Houston Zoo 2023 Annual Report

STRATEGIC PLAN PRIORITIES

Look for these icons to learn how activities outlined in the 2023 Annual Report contributed to specific priorities of the Strategic Plan for the Houston Zoo. For more information, visit: houstonzoo.org/strategicplan

Lee Ehmke, President and CEO, and Joe Cleary, Chair, Board of Directors

Embarking on Our Next 100 Years

The opening of Galápagos Islands was the standout story of the most consequential year in the history of our Houston Zoo.

After six years of design, planning, and construction amidst a global pandemic and supply chain snags, we opened Galápagos to the public on April 7, 2023. The largest and most complex exhibit we have ever built, it showcases best-of-the-best principles in animal wellbeing, conservation connection, and motivating wildlife-saving actions. Watching our guests stand in awe as sea lions glide around them or laugh with joy at the antics of our penguins is proof that this was an epic journey worth taking.

Preparation for opening day started months in advance with getting our animals acclimated to their new habitats. Surrounding the opening of Galápagos Islands, we held previews, donor events, and media days, all coinciding with the end of our year-long Centennial celebrations. Executing this multi-pronged strategy took herculean efforts from many stakeholders. We are deeply grateful for the commitment of the staff, volunteers, donors, and board members who joined together for this historic moment!

Phase I of our current Master Plan is nearly complete, and we took another major leap forward in December 2023 with the opening of the Houston Zoo Headquarters (HZHQ). After years of transforming our front-of-scenes areas, it was time to apply that same treatment to

spaces where our team members work to pursue our mission. The five-story structure includes employee parking topped with office space for 20 different departments previously scattered across the Zoo. Amenities like showers, bike storage, training spaces, and breakrooms are available to all staff. HZHQ, with its backup generator, will serve as the command center for our ride-out team during hazardous weather events.

With the births of Marv the white-cheeked gibbon, Sylvester the okapi, and a plethora of pups from our of capybara family, there was always a new face to see at our Zoo! By the end of the year, we welcomed more than 2.1 million guests, the most since 2019. Through our Free Tuesdays and access programs, more than 300,000 guests were able to attend with free or significantly discounted admission.

2023 was a monumental year for our Houston Zoo, and we see your impact in every story featured in this Annual Report. Thank you for saving wildlife with us!

Lee Ehmke President and CEO

Joe Cleary Chair, Board of Directors

Centennial Year

Comes to a Close

KEEPING OUR WORLD WILD:

CENTENNIAL CAMPAIGN SURPASSES FUNDRAISING GOALS

In January 2023, the Zoo announced the conclusion of its $150 million Keeping Our World Wild Centennial Capital Campaign. The campaign was launched in 2018 with a $50 million lead gift from the John P. McGovern Foundation, the largest gift in the Zoo’s history. Generous leading support for the campaign was also received from The Brown Foundation, Inc., Houston Endowment, and The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation.

Board members Cullen Geiselman and Joe Cleary chaired the campaign, which exceeded its goal and raised more than $156 million in funds from individuals, foundations, corporate partners, and Houston Zoo’s operational cash flows. The Zoo devoted $5 million of the campaign’s funds to support wildlife conservation in Texas and around the world. Projects included the Hamill Foundation Black Bear Exhibit, Cypress Circle Café, Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands, South America’s Pantanal and Galápagos Islands. The final exhibit funded by the Campaign will be Birds of the World, opening in 2024.

Leaders in Animal Care

PENGUIN HEALTH

Bumblefoot (ulcerative pododermatitis) is inflammation of the footpad, common to birds, that could lead to chronic lameness. This is due to spending time on wet, hard, concrete surfaces on land versus swimming in the water. Animal Care teams helped with the design of the new exhibit to ensure that it provided a variety of surfaces to help reduce the likelihood of bumblefoot occurring. The keepers have been taking photos of the bottom of the penguin’s feet to keep a record of foot health. They have also seen an improvement in the feather condition of penguins, Peggy and Dolly, who have spent more time preening and swimming in the water since their last molt. The Animal Care and Health teams are excited to see the penguins doing well in their new Galapagos Islands exhibit home.

ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE

Illegal wildlife trade has been on the rise in the United States. Each year the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Homeland Security Investigations assist with seizing thousands of illegally owned wild animals that are being smuggled across the border and at airports. The Houston Zoo helps these government agencies by quarantining many incoming animals and helping find permanent homes. In 2023 the Zoo accepted two keel billed toucans, a small cat from Central and South America called a margay, and two spider monkeys.

CLAUD

When two-year-old rescued American black bear Claud showed discomfort using his right rear leg after prescribed rest and antiinflammatory medications, the Animal Care and Health teams knew something serious needed to be investigated. Following an exam with radiographs and an evaluation with an orthopedic surgeon, Claud was diagnosed with abnormal development and significant arthritis of his right hip joint. A surgery to remove the top part of his femur to prevent pain from the joint bones and to allow his muscles to take over as the primary support for that limb was performed in late 2023. The surgery, called a femoral head ostectomy or FHO, which is common in domestic dogs, appears to have been successful as Claud seems much more comfortable. In the weeks post-op, Claud worked closely with his keepers to build back his strength and mobility with specifically designed therapeutic exercises. It is anticipated that once Claud makes a full recovery he will be comfortable and have good function of his right rear leg.

METHAI

When 54-year-old Asian elephant herd matriarch Methai suddenly stopped eating, the elephant keeper team immediately knew something was wrong. The Animal Health team evaluated Methai and determined that she had a severe Aeromonas bacterial infection that was affecting her gastrointestinal system and was causing her to become septic, which means she had bacteria circulating throughout her body. Emergency care was provided to Methai and included antibiotics, gastroprotectants, IV fluids, pain medications, vitamin supplements, and two plasma transfusions donated by her herd mates. After more than a week of intensive treatments and constant care, Methai pulled through and started to eat on her own again. She has since made a full and complete recovery, resuming her place at the head of the herd.

Animal Updates: New Additions

1. Radiated tortoises

Dill, Gherkin, and Jalapeño

2. Capybaras

Biscuit, Bagel, Strudel, Tater Tot, Spud, and Russet

3. Malagasy sacred ibis the first birth in North America

4. Meerkats, CJ and Bugsy

5. Blue Duiker, Tiffany

6. Northern white-cheeked gibbon Marv

7. Wattled curassow

8. Okapi, Sylvester

3.

Galápagos Islands: First-of-its-kind Exhibit Debuts

On Friday, April 7, 2023, the culmination of a multiyear project came to life and the Zoo’s newest exhibit, Galápagos Islands, opened to the public. The Houston Zoo is the first zoo in the world to build a major conservation-focused exhibit based on the Galápagos Islands. The 2.5-acre exhibit immerses guests in an environment evoking the archipelago’s unique landscapes and oceanic habitats. As guests enter Galápagos Islands, they are met with a variety of animal species that are ambassadors to their Galápagos relatives.

During the opening ceremony, the Houston Zoo President and CEO Lee Ehmke, Mayor Sylvester Turner, and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo shared remarks about how Houston’s role and responsibility to keep our shared ocean clean can have a worldwide impact.

Galápagos Islands Opens

“With this new exhibit, our more than two million annual guests will learn how our shared ocean connects us to species in the Galápagos, and how our conservation actions here in Houston will lead to healthier oceans worldwide,” said Ehmke.

Additionally, the General Consul of Ecuador, Alba Coello de Barboza, presented a recognition to Houston Zoo and expressed gratitude for helping to raise awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation in the Galápagos Islands. Longtime partner organization Charles Darwin Foundation’s executive director Rakan Zahawi traveled from the Islands for the historic event.

Galápagos Islands at the Houston Zoo is the culmination of the $150 million Keeping Our World Wild Centennial Capital Campaign that launched in 2018. Since then, the Zoo has created a series of transformative exhibits, new public amenities, and enhanced public spaces. The largest initiative in the campaign is the Galápagos Islands.

Galápagos Islands Opens |

Galápagos Islands

SAVING THE

GALÁPAGOS

ISLANDS

In October 2022, Zoo team members Dr. Joe Flanagan, Jackie Wallace, Melissa Wong, and Kevin Kendrick traveled with a production crew from KPRC-2 to the Galápagos Islands to highlight the animals native to these islands and meet our partners working to save them. The one-hour-special aired opening week on Thursday, April 13.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE KPRC-2 SPECIAL SAVING THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

Galápagos Islands

GALÁPAGOS PARTNERS UPDATE

The Zoo provides training and support for conservation professionals who were born and raised in the Galápagos and now lead the Zoo’s wildlife-saving projects on the islands. Over the last year, the Zoo has continued to strengthen conservation partnerships with the Charles Darwin Foundation and Galápagos National Park by supporting giant tortoise research scientists and their work. In 2023, the Giant Tortoise Movement and Ecology Program celebrated 15 years of cutting-edge applied science in addressing knowledge gaps about the biology, threats, and conservation of Galápagos giant tortoises. The team tracked 21 juvenile and 61 adult tortoises, allowing for a greater understanding of habitat selection, individual growth, migratory paths, and adaptation to ongoing environmental change. Zoo support also facilitated the training of new field assistants and educators, building capacity for tortoisesaving work in the region.

