Houston Zoo 2022 Annual Report

Annual Report 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 A Letter From our President & Board Chair 4 The Houston Zoo’s Centennial Year 5 Centennial Mural Project 6 Centennial Birthday Bash 8 Tiny Baby Betty 9 Cougar Changes 10 New Zoo Additions 12 Leaders in Animal Care

14 Galápagos Islands Progress 16 Galápagos Partners Update 18 Education Programs 20 Sustainability 22 Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility 24 Awards/Recognition 26 Texas Wildlife-saving Highlights

Inside Cover Image: Centennial mural, Galápagos Islands

by GONZO247

28 Conservation Partners 32 Events/Zoo Lights 34 Zoo Ball 36 Donor Groups 38 Financials 40 Support 46 Houston Zoo Staff 49 Houston Zoo Board

STRATEGIC PLAN PRIORITIES Look for these icons to learn how activities outlined in the 2022 Annual Report contributed to specific priorities of the 2017-2022 Strategic Plan for Houston Zoo.

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CREATE MEANINGFUL GUEST EXPERIENCES

CONSERVATION EDUCATION

HIGHEST QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ANIMALS

WORKPLACE OF CHOICE

WORLD CLASS GUEST EXPERIENCES

OPERATE SUSTAINABLY

FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY

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From Our President & Board Chair

Joe Cleary and Lee Ehmke during a recent visit to the Gorilla Doctors Headquarters in Musanze, Rwanda.

From Our President & Board Chair | 3

Celebrating 100 Years At one hundred years old, Houston Zoo is an iconic, storied institution rooted in the city’s history.

installed, detailed exhibit features added, and the first animal residents move into their new home. Around the same time, we crossed the finish line of the $150 million Keeping Our World Wild Centennial Capital Campaign, marking the completion of a years-long effort to fund transformative projects across the Zoo.

Yet we are a forward-thinking, dynamic organization that has become a global model for zoo-based wildlife conservation.

Each of the nearly 1.9 million guests we welcomed during our Centennial year helped save animals in the wild. A portion of every ticket sold supported global conservation projects in many ways, like offering hands-on veterinary training to partners visiting from Brazil and Rwanda. Our animal health teams had a busy year of their own providing life-saving procedures and caring for new additions to our animal family. To help inspire the next generation of conservation heroes, Zoo staff provided meaningful educational interactions with 557,906 Zoo guests and hosted nearly 8,000 Conservation Education program participants.

On Houston Zoo’s founding day, April 30, we kicked off a year of Centennial Celebrations with a birthday bash to include the launch of a beautiful Centennial brand, a proclamation from Mayor Turner, and fun activities for guests. It was a historic day that gave our community a collective moment to reflect on a long journey that started with a lone bison named Earl. Over the next year, we would unveil a series of Centennial murals throughout the city and host mini celebrations on the first Saturday of every month. As you read this report, these celebrations will have culminated with the opening of our most complex and immersive exhibit ever, Galápagos Islands.

Early in 2022, we announced the difficult decision to postpone the opening of Galápagos Islands as we contended with global supply chain issues. But as those bottlenecks opened and construction advanced, we began to see massive panes of acrylic

On behalf of our Board of Directors, volunteers, and staff, thank you for a spectacular Centennial Celebration. Here’s to the next 100 years!

Lee Ehmke President and CEO

Joe Cleary Chair, Board of Directors

4 |

The Houston Zoo’s Centennial Year

The Houston Zoo Celebrates 100 Years The Houston Zoo kicked off its Centennial year on April 30 with a birthday bash extravaganza and continued all year long with a variety of special events.

Zoo guests were invited to see how the Zoo has transformed over the last 100 years by exploring the timeline in McGovern Plaza. They were also encouraged to submit their own Zoo stories to potentially be featured on the Zoo’s Centennial website and social media as the celebration continued throughout the year.

The rich history of Houston Zoo was memorialized in a book, released in the fall.

The book, “Building a Zoo for All: Celebrating 100 Years of Houston Zoo History,” tells the story of the Zoo from a bison named Earl on a small fenced-in section of Hermann Park to the world-class zoo it is today.

