVE PLANTS.PROVIDED 365 DAYS OF FACILITY MAINTENANCE.

Program 2
Expenses: $4,121,009

ANIMAL CAREFROM AFRICAN LIONS TO MICROSCOPIC CORAL, THE AKRON ZOO PROVIDES CARE TO OVER 3,108 ANIMALS REPRESENTING APPROXIMATELY 230 SPECIES. PARTICIPATION IN CONSERVATION PROGRAMS, (I.E. CORAL REEF...

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ANIMAL CAREFROM AFRICAN LIONS TO MICROSCOPIC CORAL, THE AKRON ZOO PROVIDES CARE TO OVER 3,108 ANIMALS REPRESENTING APPROXIMATELY 230 SPECIES. PARTICIPATION IN CONSERVATION PROGRAMS, (I.E. CORAL REEF RESTORATION, WHITE WING WOOD DUCK RESEARCH) AND SPECIES SURVIVAL PLANS IS AN IMPORTANT FUNCTION OF THE ANIMAL CARE PROGRAM. THROUGH THESE PROGRAMS, THE ZOO IS ACTIVELY SAVING WILDLIFE AND THEIR HABITATS, AS WELL AS TAKING A LEADERSHIP ROLE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ENDANGERED SPECIES (I.E. RED WOLF, NORTH AMERICAN SONGBIRDS, SNOW LEOPARDS).IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SPECIES SURVIVAL EFFORTS, THE ANIMAL CARE PROGRAM PROVIDES INDIVIDUALIZED HUSBANDRY, VETERINARY CARE, NUTRITION, ENRICHMENT, WELFARE AND TRAINING TO EACH ANIMAL.PROVIDED 365 DAYS OF ANIMAL CARE.

Program 3
Expenses: $1,782,715 Revenue: $3,543,762

MEMBERSHIP AND GUEST SERVICES: THE AKRON ZOO'S MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ANYONE TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE ZOO BY PURCHASING AN ANNUAL PASS. THERE ARE MULTIPLE OPTIONS FROM AN...

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MEMBERSHIP AND GUEST SERVICES: THE AKRON ZOO'S MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ANYONE TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE ZOO BY PURCHASING AN ANNUAL PASS. THERE ARE MULTIPLE OPTIONS FROM AN INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP TO A FAMILY DELUXE MEMBERSHIP TO ACCOMMODATE A RANGE OF FAMILY SIZES AND NEEDS. EACH MEMBERSHIP COMES WITH BENEFITS SUCH AS UNLIMITED FREE ADMISSION TO THE ZOO YEAR ROUND, FREE PARKING, DISCOUNTS ON PURCHASES IN THE GIFTSHOP, SPECIAL MEMBER ONLY EVENTS AND PREVIEWS OF NEW AREAS, DISCOUNTED ADMISSION TO OVER 150 ACCREDITED ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS NATIONWIDE, AND DISCOUNTS ON EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND SPECIAL EVENTS LIKE BOO AT THE ZOO AND WILD LIGHTS. THE ZOO'S MEMBERSHIP HOUSEHOLDS TOTALS AROUND 14,000. THE ZOO'S GUEST SERVICES INCLUDE GUEST EXPERIENCES, FOOD SERVICE AND GIFT SHOP. THE ZOO WELCOMES GUESTS THROUGH OUR WELCOME CENTER WHERE GUESTS CAN PURCHASE ADMISSION AT OUR TICKET COUNTER BEFORE ENTERING THE ZOO. THROUGHOUT THE ZOO, THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GUESTS TO ENJOY ACTIVITIES SUCH AS CAROUSEL AND TRAIN RIDES, PURCHASE CRACKERS TO FEED OUR GOATS OR EXPERIENCE VIRTUAL REALITY ON OUR VIRTUAL REALITY RIDE. ALL OF THESE ACTIVITIES GENERATE REVENUE TO SUPPORT OPERATIONS. OUR KOMODO KINGDOM CAFE PROVIDES FOOD OPTIONS YEAR ROUND TO GUESTS, WE ALSO HAVE MULTIPLE STANDS THROUGHOUT THE PARK THAT PROVIDE SEASONAL OFFERINGS DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS AND SELECT SPECIAL EVENTS. IN TOTAL WE HAVE FIVE LOCATIONS WHERE GUESTS CAN PURCHASE FOOD AND BEVERAGES. THE GIFT SHOP OFFERS GUESTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO REMEMBER THEIR VISIT WITH A SOUVENIR OR GIFT. THE MAIN SHOP IS IN THE WELCOME CENTER AND GUESTS EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP TO EXIT THE ZOO. THERE IS ALSO A CART JUST INSIDE THE ENTRANCE TO THE ZOO THAT OFFERS SCOOTER AND STROLLER RENTALS, AS WELL AS SOME SELECT ITEMS SUCH AS HATS AND SUNGLASSES.