Galápagos Islands

Conservation Partner Updates

SAVING LIONS IN KENYA

The Zoo has a wonderful pride of lions and is committed to protecting lions in the wild by providing mentorship and support to Kenyan lion conservation partners, Ewaso Lions. They are dedicated to conserving lions and other large carnivores by promoting coexistence between people and wildlife. Late 2023 brought intense flooding to Samburu, greatly impacting communities living alongside lions. Once the flood waters subsided, the Ewaso Lions team mobilized to provide flood relief aid to 60 households and begin work to locate and monitor nearby lion prides. As the year came to a close, the team successfully conducted 51 patrols covering 377 miles. Regional lion teams were excited to report that these patrols led to the discovery of four new cubs born to the Kalama pride!

SAVING SNAKES IN INDIA

Murthy Kantimahanti, founder and lead conservation biologist for the Eastern Ghats Wildlife Society (EGWS), reports Houston Zoo’s support has been critical to saving king cobras in the Eastern Ghats of south India.

The Zoo’s support enabled Murthy and his team to initiate a communityled king cobra nest protection program—the first of its kind in the region.

A temporary fence was erected by individuals who volunteered to help with nest protection in an area susceptible to human disturbance. Clear boundaries and nest demarcation protected cobras and community. In addition to the community nest protection initiative, the Houston Zoo’s support helped EGWS successfully rescue and rehabilitate 22 king cobras in 2023.

Murthy states: “This is an unbelievable achievement and a source of pride for our team as rescuing 20+ king cobras in less than a year in this landscape is unprecedented. We hope each of you share in this success because you make it all possible.”

Remembering Peter Riger

In May, our Houston Zoo family lost Peter Riger, vice president of conservation and education, to cancer. Having joined the Zoo in 2004, Peter’s leadership was foundational in our worldwide efforts to save animals in the wild, and his contributions to our Zoo, the entire zoo and aquarium community, and animals in the wild, are innumerable. Peter had a special talent for recognizing potential and took pride in providing opportunities and opening doors quietly and without fanfare. He believed in the people doing the work as much as the work itself and felt those with passion and dedication could do great things when given a chance.

To honor Peter’s legacy, the Zoo created the Peter Riger Fellowship, which aims to advance Peter’s vision of strengthening dedicated conservationists working to save animals in the wild, to help keep them fully engaged in their work, and to support long-term, successful careers within wildlife conservation.

Conservation Partners

Visit Houston

For the first time since the pandemic, our conservation partners returned to Zoo grounds in full force with a total of nine wildlife-saving heroes visiting from Madagascar, Kenya, Mozambique, and Malaysian Borneo. Throughout their week-long visit, partners had the opportunity to connect with teams across the Zoo—learning from each other, sharing wildlifesaving stories, and strengthening relationships. Staff, volunteers, and board members heard first-hand how our partners are saving species like lions, elephants, orangutans, giraffes, and lemurs at a wildlife-saving symposium where partners shared highlights from their work and answered audience questions. It was a week we won’t soon forget and a strong reminder of the power of collaboration when it comes to saving animals in the wild.

During the visit, Zoo Crew celebrated World Lemur Day with a festival on campus and a very special guest, wildlife-saving partner Dr. Jonah Ratsimbazafy. The very first World Lemur Festival was in 2014 hosted by Dr. Jonah in Madagascar, and Zoo Crew has been hosting their own festival here in Houston since 2017. Zoo Crew begins preparation for the festival months in advance and works together to plan different games and activities to teach guests about not just how amazing lemurs are, but ways they can help them in the wild.

Connecting with a Zoo a World Away

Kevin Hodge, vice president of animal programs, and Jackie Wallace, assistant vice president of communications and public affairs, traveled to Taipei, Taiwan in October 2023 to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Taipei Zoo. This ceremonial letter of friendship was created to establish a sister-zoo relationship with one of Southeast Asia’s top zoos. While the cities of Houston and Taipei have been sister cities for more than 60 years, this is the first time two organizations have formalized a friendship.

Kevin and Jackie traveled with a delegation of Houston representatives from Houston First, Greater Houston Partnership, and Houston Airport System, along with Houston artist Gonzo247. During the weeklong mission, the group met with travel sector companies, and supported runners at the EVA Air Taipei Marathon, all while spreading the word on all that Houston has to offer visitors. Kevin and Jackie also spent three full days learning and sharing with the incredible team at the Taipei Zoo. Stay tuned as we find ways to strengthen both zoos while working with our new friends on the other side of the world!

Texas Wildlife-Saving Highlights and Successes

The Houston Zoo is saving animals in the wild, not only around the world, but also right here at home. In 2023, veterinary staff and zookeepers rescued and provided care to Nine green sea turtles, 18 Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, 17 loggerhead sea turtles, and one hawksbill sea turtle.

In addition to saving endangered sea turtles, the Houston Zoo is responsible for saving two Texas species from extinction—the Houston toad and Attwater’s prairie chicken. Zoo amphibian and bird care experts worked to breed and raise these native Texans and then release them to strengthen wild populations.

The bird care team raised and released 47 Attwater’s prairie chickens into the wild.

Houston Zoo’s herpetology team celebrated a record-breaking year, rearing and releasing 1,288,800 Houston toad eggs, 1,000 tadpoles, and 1,372 toadlets back into the wild!

Birds of the World

The next immersive exhibit to open at the Houston Zoo will be Birds of the World in 2024. The exhibit will include three multi-species aviaries, each with a specific habitat: African Savanna, North American Woodlands, and South American Wetlands. The African Savanna aviary will highlight the majestic grey-crowned cranes and the conservation partnership with Dr. Olivier Nsengimana of the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association. The North American Woodlands exhibit will feature American songbirds like blue grosbeaks and indigo buntings to connect visitors to the beautiful birds in their own backyard. With our partners at U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Houston Zoo is helping save songbirds in the wild.

The South American Wetlands habitat will be an immersive aviary, giving guests the chance to come nose to beak with various South American birds including a perennial favorite, Chilean flamingos. Additionally, a brand-new, state-of-the-art Avian Conservation Environment (ACE) building will provide updated offices for our keepers’ day-to-day activities, including behind-the-scenes breeding programs of critically endangered species like the blue-billed curassow and Saint Vincent parrot.

BIRDS OF THE WORLD BREAKS GROUND

Birds of the World is on track to open in Fall 2024. The 4,800 square foot Avian Conservation Environment (ACE) pre-manufactured metal building is structurally complete and will house the Birds Department offices, breakroom, and back-of-house space, including one incubation room, two brooder rooms, and a bird prep kitchen. The interior fit-out is in-progress. Wiring is nearing completion, drywall is in and primed, HVAC equipment has been hung, and lighting is starting to be installed.

Construction has continued to focus on protecting the many large trees on site, as well as maintaining a clean project site to ensure future animal health. Noise and dust reduction have also been paramount to maintaining the health of the birds housed adjacent to the project site.

Great progress has been made on the aviaries and respective care quarters as well. All foundations, footing and structural steel were constructed in 2023. The large theming components were successfully completed by the end of the year. The entry/exit ramp in the South America American Wetlands aviary was modified to large shallow steps themed as roots to allow for ease-of-access for the animals. The artificial steel & resin tree, and the watering-hole themed pool at the African Savanna aviary, and the 30-gallon pond in the North American Woodland aviary were completed in the fall. Aviary netting is being installed across all three aviaries and is targeted for completion in March. On the horizon are the guest path pavement, landscaping, irrigation, and structural timber for the viewing shelters at each aviary and the entry/exit vestibules for the immersive South American Wetlands aviary.

Recycling in 2023

68 tons of cardboard 36 tons of metal 12 tons of paper 5 tons of glass 3 tons of plastic 2 tons of holiday lights

1,276 cell phones and small electronics

These materials would have taken up more than 2,500 cubic yards of landfill space and emitted more than 55 metric tons of greenhouse gases.

Recycling them also saved more than 1,100 mature trees, 490,000 kWh of electricity, and 566,000 gallons of water. 47

That’s enough electricity to power homes for a full year and enough fresh water to meet the needs of more than 7,500 people!

COMPOSTING

The Zoo’s largest waste stream is organic waste, mostly produced by the elephant herd. In 2023, the Zoo composted more than 1,000 tons of elephant and hoofstock manure, landscape trimmings, and food scraps.

REDUCING SINGLE-USE PLASTICS

The journey to phase out single-use plastics isn’t over. This year, plastic popcorn bags were replaced by compostable bio-based packaging.