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CLICK HERE TO READ

“BUILDING A ZOO FOR ALL: CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF HOUSTON ZOO HISTORY.”

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE KPRC-2 SPECIAL,

“THE HOUSTON ZOO: CELEBRATING 100 YEARS”

Centennial Mural Project | 5

Centennial Mural Project To help celebrate the Centennial, Houston Zoo collaborated with local graffiti artist, GONZO247, and other local artists for a mural project highlighting the Zoo’s international conservation work. Five murals around the city featured the Texas Wetlands, South America’s Pantanal, Africa, Asia, and the Galápagos Islands.

On June 2, together with GONZO247 and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the Zoo unveiled the first Centennial mural, featuring the Galápagos Islands, at Tuffly Park in the Fifth Ward. The Centennial mural project concluded with the unveiling of the fifth and final mural along with a fundraiser at Saint Arnold Brewing Company on July 10.

Click here to learn more about the project.

GONZO247, Usagi Wasabi, Lee Ehmke, and Mathieu Jean Baptiste at the Galápagos Islands mural unveiling

6 |

Centennial Birthday Bash

Centennial Birthday Bash On Saturday, April 30, Houston Zoo launched its centennial year with a day-long birthday celebration. At the historic Reflection Pool, Houston Zoo President and CEO, Lee Ehmke, highlighted the Zoo’s most iconic and historic moments of the century, “Over the past 100 years, our Zoo has seen two world wars, a depression, multiple hurricanes and a pandemic, yet we persevered and have thrived.” Mayor Sylvester Turner also spoke during the event and announced April 30, 2022, would be recognized as “Houston Zoo Day.” Throughout the day guests learned more about the Zoo’s 100-year history and witnessed animals in action during Centennial-themed keeper chats. Other activities included Zoo history trivia, birdhouse crafts, live ice carving, and much more.

Click here to watch highlights from the event.

Centennial Birthday Bash | 7

Keeping Our World Wild To transform Houston Zoo in time for our Centennial, we would need a visionary capital campaign. The Keeping Our World Wild Centennial Capital Campaign launched on April 5, 2018, with a $50 million lead gift from the John P. McGovern Foundation. The campaign would fund The Hamill Foundation Black Bear Exhibit, Cypress Circle Café, Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands, a renovated orangutan exhibit, South America’s Pantanal, Galápagos Islands, and the upcoming Birds of the World. A $5 million portion directly supports conservation projects.

With the generous support of donors, we exceeded our $150 million goal.

The Legacy Wall On the morning of our Centennial birthday bash, we unveiled the Legacy Wall honoring the leading donors of our first 100 years. More than 200 names are etched in metal as a lasting tribute to those who helped build today’s Houston Zoo. We will be forever grateful for their extraordinary generosity.

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8 |

Tiny Baby Betty

Tiny Baby Betty On January 15, primate keepers discovered a baby hanging onto a branch in the Goeldi’s monkey night house. The infant was found to be significantly smaller than a typical Goeldi’s newborn.

Usually, the primates are around 50 grams at birth, but this one weighed only 34 grams, or the weight of seven nickels.

The primate was named Betty in honor of the late, beloved actress and animal lover, Betty White. Unfortunately, initial attempts to encourage her mother Kylie to take Betty were not immediately successful. The team made the decision to move the family and hand-raise Betty while encouraging parental bonding. After weeks of hand-rearing, Betty and Kylie were reunited and the family was later moved back to their habitat.

To date, Betty is the smallest Goeldi’s monkey to have been born and thrive in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited organization.

Cougar Changes | 9

Cougar Changes In August, Houston Zoo mourned the death of 11-year-old cougar Shasta VI. The Zoo’s veterinary team had been treating him for a progressive spinal disease, which rapidly deteriorated. Two months later, 13-year-old cougar Haley was euthanized for decreased mobility and other age-related issues, common in older felines.