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Liquidity (40%) • Solvency (30%) • Sustainability (20%) • Efficiency (10%)

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Financial Overview (2024)

Revenue Breakdown

Contributions & Grants $19,250,833
Program Service Revenue $4,950,272
Investment Income $652,195
Other Revenue $307,071
TOTAL REVENUE $25,160,371

Expense Breakdown

Grants Paid $21,756
Salaries & Benefits $11,308,999
Fundraising Expenses $1,023,476
Program Expenses $15,161,194
Other Expenses $7,476,048
TOTAL EXPENSES $18,806,803

Year-over-Year Comparison

2024 2023 Change
Revenue $25,160,371 $23,912,106 +0.1%
Expenses $18,806,803 $18,433,843 +0.0%
Net Income $6,353,568 $5,478,263 +0.2%
Key Indicators
Grants to Organizations Grants to Individuals Lobbying Political Activity Foreign Activities Donor Advised Fund Schedule B Required
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Governance

Voting Members
30
Independent Members
30
Employees
356
Volunteers
180

Governance Policies

Conflict of Interest Policy
Whistleblower Policy
Document Retention Policy

Special Practices & Reported Activities

Operated a School
Operated a Hospital
Provided First Class Travel
Reported Conflict of Interest
Reported Asset Diversion
Excess Benefit Transaction
Made Political Expenditures
Engaged in Lobbying
Operated Donor Advised Fund
Maintained Art Collections
Filed Form 720

Compensation of Officers, Directors & Key Employees

Total Officers
12
$1,514,249
Total Directors
30
$0
Key Employees
0
$0
Highest Compensated
3
reported
Name Title Hours/Week Role Reportable Comp Other Comp Total
MICHELE SANTANA CHAIRMAN 1.20
Officer Director
$0 $0 $0
JOHN SLAGTER VICE-CHAIRMAN 0.90
Officer Director
$0 $0 $0
EDDIE TAYLOR VICE-CHAIRMAN 0.50
Officer Director
$0 $0 $0
EREN DEMIRAY SECRETARY 0.60
Officer Director
$0 $0 $0
BETH REHO TREASURER 0.60
Officer Director
$0 $0 $0
CAROLE BECERRA TRUSTEE 0.20
Director
$0 $0 $0
ROBERT BERK TRUSTEE 0.60
Director
$0 $0 $0
FRANK BEVILACQUA TRUSTEE 0.60
Director
$0 $0 $0
PATRICK BRAVO TRUSTEE 0.30
Director
$0 $0 $0
VERONICA COOK EUELL TRUSTEE 0.40
Director
$0 $0 $0
DAVE FREDERICK TRUSTEE 0.20
Director
$0 $0 $0
RYAN FULMER TRUSTEE 0.40
Director
$0 $0 $0
ANUSHA GIBSON TRUSTEE 0.20
Director
$0 $0 $0
LEIGH GREENFELDER TRUSTEE 0.20
Director
$0 $0 $0
CAROL HULSEMANN TRUSTEE 0.30
Director
$0 $0 $0
RON KLEINMAN TRUSTEE 0.20
Director
$0 $0 $0
DAVID KOLY TRUSTEE 0.30
Director
$0 $0 $0
ROBERT LITTMAN TRUSTEE 0.20
Director
$0 $0 $0
PAT MCMAHON TRUSTEE 0.10
Director
$0 $0 $0
CATHRYN O'MALLEY TRUSTEE 0.10
Director
$0 $0 $0
NANCY RAY TRUSTEE 0.50
Director
$0 $0 $0
GLORIA RODGERS TRUSTEE 0.20
Director
$0 $0 $0
BETHANNE SCRUGGS TRUSTEE 0.20
Director
$0 $0 $0
JIM SNIDER TRUSTEE 0.70
Director
$0 $0 $0
CRAIG STANLEY TRUSTEE 0.50
Director
$0 $0 $0
BEN SUTTON TRUSTEE 0.50
Director
$0 $0 $0
STEVE TAYLOR TRUSTEE 0.50
Director
$0 $0 $0
TOM TEODOSIO TRUSTEE 0.10
Director
$0 $0 $0
CANDICE WATKINS TRUSTEE 0.40
Director
$0 $0 $0
SOPHIE VEILLETTE TRUSTEE 0.70
Director
$0 $0 $0
DOUG PIEKARZ PRESIDENT & CEO 50.00
Officer
$289,832 $71,282 $361,114
LINDA CRISS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER & SR. VP 50.00
Officer
$172,568 $44,360 $216,928
PAMELA HOLTZ CHIEF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER & SR. VP 50.00
Officer
$186,829 $24,253 $211,082
BOB LESSNAU VP OF LIFE SCIENCES 50.00
Officer
$143,574 $31,590 $175,164
MELLISSA REED THRU 053124 CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER & SR. VP 50.00
Officer
$129,809 $32,802 $162,611
MICHELLE VECTIRELIS VP OF PEOPLE & CULTURE 50.00
Officer
$165,019 $44,831 $209,850
VINCENT JEFFRIES VP OF COMMUNICATIONS/EDUCATION 50.00
Officer
$143,105 $34,395 $177,500
BRITTANY RIZZO DIRECTOR OF ANIMAL HEALTH 50.00
Highest
$120,766 $22,679 $143,445
SHANE GOOD SR DIRECTOR OF LIFE SCIENCES 50.00
Highest
$107,799 $10,867 $118,666
TARI KAUFMAN DIRECTOR OF FINANCE 50.00
Highest
$105,788 $14,374 $120,162
Note: Compensation data is self-reported by the organization on their Form 990. "Reportable Comp" includes salary, bonuses, and other reportable compensation from the organization and related organizations. "Other Comp" includes benefits, deferred compensation, and non-taxable benefits.

Historical Data

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Net Income
2024 $25,160,371 $18,806,803 $102,731,475 $6,353,568
2023 $23,912,106 $18,433,843 $95,823,320 $5,478,263
2022 $21,451,189 $16,779,078 $89,255,955 $4,672,111
2021 $19,333,819 $14,579,806 $85,745,388 $4,754,013
2020 $12,079,075 $12,545,581 $82,593,331 $-466,506
2019 $15,354,294 $13,495,801 $81,437,162 $1,858,493
2018 $14,448,457 $12,510,057 $78,721,217 $1,938,400
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