A New Space to Work

In December, Houston Zoo Headquarters (HZHQ) opened as a new and inspiring space for all staff to work. HZHQ is a high-performance building designed to conserve resources and protect wildlife. Energy and water efficiency were key drivers in the building’s design, with low-flow plumbing fixtures reducing indoor water use by more than 40% compared to a standard building, saving an estimated 173,000 gallons per year. A 2,000-gallon cistern in the employee garden collects rainwater to help irrigate the native and adapted plant species surrounding the building, reducing the water required to maintain the landscape by 76%. Through the combination of an efficient HVAC system and high-performance glass, HZHQ uses 24% less energy than a typical office building without compromises to light levels or occupant comfort. The building also includes two critical wildlife-saving features: bird-friendly glass and dark sky compliant lighting. The windows include ceramic horizontal lines integral to the glass that help avoid bird collisions, and the combination of automatic shut off of lights from 11:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m. and fixtures that only cast light downwardly help protect migrating birds and nocturnal wildlife. Because of all these features and more, HZHQ is on track to achieve LEED Gold, the second-highest rating in the world’s leading green building certification system, in 2024.

Conservation Education

GALÁPAGOS TEEN TRIP

In August, 14 Zoo Crew teens boarded a plane to visit the Zoo’s wildlifesaving partners in Galápagos. During the trip, the teens had the chance to get eye-to-eye with the Islands’ incredible wildlife and assist in conservation efforts, from monitoring tortoise populations to collecting data on marine debris along shorelines, led by Zoo partners Fundación ECOS and the Charles Darwin Foundation. The group also spent time with teens from the Fundación ECOS’ Mola-Mola and the Charles Darwin Foundation’s Shark Ambassadors teen eco club. When we asked Zoo Crew to summarize what this trip meant to them, they said, “This trip to the Galápagos brought us significantly closer to the conservation efforts on the Islands, and across the globe. ECOS opened our eyes to all the wonderful initiatives being led by young people like us. On this trip, we became deeply aware of the impact the Houston Zoo has on conservation efforts in the Galápagos.”

CAMPERS AND TEENS SAVING WILDLIFE

Within the Zoo’s education programs, not only do participants learn about animals and connect with nature, they also are taking action to save animals in the wild. As part of the Zoo’s “Sea Turtle-Saving Summer” celebration, Zoo Crew teens and Camp Zoofari campers made pledges to reduce their single-use plastic use. To help eliminate plastic in the ocean and save sea turtles, 1,392 campers pledged to use their reusable water bottles through the end of the summer.

Zoo Crew teens participated in four beach clean-ups, removing over 200 pounds of trash from the shoreline. At the end of the summer, Camp Zoofari campers, and their families, joined the Houston Zoo in Galveston to participate in a beach cleanup and helped to release a rehabilitated sea turtle. Campers collected 75 pounds of marine trash from the shore, ensuring sea turtles and other wildlife weren’t impacted by this debris.

Mirroring the Diversity of Your Community

INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND ACCESS (I.D.E.A.) JOURNEY

In 2021, the Houston Zoo launched a DEIA project to assess the current state of practices and devise strategies to make DEIA an integral part of the Zoo. This journey for the Houston Zoo is inspired largely by its employees, leadership, and the community it serves. We want to be the destination-of-choice for everyone who sees our organization as a place where all belong, all are respected, all are valued, and all are celebrated. And we will have fun in the process! Born from this priority was the I.D.E.A. Committee. The committee consists of representatives from around the Zoo to drive DEIA initiatives and keep the Houston Zoo relevant and forwardthinking in this space.

I.D.E.A. Committee mission statement:

As a Zoo for All, the I.D.E.A. Committee will foster relationships to build a representative and inclusive culture that celebrates the diverse voices of our staff, encourages equity, and supports accessibility. The I.D.E.A. Committee focus is learning and awareness, outreach, staff engagement, and communication.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2023

Enhanced Diversity in Hiring

We have made significant strides in diversifying our workforce through targeted recruitment efforts and inclusive hiring practices. Since 2021, our organization has partnered with the University of St. Thomas to sponsor interns from underrepresented groups. In 2023, the Zoo hosted two interns at our organization and are in the process of creating opportunities to host more in upcoming years. Lastly, this year the Zoo onboarded our first Talent Acquisition Partner to support the organization’s efforts to progress our fair and equitable hiring practices.

Inclusive Workplace Culture

We have continued to cultivate an inclusive workplace culture where staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. Our 2023 I.D.E.A. survey results were a testament to these efforts.

2023 I.D.E.A. survey results:

92% staff participation

79% stated that the Senior Exeutive Team values I.D.E.A. (+2% LY)

82% stated all cultures and backgrounds are valued (+7% LY)

80% of staff can be their authentic selves (+5% LY)

80% of staff are happy with the Houston Zoo’s culture (+10% LY)

79% of staff would recommend the Houston Zoo to work at (+4% LY)

56% stated they are fairly compensated for their work (-7% LY) but still increase from 41% in 2021

63% stated all staff is treated equitable (+7% LY)

Community Engagement

We have continued to engage with our Houston community and partner organizations to promote I.D.E.A. initiatives. In 2023, we hosted our first I.D.E.A. Roundtable Event and brought together community leaders to discuss tactics to enhance our community’s I.D.E.A. initiatives. Additionally, we cultivated numerous alliances with our Houston community.

Staff Engagement

Through the I.D.E.A. Committee we have hosted educational programming for staff by celebrating the diverse voices and experiences within our organization, through our series of coffee talks and heritage celebrations.

The I.D.E.A. journey will continue at the Houston Zoo. While we have made significant progress over the past year, we recognize that there is still much work to be done. By working together with staff, board members, community leaders, and stakeholders, we will continue to strive towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all. Afterall, we are a Zoo for All.

CELEBRATING THE VOICES OF OUR ZOO

To celebrate the diverse voices and experiences within our organization, the Houston Zoo created a series of coffee talks. The informal gatherings provide an opportunity for our staff to share their unique stories, perspectives, and passions, allowing us to gain a personal glimpse into their lives beyond the workplace. Furthermore, the Houston Zoo remains dedicated to hosting, sponsoring, and participating in heritage celebrations that honor the rich tapestry of cultures represented amongst our staff. We believe that these events not only celebrate diversity but also foster greater understanding and appreciation among our staff.

Awards and Achievements

In a triumphant display of leadership, fundraising, and communications, the Houston Zoo has firmly established itself within the local community. President & CEO Lee Ehmke’s recent recognition as one of Houston Business Journal’s “2023 Most Admired CEOs” underscores his unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, elevating the Zoo to a prominent position in the community. As a testament to his incredible contributions to zoos around the world, Lee was awarded World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Heini Hediger Award which recognizes individuals who have rendered outstanding service to the zoo and aquarium community.

The outstanding efforts of the Zoo’s Development team, notably in the Keeping our World Wild Centennial Capital Campaign, earned them recognition as the “Outstanding Fundraising Program” from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Houston Chapter (AFP). Furthermore, Chief Advancement Officer Nick Espinosa was honored as AFP’s 2023 “Outstanding Fundraising Executive.”

Additionally, the Houston Zoo’s communication initiatives have garnered praise from the Public Relations Society of America’s Houston Chapter (PRSA), earning two 2023 Excalibur Awards for their creative and strategic campaigns during the Centennial Celebration. The team was also awarded the inaugural Top Honors for Earned Media from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for their work on the Centennial.

Feast is Back!

For the first time since 2019, the Houston Zoo hosted one of the most unique fundraisers in the city, Feast with the Beasts presented by TXU Energy. Guests enjoyed a premier tasting event with delectable bites from more than 30 of Houston’s top restaurants, enjoyed live music, and exciting animal experiences throughout the Zoo. For the first time, guests had the opportunity to experience the immersive Galápagos Islands exhibit at night. The event was more exclusive than ever. Fewer tickets were available to ensure a more intimate and high-quality culinary experience.

Another Enchanting Zoo Lights

From November 17 through January 7 Houston Zoo hosted its 12th season as one of Houston’s most beloved holiday traditions, TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights. On these evenings, while the animals took their winter slumber, guests enjoyed picture-perfect winter scenes at Snowy Slopes sponsored by PNC, strolled through the sparkling lights at the Holiday Grove presented by TXU Energy and experienced “snow” in Winter Wonderland presented by Houston Methodist.

In November, members enjoyed a two-night exclusive to preview Zoo Lights before anyone else. For the second time, the Zoo hosted Sip & Sparkle, an adults-only Zoo Lights specialty night where guests sample wine and enjoy the sights of the season.

Lead Sponsors: PNC, Coca-Cola, H-E-B, Houston Methodist and KPRC-2

CHAIRS

Jordan and Dylan Seff

Vanessa and Chuck Ames

HONOREE

Stacy Methvin

AUCTION CHAIRS

Margaret Farnsworth

Stephanie von Stein Schusterman

AFTER PARTY CHAIR

Kristina H. Somerville

On October 21, 2023, Zoo Ball co-chairs Jordan and Dylan Seff and Vanessa and Chuck Ames welcomed more than 740 Houstonians to raise over $2 million for the Zoo. Themed to celebrate our Galápagos Islands exhibit, the event honored Stacy Methvin, an extraordinary leader and Board Chair from 2016-2022.

Upon arrival, guests explored our newest exhibit and were awed by Galápagos tortoises, sea lions, and penguins. Then, they made their way to the elegantly decorated Masihara Pavilion to enjoy a delectable Ecuadorianinspired dinner served by City Kitchen. Lee Ehmke expressed his gratitude for Stacy Methvin’s influence in transforming the Zoo into a leader in wildlife conservation. The silent auction, chaired by Margaret Farnsworth and Stephanie von Stein Schusterman, raised more than $194,000. After dinner, a spirited live auction and paddle raise brought in $372,000. At the After Party, sponsored by PNC and chaired by Kristina H. Somerville, The Party Feels kept revelers dancing until midnight.