Shortly after sending out word the Zoo had room and expertise to care for cougars, Washington State wildlife experts advised they needed a home for two orphaned four-week-old cougar cubs. They came to Houston Zoo and were named Shasta VII and Louie. They will carry on the long-standing tradition with the University of Houston Alumni Association to be ambassadors for their wild counterparts while faithfully representing the cougar spirit of the UH from their home at Houston Zoo.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A

VIDEO OF THE BABY COUGARS

HIGHEST QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ANIMALS

10 | New Animals At The Zoo

New Zoo Additions 1. Jaguar, Vida 2. Goeldi’s monkey, Betty

6. Chilean flamingos, Astro and Orbit

3. Capybaras, Bruno and Pepa

7. Black bear, Claud

4. Orangutan, Takai

8. Masai giraffe, Zawadi

5. Blue duikers, Vlad and Seana

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New Animals At The Zoo | 11

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12 | Leaders in Animal Care

54th Annual AAZV Conference

Conference attendees on a tour of the Zoo’s animal hospital

Our partners from the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association during Zoo Day

In September, Houston Zoo was honored to host the first in-person American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) Conference since 2019.

The conference provided an opportunity to present case reports, new research and learn about the latest advances in zoo and wildlife health, welfare, conservation, and management. Participants had the opportunity to take part in lectures, practical workshops, round table discussions, and network with other zoo colleagues.

The conference allowed Houston Zoo to highlight flagship

programs with Attwater’s prairie chickens, Houston toads, sea turtles, and elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV).

Participants included our partners from the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association.

During Zoo Day, conference attendees were able to see first-hand how Houston Zoo’s animal health program has enabled us to provide outstanding care for our animals, including our herd of Asian elephants. Attendees were also treated to open houses, special keeper chats, and behind-the-scenes tours of the animal hospital, Texas Wetlands, South America’s Pantanal, and underconstruction Galápagos Islands.

Leaders in Animal Care | 13

Animal Welfare with Dr. Jill Mellen In 2022, the Zoo invited animal welfare consultant, Dr. Jill Mellen, to evaluate the Animal Welfare Program.

Dr. Mellen, a research biologist whose areas of expertise include animals, animal welfare and enhancing guest experiences, has worked in the zoo and aquarium field for over three decades, most recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In 2021, Dr. Mellen

HIGHEST QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ANIMALS

received a lifetime achievement award for her work in animal welfare from AZA. Over her three days in Houston, she reviewed the relevance, validity, and applicability of the current Animal Welfare Program. She was impressed with the Zoo’s program and said it was one of the best she had seen. The animal teams had great discussions with her on how they use the assessments and what would make them work better. This was a great beginning to more discussions on how we can improve our already excellent program.

14 | Galápagos Islands Progress

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES Supply chain issues caused a shortage of materials around the world, and Houston Zoo was impacted as well. The Zoo quickly shifted and changed the opening date of the Galápagos Islands exhibit to April 7, 2023. With sea lions, Galápagos tortoises, sharks, and Humboldt penguins, Galápagos Islands at Houston Zoo adds an extraordinary immersive experience to Houston’s world-class zoo. The project, which is a part the Zoo’s 100th anniversary celebration, opens to the public just in time to end the Centennial Celebration.

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CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO SERIES

“WHAT’S NEXT: GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS AT THE HOUSTON ZOO.”

Galápagos Islands Progress | 15

New Animals Arrive The Zoo’s colony of California sea lions almost doubled in size.

Four new females, Ariel (19), Calypso (19), Gaia (8), and Freya (8) arrived at Houston Zoo from a California rescue facility and spent time settling into the back-of-house sea lion care area while their main habitat was completed. California sea lions have been a favorite for decades and have a starring role in the new Galápagos Islands experience, “standing in” for the closely related Galápagos sea lions. Perhaps the most-recognizable inhabitants of the island chain are the giant Galápagos tortoises, a species that takes center stage at the new exhibit in an expansive new habitat. The Zoo’s tortoises are descended from individuals that came to the United States in 1928 as a part of a conservation program initiated by the Bronx Zoo; seven additional tortoises joined the Zoo’s three resident tortoises, moving into their new care barn after completing their quarantine period.