Zoo Ball

1. Lee Ehmke, Sue Chin, Stacy and Dee Methvin

2. Jordan and Dylan Seff, Vanessa and Chuck Ames

3. Margaret Farnsworth and Stephanie von Stein Schusterman

4. Zoo Ball Tent

5. After Party Tent

LEGACY GIVING

In August, during Make-a-Will Month, Werler Society members mingled at their annual stewardship event in Flamingo Terrace. This donor club, for those who have included a gift to our Zoo in their will, had a private breakfast and curated tour through the Galápagos Islands exhibit led by Kevin Hodge, vice president of animal programs. The intimate event united legacy donors with a shared passion for the Zoo. Their generosity helps the Zoo preserve its mission to connect communities with animals and to inspire future generations of conservation heroes. The Zoo is profoundly grateful for this dedicated group of supporters who have decided to make a legacy gift to our Zoo.

Click here for more details about the Werler Society can be found on our Leave a Legacy website.

CONSERVATION CONNECTIONS: THE PANTANAL

On a warm summer evening in early September, Asante Society members met for cocktails and light bites in South America’s Pantanal to experience one of the Zoo’s newest exhibits and learn about the work conservation partners are doing to save animals in the Pantanal. Asante members enjoyed animal feedings with giant river otters and jaguars, keeper chats, and exploring the exhibit after-hours. Lee Ehmke, president & CEO, shared insider news updates on several topics, like construction progress on Birds of the World and the exciting return of the Zoo’s Wildlife Travel Program.

Click here to learn more about Asante Society.

FLOCK FEST

In September Flock members traveled back in time for a 90s-themed evening in the South America’s Pantanal. Guests sipped beverages from Flock’s new presenting sponsor, White Claw Hard Seltzer. Party goers snacked on light bites from Hughie’s, California Pizza Kitchen, Loro, Blood Bros BBQ, Uchiko, and dessert from SSA Group. The nostalgia-inspired night featured ambassador animals, keeper chats, giant river otter feeding demonstration, 90s jams, a silent auction, and a Twister: Spin to Win game offering prizes like an anteater tour and Pantanal plush animals. All proceeds from the event supported the Houston Zoo’s animal care, education, and wildlife-saving efforts.

Click here to learn more about Flock.

A Zoo for All

The Houston Zoo is successful because of the many constituents and supporters who believe so deeply in the Zoo’s mission. Your generosity allows the Zoo to thrive as a vital part of the Houston community and helps us sustain partnerships with people and organizations in Texas and around the world dedicated to saving animals in the wild.

2023 ATTENDANCE: 2,127,269*

* As of December 31, 2023

REVENUE

CONTRIBUTIONS BREAKDOWN

11,375,922 19,374,906 8,747,408 5,880,416 86,926,864

2023 EXPENDITURES

8,062,773 3,994,951 512,193 2,112,718 3,148,275 17,830,910

Annual Gifts

$100,000+

Vanessa and Chuck Ames*

Chevron

Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages*

ConocoPhillips

Houston Arts Alliance

Kathrine G. McGovern/John P. McGovern Foundation

Phillips 66

Jordan and Dylan Seff*

SSA Group*

TXU Energy

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

$50,000-$99,999

Anonymous

BakerHostetler LLP*

Pat Chazen

Cathy and Joe Cleary

Gallery Furniture

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

H-E-B

Houston Methodist Hospital

King & Spalding LLP

PNC*

The Powell Foundation

Republic National Distributing Company*

Saint Arnold Brewing Company*

Texas State University

Trinchero Family Estates*

Connie and Jeff Woodman

$10,000–$49,999

ABC Home & Commercial Services

AGL Foundation

Joan and Stanford

Alexander Family

Evan and Blake Allen

Anonymous

Dian Austin

Tracy and Russell Ballato*

Meg and George Basu

The C.T. Bauer Foundation

Berg Hospitality Group*

Nimesh B. Bhakta

Susan and Bradley Billetdeaux

Judy and Mark Blanchard

Bloomberg Philanthropies

Estate of Dulane Myrtle Bourdeau

bp America

Irma Brindis*

Karen and Michael Brisch

Janet and Michael Brown

Kristen and Scott Browning

Silver Eagle Distributors

Houston, LLC

Heather and Max Bulk

Jennie and Richard Buxbaum

Cheryl and Carl Carlucci CFP Foundation

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Catherine Lee Clarke and Theis Clarke

Shari Conner

Trang and Alan Cormack

Erin and Kyle Cummings

Stacey and Peter DallePezze

Carolyn D. and Platt W. Davis

De Beers*

Ann E. Deaton

Rachel and Michael Delaney

Anita Detweiler

Debra and Mike Dishberger*

Robin B. and Chris J. Dodson

Lynn L. Atkinson and David Drucker

Renece and Keith Duggan

Anne S. Duncan

Lee C. Ehmke

ExxonMobil*

Angela Fabbri*

Margaret and T.J. Farnsworth*

Sidney Faust

The Favrot Fund

Marie and Richard Fish

Robin and Sammy Fleschler

Harriet Foster

Ann and Randy Fowler Frost Bank

Brett Mossman and Lisette Galindo

Kerry A. Galvin

Edward and Lauren Geiser

Genesco Sports Enterprises

Jeanie L. Giles

Deborah and Burt Ginsburg

Kathy and Marty Goossen*

Annie and Bob Graham

Claire Liu and Joe Greenberg

Maria V. and Rex O. Grey

Judy Hale

Courtney and Zac Harmon

Aletha and Jeffrey Harris

Barbara Harrison

Sara and Phil Hawk

Hirtle Callaghan & Co.

Natalie and Shaun Hodge

Jackie and Jon Hodges

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Ouida Hurston

Rebecca and Bobby Jee

Elise and Russell C. Joseph

Lisa and Sanjay Kalavar

Elsa and Mark Kathman

Dana and Daryl Kenningham

Kim King

Carey Kirkpatrick

Knobloch Family Foundation/ Carla Knobloch

Jan Koehn

Peggy A. Kostial*

Nicole and Todd Lacy

Albert Laverty

Jessica and Brian Leeke

The Lindley Family Foundation

Shelli and Steven Lindley

Penny and Paul Loyd

Karri and Joey Mahmoud

Nancy D. McGregor and Neal Manne

Marathon Oil Corporation

Marek Family Foundation

Meredith and Ben Marshall

Kirby and Scott McCool

Audra and Sean McNicholas

Memorial Hermann

Anna and Kenneth Mermis

Stacy and DeWitt Methvin

Morgan and Christine Micheletti

Micole Foundation

Julie Mitchell

Natalie and Steve Mohtashami

Cullen and Robert Muse*

Bobbie Nau

Suzanne and Bob Nimocks

Nathan and Ashley Norman

Sara and Randy Ortwein

Giovanna and Stephen Payne

Karen D. Werner-Petak and Steven M. Petak

Beverly and Jim Postl

Tommye and David Powell

Proud Source Water, Inc.*

Alie and David Pruner*

Nancy and David Pustka

R. E. Smith Foundation

Macey H. and Harry M. Reasoner

Beth Robertson

Yana and Matt Rodilosso

Sadie Rucker

Karen and Robert Saltiel

Leslie and Shannon Sasser

Maryjane and Bud Scherr

Stephanie von Stein

Schusterman and Mark Schusterman*

Betty Jane Seydler Foundation

Space Center Houston*

Matt Starr

Sterling-Turner Foundation

Charlotte and J. Terry Strange

Michael Ainsworth and Karen Szauter

TC Energy

Estate of Richard E. Terry

Texas Capital

Texas Children’s Hospital

University of Houston

Alumni Association

Janie and Pat Wagner

Cynthia and Mac Walker

Waste Management

Kristen and Michael Weekley

Kelli and John Weinzierl

Megan and Walker Weston

Westside Tennis Club

Whalley Family

White Claw Hard Seltzer

Susan and Austin Young

Zadok Jewelers*

$5,000-$9,999

Beverlee Steinberg and Chad Alexander

Eric J. Alfuth

Adrienne and Snehal Amin

Carina and Brooks Antweil

Kathy Arthur

Baker Botts L.L.P.

June and Steve Barth

Barbara and Mike Bodkin

Dianne and Michael Bowman

Mary K. and Frank R. Bradley

Bill and Elizabeth Brown

Cynthia J. and Stephen W. Brown

Heather and John Burgess

Bill Butzner

Brandi Stewart and Andrez Carberry

Nancy Chafe

Kris and Sherene Chikelue

Darleen W. and Jack H. Christiansen

CIBC Private Wealth Management

Taylor Courtney

Helen G. Crain and Peter L. Crain

Mindy and Josh Davidson

Jeanine Denton

Jeff and Michele Dodson

Jan and Berk Donaldson

Deborah Dunkum

Esther and Randall Dunn

Jimmy Dunne

Jenny Elkins

Electra and Douglas Elliott

Lynn L. and John W. Elsenhans

Jay J. Follmer

Paula Fonda

The Fruehauf Foundation

Alice G. and William R. Gamble

Mary and Steven Gangelhoff

Kate and Steven Gibson

Lori and Theodore Gobillot

Glenda and Russell Gordy

Alexandra and Daniel Gottschalk

Harriet Grossman

Nancy and John Hathaway

Maggie C. Hawk

Emily Downing-Ishee and Jonathan Ishee

Deborah O. Jennings

Jill and Dunham Jewett

Diana and Glenn Johnson

Jim A. Johnson

Diane and Don Kendall

Sippi and Ajay Khurana

Kathy and Dick Kimbrough

David R. King

Ann and Mark Kluppel

Sharon Lane

Cornelia Long

Kelley and Stephen Lubanko

Jennifer and Ben McClure

April Dunn McGee and Wells McGee

Kim McKay and Tom McKay

Sneha Merchant*

Miami-Dade County

Marsha Middleton Revocable Trust

Sharon Giordano and Valerie L. Mogas

Matt Monday

Mary Ann Newman

Palmer Foundation

Doreen Stoller and Dan Piette

Janet and George Pilko

Jessica and Tyson Pinnell

Robbyn S. and Byron K. Pope

Edlyn and Dave Pursell

Leah and Ryan Rabe

Melissa K. Ratnala

Mary W. Rose

Catherine and Mel Rourke

Susan Krohn Sarofim

Elizabeth Schwarze

Penny and Mark Small

Elizabeth M. Cosgrove and Cameron D. Smith

Becky and David Smith

Becky Roof and Gary Smith

Courtney and Bas Solleveld

Kristina and Paul Somerville

Krystal Crane Thompson and Garrett Thompson

Steve and Leticia Trauber

Katherine O. Valdez

Valobra Master Jewelers*

Jennifer L. and John D. Vogel

Jillian and Yuri Waldo

$2,500-$4,999

James Madget and Martha A. Adger

Marilyn Schugman and James Albertine

Anonymous*

Ellen and Hank Bachmann

Tiffany and Kenneth Baird

Carol J. Baker

Peggy and Bill Barnett

Ellie Beard

Lindley Folkerson and John Beauchamp

Darvell Bivens

Susan L. and Mickey A. Bloome

Margery Anderson and Farhad

Bozorgmehr

Theresa A. and Frank J. Bramanti

Katherine Bridger

Nancy and Matthew Brogdon

Arthur “Will” Brown III

Christy Brown

Barbara and Walter Bryan

Bebe and Bob Burns

Sabrina D’Amico and Faraz Butt

Lynn and Win Campbell

Michelle B. and Winfield

M. Campbell

Deborah and Gardner Cannon

Mary Farach-Carson and Daniel Carson

Gwendolyn and Shawn Carsten

Julia Hayes and Hector Castellanos

Kristen A. Castellanos

Holly and Kenneth Charette

Janice Hazlehurst and Stephen G. Charles

Angela Chen and Mark R. Klitzke

Anne and John Clutterbuck

Devin Coffey

Kari and Frank Coffey

Decie Autin and Dan Coleman

Michelle and Kevin Corley

Robin L. and Joseph P. Cunningham

Damon Daniels

Margaret and Warren Davis

Jillian and Chris Day

Erica U. and Rafael T. DeHoyos

Janet and Robert Denton

Kim and Kent Dillow

Elizabeth Anthony*

C.C. and Duke Ensell

Mary Erwin

Christina and Maxwell Erwin

Connie and Eric Estopinal

Tracy and James Fish

Shari L. and Tom O. Fish

Nan and Bob Franklin

Suzanna and Brant Fulcher

Marcie and Woody Garmon

Ann and Joseph Garnett

Sarah George

Marilynne and Fred Gorman

Hillary and Tim Graves

Veronica and John Griffin

Michele and William Hayes

Susan L. and Earl J. Hesterberg

Samantha Baker and Kyle Hilberg

Robyn Marchand and Michael Hillerman

Nancy S. and Carter E. Hixon

Lisa and Fred Hollins

Leyvi Guerra and James Hury

Taylor and Stuart Imel

Leigh and Chris Joseph

Junior League of Houston, Inc.