16 | Galápagos Partners Update

Journey to the Galápagos Islands In October, a team from Houston Zoo including Melissa Wong, Dr. Joe Flanagan, Jackie Wallace, and Kevin Kendrick traveled to the Galápagos Islands and hosted a team from KPRC-2. After a couple of planes, a ferry boat and van ride across the island, they reached their first destination. While island hopping, the team hiked several miles to see how teens are protecting sea turtle nests and studying the migration of tortoises. They visited the Faursto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center and met the Zoo’s incredible partners who are making a difference for wildlife. Along their trip they came across the most iconic species from the islands including the blue-footed booby, a family of Galápagos sea lions, marine iguanas, sally lightfoot crabs and so much more. KPRC-2 captured the perfect example of how people and animals can coexist.

A one-hour primetime special, “Houston Zoo: Saving the Galápagos Tortoises”, aired on KPRC-2 on April 13, 2023

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Galápagos Partners Update | 17

Partners in the Field

Houston Zoo staff have been traveling to the Galápagos Islands to help with conservation efforts for almost three decades, assisting scientists from the Galápagos National Park.

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. The Zoo will expand our longstanding collaboration with conservation partner ECOS Foundation to support their Galápagos leadership program that partners with Galápagos National Park. This program engages teenagers in monitoring wild populations of sea turtles and tortoises, protecting sea turtle nests, eradicating invasive species and engaging the local community and government in wildlife awareness and threat reduction campaigns. The Zoo will also continue to strengthen conservation partnerships supporting giant tortoise research scientists and their work with the Charles Darwin Foundation and Galápagos National Park.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH AS THE TEAM TRAVELS

THROUGH THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

18 | Education Programs

Empowering the Next Generation of Wildlife Advocates

Students at campuses across Houston participated in the Saving Wildlife School Partnership program, rallying around efforts to save their mascot animals in the wild and creating wildlife-friendly spaces on their school campuses.

Zoo Campers, ages 6-14 years, kept 247 lbs. of plastic out of the waste stream by bringing reusable water bottles to camp and recycling 49 lbs. of snack wrappers.

Teen programs inspire students to problem-solve ways to save animals in the wild and empower them to influence others to take

action. Participants in the Zoo Crew teen program are helping save migratory bird species that pass through the Houston area.

These teens have formed a Bird-Saving Campaign Committee with the goal of connecting Zoo guests with local bird species and sharing actions our community can take to help save them. They led the Lights Out for Wildlife effort at the Zoo and conducted bird surveys to collect data on how many species are using Zoo grounds for habitat – they have identified almost 50 different wild bird species on Zoo grounds.

Education Programs | 19

Creating Memorable Moments for Guests Opportunities to engage with Zoo experts help connect guests with the animals in our care and the Zoo’s conservation partners working to save their counterparts in the wild. Through spontaneous conversations, encounters with ambassador animals, and sharing stories about our animals, volunteers, Zoo Crew teens, and the Interpretive team help create memorable moments for guests to enhance their visit.

TOGETHER, THESE GROUPS INTERACTED WITH OVER 566,000 ZOO GUESTS IN A MEANINGFUL WAY THIS YEAR.

This year we welcomed Lillie Stockseth, a former Camp Zoofari Guide, and Cecilia Silva, a former Zoo Crew from 2012, to the Interpretive team.

As part of our goal to be a Zoo for all, these two bilingual team members are helping to ensure we reach more guests with our wildlife-saving messages.

Lillie is fluent in American Sign Language and Cecilia is fluent in Spanish.

CONSERVATION EDUCATION

20 | Sustainability

Eliminating Single-Use Plastic at Zoo Gift Shops

LED LIGHTS

In alignment with the Zoo’s wildlife-saving mission, Houston Zoo eliminated single-use plastic packaging in all gift shops and became the first zoo in the country to do so. Since 2015, Houston Zoo and its retail and culinary partner, SSA Group, have taken steps to remove single-use plastics from the Zoo, starting with shopping bags in 2015, followed by beverage bottles and straws. The Zoo and SSA Group partnered in early 2022 to audit the Zoo Store looking for products containing single-use plastic, and worked with vendors to find alternatives, or make different choices. In addition, the Zoo Store was one of the first to switch to 100% recyclable and renewable BPA-free receipt paper where trees are planted for every case used.

To continue progress in making the Zoo more energy efficient, all lights in the Brown Conservation Education Center, South Administration building, and the Zoo’s public restrooms were converted to energy-saving LED lights.

LEDs not only use less energy – they last longer, have greater controllability, and do not require the use of mercury, which is present in fluorescent bulbs and is a danger to humans and animals.

Thanks to this and other energy-saving efforts, the Zoo reduced its annual energy consumption by over 1,008 megawatt hours in 2022.

Click here to learn more.

OPERATE SUSTAINABLY

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LEED the Way In 2022, 12 Zoo staff members earned their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Associate credential after completing a summer prep course. The LEED Green Associate credential demonstrates a thorough knowledge of sustainability concepts and green building principles and practices. The program participants came from departments across the Zoo, with representatives from the elephant team, the Children’s Zoo, Horticulture, Facilities, and Admissions.

The Houston Zoo now has 28 LEED professionals on staff.

KEEPING WASTE OUT OF LANDFILLS: RECYCLED • 1,705 lbs. of miscellaneous electronics

THESE RECYCLING EFFORTS TRANSLATE TO: • 37 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions prevented

• 1,635 lbs. of holiday lights collected from the community

• 447,080 kWh of electricity saved

enough to power

42 HOMES FOR A YEAR

715

• 531,145 gallons of water saved

cell phones and tablets

1,046 MATURE TREES

conserved

• 11.3 tons of paper

• Enough to meet the fresh water needs of 2,881 people

• 26.6 tons of metal • 64.58 tons of cardboard • 2.24 tons of glass

2.42 TONS

of plastic

• 2,243 cubic yards of landfill space avoided COMPOSTED 995.75 TONS OF ORGANIC WASTE

22 | Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility As a Zoo for All, the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (I.D.E.A.) team was formed to foster relationships with the goal of building a representative and inclusive culture that celebrates the diverse voices of our staff, encourages equity, and supports accessibility.

As champions for this effort, a group of 25 staff members from departments across the Zoo develop and facilitate opportunities that lift communities and cultures represented in Houston. The inaugural year for I.D.E.A. Team was marked by events celebrating

The I.D.E.A. Team

communities such as Pride, Juneteenth, International Women’s Day; as well as building capacity of Zoo staff to have conversations that strengthened our internal culture of inclusion and accessibility.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility | 23

As a result of this work, 75% of staff feel they can be successful as their authentic self at Houston Zoo, an increase of 18% from the year prior. And 73% of staff feel the team dynamics foster a sense of inclusion and feel valued and respected. These metrics reveal progress, but we know we can do even better. The Zoo’s wildlife-saving efforts will be strengthened when people with different backgrounds, different life experiences, and different

perspectives come together to be part of the wildlife-saving movement and through I.D.E.A. initiatives we are ensuring all feel welcome.

WORKPLACE OF CHOICE

Staff participates in the Pride craft day in June

24 | Awards/Recognition

The Zoo Receives Top Honors The Houston Zoo was recognized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) with Top Honors for Exhibit Design during the 2022 AZA Annual Conference in Baltimore.

The Zoo was praised for its work on the South America’s Pantanal exhibit, which opened in October 2020. This marks the second consecutive year Houston Zoo has received Top Honors for Exhibit Design, winning last year for the Kathrine G. McGovern

Texas Wetlands exhibit, a feat that has only been accomplished twice before in the history of the awards.

The 4.2-acre Pantanal exhibit transports guests to the legendary tropical wetlands of Brazil. The award-winning exhibit offers close-up views of the different habitats found in the Pantanal.

Through an immersive and engaging trail, visitors see giant river otters, jaguars, tropical fish, howler monkeys, rare birds, and the heaviest snake in the world, the anaconda, closer than ever before in Houston.