Joan and Marvin Kaplan Foundation

Rick Kaplan

Ann P. and Stephen M. Kaufman

Deborah L. McCoy and Robert Keenan

Christine Cangelosi-Kelley and Ryan Kelley

Chea and Liam Kelly

Krista Heidersbach and Mike Kelly

Robin and Daniel Klaes

Julie A. Koch and Richard R. Humphreys

Amanda Copperthite-Kroon and Steven Kroon

Jordan E. and Simeon T. Lake

Lise and Geoff Lanceley

Nancy H. Langford

Jennifer and Christopher Laporte

Carrie D. Colbert and Mark Latham

Brooke and Kevin Lee

Benigna C. and Ernst L. Leiss

Jenna A. Lindley

Matthew J. Lindley

Barbara Lowery-Yilmaz

Tara and Scott MacLaren

Linda Magoto

Paige M. Jackson and Mike J. Manley

Dona Manning

Lisa Marcussen

Judy O. and Ken C. Margolis

Sonja Massak

Paula and Myles McClelland

Sheila R. McIlnay

Hannah and Cal McNair

Abigail and Jacob Miley

Mary and Dylan Nash

Jeri Nordbrock

Alma M. and Edward J. Novotny

Dianne B. Padgett

Jill and John Parsons

Patterson & Sheridan, LLP

Trish Freeman and Bruce Patterson

Pillsbury Winthrop

Shaw Pittman LLP

Amy and James Pipe

Dean Putterman

Demi and Ron Rand

Renee Renfroe

Chris I. Rivers

Adrian Rodriguez

Kelly B. and David A. Rose

Angela and Chris Roth

Jay and Stacey Roussel

Mona and Andrew Sarofim

Teresa Scanlan

Betsy and Ed Schreiber

Hanna M. Schwarze

Shibani Shinde-Patil and Karthik Selvam

Sempra

Lee-Taylor and Riley Sharman

Barbara and Joseph Sheldon

Danny G. Villarreal and

Patrick F. Siddons

Herbert D. Simons

Meredith V. and Jeffrey G. Sipes

Natalie Emge and Jeremy Smith

Ron C. Smith

J.J. and Gerry Spedale

Nadia and Robert Stampes

Veronica N. Niebler-Hunt and John P. Stein

Kim and David Sterling

Sammie R. Sappington-Story and Wesley L. Story

Judy Stover

Amber and George Sturrock

Kris Torberson

Susan and Andrew Truscott

Tyndale USA

Ann and Michael Van Wagener

Nancy Verly

Diana and Jaime Villarreal

Robin and David Walstad

Pat and Jim Walzel

Luvi and Carlos Wheelock

Deborah Whitman

Kimberly and John Wilkinson

Tracey and Connie Williford

Sandra and Karl Willmann

Jane B. and Jim P. Wise

Barbara and Recep Yilmaz

Marielle and Timur Yilmaz

Patricia and Robert Zesut

$1,000-$2,499

Paul Leggett and JeAnna L. Abbott

Ashley E. Agee

Maria Alaoui

Shirin Pourfathi and Saied M. Alavi

Julie and Drew Alexander

Aasim Ali

Nicole and Samir Ali

All We Need Farms*

Amy and Joseph Allen

AmazonSmile

Denise and John Anguish

Anonymous

Traci and John Paul Arellano

Carol Relihan and John Arthur

Christian and Kyle Baker

Myra W. Barber

Carol and Larry Barbour

Shekinah Bass

Julia and Joseph Batdorf

Caroline and Andrew Bean

Jamie and Jarvis Belinne

Mario E. Bertoni

Claire and Rusty Blanton

Kathy Morin and Paul Block

Kathryn and Travis Boeker

Melissa Bogle

Catharine and Brandon Borders

Harry L. Bowles

Kristy and Chris Bradshaw

Kathryn and Billy Bragan

Kelli and Mike Bridges

Anne and Stephen Brollier

Thomas Stenack and Katherine Brooker

Christie L. Brown

Gary Burkett

Alison Burton

Gerard Caddick

Minda and William Caesar

Carolyn and Gregory Calhoun

Alicia and David Castro

Susan and Giulio Cattozzo

Diane and Johnny Chaney

Cathryn T. Chapman

Jay Christie

Kenyon and Sean Cichowski

Melissa and Aaron Clark

Suzanne and Mark Clevenger

Donna F. Cole

Michelle and Brian Colvard

Wendy and Malcolm Crawford

Heather and Daniel Crowder

Sylvie and Gary Crum

Sheryl and William Curtin

CVS Health Foundation

Brittney A. Gregory and Michael W. Dafcik

Amanda Mularz and Steven Dalati

Nancy and Thomas Daly

Shonnie and Bruce Daniel

Claudette M. Danna

Cathy and Stephan Darnell

Brandon Davis

Jeanette and Dannie Davis

Sue A. Davis

Barbara and Jonathan Day

Gretell Otano-Debard and Julien Debard

Andrew Whipkey and Sara Dierickx

Susie and Joe Dilg

Carol E. Dinkins

Eileen and David Doehring

Kelly and Ben Dotson

Whitney and Alex Douglas

Dr. Roth Plastic Surgery*

Deborah and Marshall Dujka

Sarah and Zachary Duran

Bob Edwards

France Archambault and Calvin Embry

Nick Espinosa and Carlos Meltzer

Leighton and Gavin Fairbairn

Noah Godwin and Liz Febo

Marguerite and Bruce Ference

Bari and David Fishel

Support

Cathy A. FitzGerald

Michael DuPart and Mary Lou Flynn-DuPart

Lorrie and Mike Foreman

Courtney and Alex Forshey

Cheryl and Andy Fossler

Deborah and Randy Fowler

Jennifer K. Fox

Kristina and Kevin Frankel

Jo Ann and Bob Fry

Brenda and Chris Funk

Carolyn B. Watts and Dale K. Furrow

Princess Maria-Anna Galitzine and Prince Piotr Galitzine

Kimberly and Michael Gapinski

Chinonso D. Okorie and Jetrice Gardner

Amanda and Curtis George

Vanessa and Eric Gerard

Michelle Gilvey

Heather and Sean Golden

Barbara S. Goldfield

Jimmy Gollihar

Jesse and Mark Goodwin

Claire and John Goosey

Lacey and Matt Goossen

Ryan D. Gordon

Lauren and Lawson Gow

Beth and Jason Griffith

Richard L. Gruen

Anna Gryska

Amy Ng and Abhilash

Gummakonda

Anuj Sharma and Nupur Gupta

Kassia Yanosek and Christopher Gurr

Ann Hamilton

Erin Fox and Gray Hancock

Steven Schroder and Elizabeth Hanks

Kendall and Christopher Hanno

Kathy Hardcastle

Laura and Terry Harvey

Margaret C. Hauben

Stacee and Derek Hawkins

Cynthia and Mark Hazard

Michele Henderson

Jillian and Trace Hensley

Linda and Tracy Hester

Christina and Zach Hightower

Leslie and Brian Hillendahl

Elaine and Jeff Hiller

Katie Kildal and Rodrigo Himiob

Karen D. Hinson

Gillian A. Hobson

Bobby and Kevin Hodge

Houck Family Foundation

MaryLee and Del House

Penny and Daniel Houy

Tiffany and Mark Hughes

Natali and Mark Hurtado

Brooke Husid

Kelly Hickman and Ryan Ingraham

Joanie Jacobsen

Lee Ann Morris and Kevin Jakubenas

Diane and Eric Jansen

Jill and Cameron Jensen

Gwenda L. Brewer and George Jett

Cerin Johnson and Todd Johnson

Emily and Benjamin Jones

Allison and Bradley Jones

Holly J. Jones

Jane and Gregory Jordan

Cynthia and Kent Kahle

Lori and Steven Kamins

Lawrence Kaplan

Nina and David Karohl

Nora and Oliver Kassam

Taylor and Dan Kaufman

Jordan Kazlow

Adria Keeney

Rebecca Kemp

Leslie and Donald Kilbourn

William S. and Lora

Jean Kilroy Foundation

Linda and David Knowles

Candy and Tom Knudson

Rena and Michael Koinis

Sheryl Kolasinski

Maria and Robert Kreider

Kroger Food Stores

Sarah Kuhn

Kathy and Randy Lake

Brenda M. Landry

Kelley and Michael Lang

Stephanie and Rich Langenstein

Juni Muhota-Langham and Chanler A. Langham

Denise and Matthew Lanza

Elizabeth and Kris Larson

Janice G. Laurie

Victoria and Alexander Lazar

League City Custom Golf Carts*

Querine Hoogkamer and Elmer Lee*

Ann and Jorge R. Leis

Michael K. Poindexter and Debbie K. Leo

Sara Lindsay

Andrea and Richard Link

Engel Schmidt and Ting Liu-Schmidt

Robert J. Lorio

Christina M. Lyons

Karl Maahs

Courtney MacDonald

Amanda and Fredrik Mack

Audrey and Robert MacLean

Amanda and Eric Madril

Ann Mahoney

Gary Margolis

Kristy Godwin and David Martin

Kathryn and George Martinez

Lynn and Marcel Mason

Jim Crump and Mary McBeth

Jackie McCarra

Tracy and Brian McDaniel

Margie and Lyman McDonald

Awesta Masshoor and James McGill

Megan and Daniel McHenry

Sarah Candler and Ted McKenna

Sheryl and Michael McKinnon

John McLaughlin

Judge Roberta A. Lloyd and Don McWilliams

Melcher Charitable Foundation

Stephanie Verhardt and Trey Melcher

Corey and Joshua Mermis

Greg Joseph and Ellie Meyer

Margey Meyer

Rachel and Michael Miller

Sheila and Steven Miller

Sheryl and Scott Mills

Kelley and Robert Milsop

Laura and Brian Minyard

Cara and Tanner Moran

Josie and Phil Morgan

Mary Louise and Terence Mullervy

Stephanie Weber and Paul Muri

Dennis Murland

Caroline and David Murphy

Eric J. Murray*

Judy and Kenneth Nadolny

Avery Neal

Betty and Steve Newton

Briana and Vinh Nguyen

Kathy and Bruce Nied

Kathy and Phil Noble

Bobby Noblitt

Carlos Nunez

Alisa E. O’Leary

Lisa and Michael O’Leary

Stacy and Ronan O’Malley

Michael Weinstein and Angela Ong

Megan and Jesse Ortega

Anita G. O’Shaughnessy

Mary and Michael O’Truk

Janice and Daniel Palomino

Dan Parish

Shea and Braden Parker

Megan and Jonathan Parker

Biba and Jon Parker

Stephen R. McCauley and David L. Peavy

Linda H. and Robert J. Peche

Rita Peck

Sara and Blake Pellerin

Marguerite Penewitt

Laurie and Tyler Perper

Picos Authentic

Mexican Restaurant*

Neil O’Sullivan and Andrea Pola

Michele Pola

Pamela and James Pool

Robert Baumgartner

and Margaret S. Preston

Chris Putnam

Laura B. and Michael C. Puzio

Janet H. and John E. Pyle

Q Clothier*

Angie Quinten and Deborah Quintero

Marguerite and Hari

Radhakrishnan

Bradley L. Radoff

Louis C. Helfrich and Jaclyn S. Randall-Helfrich

Ellen R. Gritz and Mickey D. Rosenau

Loren Stagg and Sarah Ratzel

Carroll and Hugh Ray

Susan H. and Barrett

H. Reasoner

Clara and Lawrence Revill

Aleece Hayes and Phillip Rice

Marissa and Jeffrey Richie

Laura and Joe Rigano

Andreana Rivera

Paul F. Rizza

Laura A. and Tim D. Roberts

Robyn Arouty Studios*

Adrienne and Trevor

Rodenberger

Diane Rogers

Kristi and Bryan Roof

Elizabeth and Adam Ross

Polly and David Roth

Janis and Tom Rudd

Bryan and Nancy Ruez

Safeway Inc.

Akemi and Yasuhiko Saitoh

Cheryl and Joshua Samuels

Melanie and Danny Savitz

Camilla R. Sayers

Marc Tabolsky and

Sally Anne Schmidt

Anna and Charlie Schwartzel

Michael Stein and Allison C. Scott

Courtney Selinidis

Elizabeth and Russell Sellen

Maggie and Gregory Sheridan

Diana Skerl

Wendel Skolaski

Beth and David Slater

Julia F. Smith

Pam J. Smith

Josh Snellgrove

Sole Sply*

Nikki Payne and Monique Sparks

Janet and H.J. Springer

St. John Paul II Catholic School

Kate and Taylor Stallings

Janet and Paul Stannard

Roxanne Almaraz and Chrissy Stegemoller

Pam Campion and Max Stetzer

Cynthia Pickett-Stevenson and Donald E. Stevenson

Laura and Trevor Stolzenburg

Christy Suh

Linda Suib

Rachel and James Suliburk

Sun & Ski Sports*

Marguerite M. Swartz

Amir Taghi*

The Lowell Hotel*

Charles M. Boyle and Juliana Thomas

Mattie and Brian Thompson

Judith Thompson

Madison and Trey Thompson

Nancy P. Thompson

Sandy Tietjen

Alisa Tijerina

Nancy and Tim Timpani

Vicki Tomlinson

Lillie Schechter and Brian Trachtenberg

Caroline Baker and Jeremiah Traxler

Phoebe and Bobby Tudor

Jack D. Tully

Wendy Harris and Kenneth H. Turnbull

Mardi and Mark Turner

Betty and Jess Tutor

Brian Winquist and Debra Unchis

Adrienne and Timothy Unger

Katharine and William Van Wie

Velasquez Elementary School

Steven Magee and Sally W. Vernon

Rachel Victorin

Victoria Villarreal

Mary and Michael Vitek

Vincent J. Wall

Connie and Lawrence Wallace

Amber and Dylan Weaver

Stephanie E. Rogers Whaley

and Ryan P. Whaley

Alston and Jordan White

Amanda and Scott Wiesenborn

Vasilia and Laurens Wilkes

Doug and Kay Wilson

Melinda B. Wineinger

Cynthia Wolff

Megan and Chris Wood

Woodhouse Spa Houston

Galleria*

Britten Fund/Kendall Woods

Mark Wooldridge

Shannon Holy and Marla Wunderlich

Lana Wynne*

Gina and Joseph Wyszynski

Vannevar Yu

Elizabeth and Nicholas Zugaro

Matching Gifts

Chevron Humankind

Employee Funds

Corebridge Financial, Inc.