Awards/Recognition | 25

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26 | Texas Wildlife-saving Highlights

Saving Wildlife in Texas Houston Zoo is saving animals in the wild, not only around the world, but also right here at home. In 2022, veterinary staff and zookeepers rescued 43 sick and injured sea turtles, administered expert care, and released them back into the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

In addition to saving endangered sea turtles, 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.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO

ON THE HOUSTON TOAD PROJECT

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Texas Wildlife-saving Highlights | 27

The bird care team raised and released 56 Attwater’s prairie chickens into the wild. Houston Zoo’s herpetology team celebrated their best year yet, rearing and releasing 1,157,800 eggs, 876 tadpoles, and 1,688 toadlets back into the wild!

28 | Conservation Partners

Hosting Conservation Partners

Anteaters & Highways Project in Houston Dr. Debora Yogui, a veterinarian with the Anteaters & Highways Project, trained with Houston Zoo veterinary team for two weeks in July. The Zoo supports Dr. Yogui’s work to protect wild giant anteaters from collisions with cars in Brazil. She provides critical, life-saving care for endangered wildlife by monitoring highways for collisions, fitting tracking devices on giant anteaters, and rehabilitating orphaned anteaters. Dr. Yogui and her team’s extraordinary work have resulted in the creation of the first manual in

Brazil on wildlife/vehicle collision mitigation strategies.

“Spending two weeks with the Zoo staff provided me with the opportunity to learn about medical care and husbandry of giant anteaters that I now use with our wild giant anteaters in Brazil,” said Dr. Debora Yogui. “It was incredible meeting the people and the organization that has supported my work for so long. I am so grateful to Houston Zoo!”

Conservations Partners | 29

Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association Vets Visit Houston Zoo The Houston Zoo’s Veterinary Clinic staff hosted Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA) veterinary partners: Drs. Deo, Adrian, Olivier, and Noel as part of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) conference in Houston. Houston Zoo veterinary staff trained the Rwanda veterinary delegation on turtle, snake, elephant, and rhino procedures, all to help better prepare them to respond to the wildlife health needs in any part of

their home country. Dr. Olivier said, “Thank you to the Houston Zoo for 7 years of transformative support, for sharing your veterinary expertise, for providing a new vehicle for our mobile veterinary unit, and for helping build and stock our new specialized wildlife veterinary clinic. Thank you, Houston Zoo, for helping save the wildlife of Rwanda.”

30 | Conservations Partners

Partners in the Field Saving Gorillas with Partners: Gorilla Doctors and Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund The Houston Zoo is helping write one of the greatest gorilla comeback stories in history with partners, Gorilla Doctors and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. When Dr. Fossey first arrived in Rwanda in 1967, an estimated 240 mountain gorillas remained. Because of the work she started there are now over 1,000 mountain gorillas.

“This success is the result of decades of on-the-ground protection by hundreds of dedicated individuals, some of

whom have lost their lives protecting gorillas,” says Dr. Tara Stoinski, CEO and Chief Scientific Officer of the Fossey Fund. Dr. Kirsten Gilardi, a co-director of Gorilla Doctors adds, “Success comes from treating one gorilla patient at a time. The health and wellbeing of every individual gorilla is vital to the species’ survival, and it is the Houston Zoo’s support that makes this work possible.”

Conservations Partners | 31

Saving Lions in Mozambique Dr. Colleen Begg, managing director of the Niassa Carnivore Project, reports Houston Zoo’s support has been critical to saving lions in Mozambique. The Zoo supported a community Lion Festival in November and over 1,000 villagers joined the celebration which brought joy, excitement, and pride to the community at the end of a long dry season. A particular highlight of the festivities was celebrating 76 lions in 16 prides that are now directly protected within the Niassa Reserve,

an area of 16,000 square miles in northern Mozambique and one of the last great wilderness areas on earth.

Dr. Begg states, “We are proud of our partnership with the Houston Zoo and we thank you for making this work possible.

You care; it shows. It is that caring that will keep Niassa Reserve and her people and lions, and our team going.”

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32 | Zoo Events

Events at the Zoo Ghouls and goblins of all ages were invited to the month-long, family favorite Zoo Boo presented by LyondellBasell. From Oct. 1–31 guests enjoyed animal-themed carved pumpkins throughout the Zoo, a tunnel made up of 500 pumpkin lanterns, and other festive décor. The animals also joined in on the fun. All month long, the Zoo’s animals received fall-themed enrichment including carved pumpkins, cinnamon scented paw-zzles, and fall-favorite treats. New in 2022, guests could enjoy Zoo Boo After Hours every Friday in October.