ExxonMobil Foundation

Matching Gift Program

Hess Corporation

LyondellBasell Houston

Refining

Marathon Oil Corporation

Ovintiv Canada ULC

Phillips 66

Shell Oil Company Foundation

Tribute Gifts

In Memory of

Margaret Adair Atmar

In Honor of Wren Baker

In Honor of Chris Bednarski

In Memory of Gardner Cannon

In Celebration of

Celebrity Cruises

In Honor of Jillian Day

In Honor of Patricia Medici and Arnaud Desbiez

In Honor of Jenny Elkins

In Honor of Joe Flanagan

In Memory of Molly Daly Gerald

In Memory of Brad Hale

In Memory of Karen Johnson

In Honor of Ben Jones

In Memory of Bob Jones

In Honor of Darrell Kainer

In Memory of Butch Layne

In Memory of Tessa Lesley

In Honor of Stacy and Dee Methvin

In Honor of Kelly Nugent

In Honor of Dr. Ratsimbazafy and the hatching of a Malagasy sacred ibis chick

In Memory of Peter Riger

In Memory of Carolyn Carruth Rizza

In Honor of Stephanie von Stein Schusterman and Mark Schusterman

In Honor of Jordan and Dylan Seff

In Honor of Kristina and Paul Somerville

In Honor of William Tayar

In Memory of Richard E. Terry, Jr.

In Honor of Olivia Valdez

In Honor of Cynthia Walker

In Honor of Vannevar Yu

The John and Ingrid

Werler Society

Kathie and Scott Amann

Anonymous (15)

Ramona Huffman Arnold

Kathy Arthur

Dian Austin

Lynne and John Averett

Nancy Ayres

Joel Bangilan

Myra W. Barber

Bill Butzner

Sharon and John Campbell

Richard T. Churchill, Jr. and Linda E. Churchill

Sher’ree Davis

Norman Davis

Jillian and Chris Day

Carol E. Dinkins

Michael and Debra Dishberger

Rob Fuller and Cathryn Gabor

Leslie and Gareth Griffiths

Dr. Ellen R. Gritz

Ann and Stephen Kaufman

Donald R. Kendall, Jr.

Sharon Lane

Nancy H. Langford

Michael K. Poindexter and Debbie K. Leo

Judge Roberta Lloyd

Stacy and DeWitt Methvin

Bobby Noblitt

Jesse and Megan Ortega

Renee Renfroe

Sharon Roark

Linda and Jerry Rubenstein

Chad Alexander and Beverlee Steinberg

Charlotte and J. Terry Strange

Linda Suib

Brian J. Thomas

Sandy Tietjen

Kris Torberson

Mardi and Mark Turner

Wendy A. Weston

Shari and Gary Winston

Endowment Gifts

Estate of Anneliese Bosseler

Estate of Beverly W. Loftis

Polly and David Roth

Capital Support

$1,000,000+

The Marvy Finger Family Foundation

The Hamill Foundation

SSA Group

$100,000–$999,999

Paul Elon Pilkington

Dr. Paula Reynoso

The Skaggs Family - Lloyd, Carol, William and Stephen

$10,000–$49,999

Suzanne and Bob Nimocks

Sempra Energy Foundation

Mardi and Mark Turner

Cynthia and Mac Walker

$1,000–$9,999

Nancy I. Abendshein

Ralph B. Abendshein

Jill and Dunham Jewett

Deborah L. McCoy and Robert Keenan

Helen and Marvin Meistrich

All donors listed made contributions totaling $1,000 or more in 2023.

*Includes a gift in kind

Names in italics denote deceased individuals.

Houston Zoo Staff

EXECUTIVE STAFF

Lee Ehmke 5+ President and CEO

—

Amy Blackmon 10+

Executive Administrative Assistant

Nick Espinosa 10+ Chief Advancement Officer

Kristin Finney 5+ Chief Human Resources Officer

Clare Greene

Executive Administrative Assistant

Kevin Hodge 20+ Vice President, Animal Operations

Benjamin Jones

Vice President, Conservation and Education

Sheryl Kolasinski 5+ Chief Operating Officer

Trazanna Moreno 5+

Senior Vice President, Marketing, Communications and Technology

Jeri Nordbrock Chief Financial Officer

Elizabeth Walla

Receptionist

Animal Programs

ANIMAL NUTRITION

Wilbert Booty 5+

Amori Brooks

Rebecca Deleon

Melissa Friedrich

William Mallard

Phyllis Pietrucha-Mays 30+

Cortney Shaw 10+

GENERAL

ANIMAL OPERATIONS

Tarah Cornelius 5+

Eric Murray 5+

Annalia Palacios Matthews

AQUATICS

Denise Babecki 5+

George Brandy 40+

Michael Concannon 20+

Erin Roper

Kenneth Stange 10+

Jazlyn Vazquez

James Winecki 10+

BIRDS

Jessica Clark 20+

Reagan Curtner

Rajean Ferguson

Kyra Gardner

Brendan Giambruno-Fuge

Stephen Howard 30+

Kyle McAuliffe

Brent Nelson

Kelly Pardy 10+

Morgan Pups

Bethany Shick 10+

Daniel Simmons

Eric Urban

Benjamin Vecchio

Brian Whaley

Jeremy Whitted 10+

CARNIVORES

Dennis Charlton

Emilie Covert 5+

Amberley Damm

Julia Hart

Jenna Mcmichael 5+

Paul Reed 10+

Alicia Wedel 5+

DIVE SAFETY

Jake Morrison

ELEPHANTS

Payton Anderskow

Alicia Andring 10+

Allison Anthony

Robert Bernardy 20+

Mariam Dehaini 5+

Stephanie Gomez

Kimberly Klein 10+

Sylvia Molina

Amanda Rinker 10+

Ian Ross 10+

Kristin Windle 5+

HERPETOLOGY & ENTOMOLOGY

Christopher Bednarski 10+

Lisa Cariello 5+

Marissa Carter

Brittanie Crews

Melissa Hodges

Matthew Lammers 5+

Julie Laturner 10+

Francisco Llauger

Jordan Lucas

Declan Mcdonagh

Julia Sanders

Eddie Sunila 5+

Christopher Valdez 10+

HOOFSTOCK

Wren Baker 10+

Cynthia Colbert

Heather Johnson

Timothy Junker 10+

Memory Mays 10+

Kendall Moore 10+

Avery Moorer

John Register 10+

Kimberly Siegl 10+

Jessica Sigle 10+

Morgan Walker

Hannah Whitaker

PRIMATES

John Allen 5+

Briana Bauer 5+

Carlos Campos-Garcia 10+

Kayla Cosmi 5+

Karli Dallman

Amanda Daly 20+

Grace Dickey

Amelia Dunn 5+

Sonny Heihn

Kelsey Johnston

Lindsey Keehn

Logan Kirk

Derrick Lockett

Daniel Marzluf

Judith Mcauliffe 10+

Briyel McKay

Mykenzie Paul

Rebekah Rice

Rebecca Roloff

Ronald Santos 30+

Heather Schimke

Lucy Dee Sheppard

Heaven Sorrells

SEA LIONS & PENGUINS

Melissa Garcia

Amanda Perry 5+

Margaret Pionke

Krista Webber 10+

Emily Wilkins

Michelle Williams

VET CLINIC

Catherine Almeida 5+

Jennifer Atkinson 5+

Kendra Bauer 5+

Emma Beyer

Joseph Flanagan 40+

Melissa Hanson

Jordan Johnson 5+

Jessica Jones

Andrew Krauss

Cody Macon

Christine Molter 5+

Michele Ozuna 30+

Rachel Smith

Kathrine Solomon

Jennifer Stevenson 10+

Maryanne Tocidlowski 20+

Tami Voss

Ruth Zavala

WILDLIFE CONNECTIONS

Rachel Adams 10+

Clair Baker

Jordan Brickley

Michelle Castle 10+

Sydney Dean

Hayley Dougherty

Marisol Gomez

Logan Groover

Maria Hernandez

Timothy Johnson

Natalie Jones 5+

Zoie Jorgensen-Tjornehoj

Amy Lavergne

Danielle Montes De Oca 5+

Tegan Moto

Bailey Nichols

Daniel Ortega

Lenaye Palmer

Sarah Radecker

Tianna Redieck 5+

Priscilla Reed 10+

Tianna Roberts

Brian Stucky 5+

Hailey Wedlich

Carolyn Zewe 20+

Operations

ADMISSIONS

Eduardo Aguilar

Katerin Ayala

Mitchell Bauer

Amanda Burnom

Felicia Burson

Daisy Castro

Little Davis

Stephanie Davis

Amy Disisto

Daniel Espinoza

Griselda Garcia

Tina Gonzales 5+

Evangeline Gonzales

Juan Gutierrez

Hampton Hawkins 5+

Raúl Herrera Muñoz

Christine Hutchison 5+

Asma Jamil 5+

Samantha Jaques

Ashley Kuehne

Rogelio Loredo

Heather Love 10+

La’Morion Manning

Emily Mossbarger

Sofia Munguia

Rodrigo Nava

Domonique Ozenne

Samuel Quiroga

William Rodriguez

Caitlin Rosentraub

Rachel Roush

Maria Santoyo 10+

Christina Seifert

Phillip Severson

Brenda Taylor 10+

Adriana Torres

Megan Zewe

CONSERVATION

EDUCATION

Catherine Cavanaugh 5+

Stuart Davis 5+

Kathleen Edinburgh

Stephanie Gonzalez

Nicholas Larberg 5+

Gentry Leonard 5+

Melissa Mair

Philip Malek 10+

Kelly McCreery 10+

Alyx Scott

Lillie Stockseth

Melissa Wong 10+

Clara Zubrick

DESIGN & ENGINEERING

Maria De La Piedra Yanes

Gretchen Foust

Mark Hoffman 5+

Linc McTarnahan

EVENT OPERATIONS

Wendy Babineaux 5+

Andrea Hennerichs 5+

KeiJuan Saul 5+

FACILITIES

Juan Banda 5+

Kenneth Booker

Franklin Calix 5+

Jacob Carter

Jesus Cavazos 30+

Jose Cervantes

Jamahd Clark

Peter Faini 5+

Randy Francis

Juan Garcia 10+

Antonio Garcia

Jacob Gleason

Silvestre Gomez 10+

Timmy Green

Brandon Hanna 5+

Marcus Harkreader 5+

Angel Hernandez

Kimberly Jones

Brendan Joseph 5+

Paul Lopez 5+

Carlos Martinez

Fernando Mauricio

Jacob Miguel 5+

Jonathan Montez

Rene Rivera 5+

Ricardo Romero

Carmen Sanchez 5+

Jesus Santoyo

Luaay Shehab 5+

Bryant Smith 5+

Kyle Weber 5+

John Williams 10+

FINANCE

Leslie Chow

Shane Dorman 5+

Candace Gutierrez

Ashley Harvey

James Hutchinson 5+

Benjamin Mosley

Elizabeth Tennill 10+

FUNDRAISING & DEVELOPMENT

Rachel Baker

Jillian Day 5+

Audra Jesudason 10+

Ginger Moon 10+

Natalie Nguyen 5+

Kelly Nugent

Alexander Pugh 10+

Isaac Soliz

Sundra Spiller-Hayes 10+

William Tayar

Madison Thompson

Mia White

Brittani Williams 5+

GRAPHICS

Dawn Benavidez 5+

Lucero Hernandez

Steven Shultz

Kirsten Ufer 10+

GROUNDS

Adrian Barbosa

Anthony Burnom

Reynaldo Butanda 5+

Salvatore Carrara

Ricardo Delgado

Efrain Garcia

Juan Garza

Omar Guerra 10+

David Guzman

Abraham Hernandez

Silvestre Hernandez

Tommie Juarez

Juan Martinez

Theron Mathis

Samuel Mellott

Enrique Solis

Philip Torres

Gisela Vazquez

GUEST ENGAGEMENT

Bennett Dones 20+

Sarah Fern 5+

Judith Harrington 5+

Samantha Junker 10+

Karl Maahs

Christopher Powell

Cecilia Silva

HORTICULTURE

Antonio Byles

Moises Campos-Contreras

Issac Gallegos

Carlos Gonzalez

Gregory Haro 5+

Anna Land 10+

Steven Mata

Francisco Ocampo 5+

Raymond Odeh

Matthew Pearson II

Jessica Tristan

HOUSEKEEPING

Euricka Broussard

Ernestina Cortez

Zachary Davis

John Estrada 5+

Daisy Gonzalez

Sara Guerra

Karisma Harrison

Marcy Henderson

Heather Hernandez

Yolanda Jones

Sabrina Lomas 10+

Courtney Lomas

Debra Morgan 10+

Sylvia Olivo 10+

Diego Orozco

Matilde Ponce 5+

Viviana Rodriguez 5+

Jc Villegas

HUMAN RESOURCES

David Garcia

Candi Martinez

Teaera Radick

Brandy Ruiz 10+

Phillicea Thomas

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Rufus Abidakun

Quincy Armstead 5+

Abraham George

Michael Hornsby

Taylor Pate

Andres Trevino

LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT

Taylor Gilley

MARKETING

Jackelin Reyna 5+

Rachael Shappard

Marylu Trevino

Linsey Whitehead

MEMBERSHIP

Melanie Bacon

LaPrecious Bowers

Dianelly Castaneda

Adrian Cavazos 10+

Christian Cedillos

Rachel Duggan

Adalberto Garcia

Noe Gonzalez

Arianna Hall

Nathalie Jolicoeur 10+

Bryanna Moore

Erin Newell 5+

Dylan Olson 5+

Jeniffer Roman

Claudia Vega

PEST CONTROL

Alfredo Arriaga 10+

Ami Orth 10+

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Kevin Kendrick

Jessica Reyes

Jackie Wallace 5+

PURCHASING

Oscar Fernandez

Diego Lopez

Samantha Martinez

Frank Romero

SAFETY & SECURITY

Christopher Adams 10+

Luis Alvarado 10+

Katherinne Argueta

Renato Barrera 10+

Edgar Barrera 5+

Ricardo Barrios

Desiree Barrios

Todd Berry

Cheyenne Cantu

Kailynn Castillo 5+

Gerardo Castillo

Gustavo Corona

Jeffery Francisco

Emilie-Rose Gagne 5+

Marina Gallegos 5+

Megan Hammond

Sonia Heredia

Samanta Hernandez 5+

Anthony Hernandez

Jorge Lopez

Brianna Lykens 5+

Ethan Miller

James Motley 5+

Margaret Pappano

Maria Perez

Monica Quiroga 5+

Gabrielle Rodriguez

Abigail Salazar

Dominique Simon

Derek Torres 5+

Lawrence Trussell 5+

Thomas Valdez 5+

Erica Vasquez

Jordan Wilson 5+

Amanda Yzaguirre 10+

Eliza Zavala 5+

REGISTRAR

Sheri Bradley

Joann Watson 10+

SPECIAL EVENTS

Madison McLaffon

Hillary Rothenberg 5+

Mallet Stafford 10+

Megan Williamson

SUSTAINABILITY

Colley Hodges

WATER QUALITY

Michael Fannin

Zachariah Gonzalez

Karen Sprague

Ashlin Stedifor 5+

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Taylor Rhoades

Staff listed were active employees as of December 31, 2023

= 5 – 9 years at the Zoo

= 10 – 19 years at the Zoo

= 20 – 29 years at the Zoo

= 30 – 39 years at the Zoo

= 40 years at the Zoo

Houston Zoo Board

Houston Zoo Board of Directors

Sami Ahmad

Saied Alavi^

Bill Barnett

George Basu

Carlos deAldecoa Bueno

Beto Cardenas

Kris Chikelue

Joe Cleary

Anne Clutterbuck

Heather Crowder^

Josh Davidson

Michael Dishberger

Anne Duncan

Kerry Galvin

Dr. Cullen Geiselman*

Eureka Gilkey

Robert Graham

Gillian Hobson*

2023 Annual Report

EDITOR

Linsey Whitehead, Senior Director, Marketing and Sales

COMMITTEE

Lee Ehmke, President and CEO

Nick Espinosa, Chief Advancement Officer

Kevin Hodge, Vice President, Animal Operations

Benjamin Jones, Vice President, Conservation and Education

Sheryl Kolasinski, Chief Operating Officer

Trazanna Moreno, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Communications and Technology

Jeri Nordbrock, Chief Financial Officer

Jackie Wallace, Assistant Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs

Kirsten Ufer, Senior Creative Director

Myrtle Jones*

Sanjay Kalavar

Peggy Kostial

Jennifer Laporte

Claire Liu

Kelley Lubanko

Kimberly McKay

Stacy Methvin

Clay Neff*

PHOTO CREDITS

Mathew Griffiths

Daniel Ortiz

Jackie Reyna

WRITING CREDITS

Tarah Cornelius

Kristin Finney

Colley Hodges

Dr. Christine Molter

Alex Pugh

Teaera Radick

Jessica Reyes

Taylor Rhoades

Rachael Shappard

Jackie Wallace

Mia White

Dr. Stacy O’Malley^

Byron Pope

Jim Postl

Alie Pruner

Nancy Pustka^

Ron Rand

Tim Roberts*

Liz Schwarze^

Jordan Seff^

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Dawn Benavidez

Bas Solleveld

Macey Stokes*

Brian Thomas^

Molly Voorhees*

Cynthia Walker

Kelli Weinzierl

Randa Duncan Williams

Austin Young

^Joined July 2023

*Rotated