Brew at the Zoo continues to be a popular event with the 21+ crowd.

The event sold out in record time in 2022. Guests were able to sample their favorite Texas beers, enjoy a live band, dancing and games like pool and foosball at Masihara Pavilion, and mingle with keepers. Each ticket included a Texas Beer Pass and a souvenir cup to take home.

Houston Zoo

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Zoo Events | 33

A Dazzling Zoo Lights Season

The Zoo celebrated another successful year as one of Houston’s most beloved holiday traditions.

From November 18 through January 8, guests took in the sights and sounds of the season as they strolled through the transformed winter wonderland of TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights. Guests experienced even more of the popular animal lanterns and several new features this year, including a redesigned light tunnel, and an illuminated, interactive dance floor for all ages.

On November 17, guests were able to get a sneak peek and enjoy Zoo Lights without the kids at Sip & Sparkle presented by TXU Energy. Guests could stroll through the Zoo and take in the sparkling holiday lights, stopping to taste wine or sip their favorite Saint Arnold beer along the way.

Click here to learn how the Zoo team puts the sparkle in Zoo Lights.

ZOO LIGHTS PRESENTING SPONSOR:

TXU ENERGY

CORNERSTONE SPONSORS:

H-E-B, COCA-COLA SOUTHWEST BEVERAGES, KPRC-2, HOUSTON METHODIST WORLD CLASS GUEST EXPERIENCES

34 | Zoo Ball

On October 22, co-chairs Kelli & John Weinzierl and Kelley & Stephen Lubanko put on the unforgettable Centennial Ball – Once in a Lifetime presented by Phillips 66.

More than 700 generous attendees raised nearly $2.4 million for the Zoo’s wildlife-saving mission. Masihara Pavilion was transformed into an elegant ballroom where guests enjoyed a delectable, multi-course dinner from City Kitchen. Auction chair Jordan Seff led the most successful auction in Zoo Ball history – including a lively auction in which naming rights for not one, but two Galápagos tortoises sold for $47,000 apiece. Chita and Lane Craft chaired the rockin’, sold-out After Party sponsored by White Claw Hard Seltzer, while Georgia Bridgwater Orchestra kept revelers dancing until midnight. Kathrine McGovern was honored throughout the evening. Her visionary support has seen our Zoo grow into a world-class cultural treasure that will inspire Houstonians to appreciate wildlife and wild places for generations to come.

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Zoo Ball | 35

1. Sue Chin and Lee Ehmke 2. Tandra Jackson and Derick Perkins 3. Cullen and Robert Muse 4. Blair and Amy Garrou & Molly and Coert Voorhees

5. Chita Craft, After Party Chair; Kelley Lubanko & Kelli Weinzierl, Zoo Ball Co-Chairs; and Jordan Seff, Auction Chair

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36 | Donor Groups

Creating a Lasting Legacy Mardi Turner began volunteering at the Zoo in 2001 and has since given many hours of her time to animal care and guest interpretation. Over the years, she’s been a loyal donor to several programs and frequent traveler on Zoo trips. When updating her will recently, Mardi decided to include a gift to Houston Zoo to leave a legacy for animal care in the future. By letting us know, Mardi joins a dedicated group of supporters as a member of The John and Ingrid Werler Society.

This legacy society recognizes people, like Mardi, who invest in our future by including the Zoo in their estate plans.

Click here to learn more about different ways to include the Zoo in your will.

FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY

“I’m proud that my generosity will care for the animals at our Zoo in the future. I hope my story inspires others to do the same or to find out more about making a legacy gift to our Zoo.”

– MARDI TURNER

Donor Groups | 37

ASANTE – GALÁPAGOS ON THE HORIZON

FLOCK – WILD AND WICKED

Despite the chilly weather in February, our Asante Society members came together for a wonderful evening to learn about the upcoming Galápagos Islands exhibit from our animal care and conservation team. Renee Bumpus, former Senior Director of Wildlife Conservation, shared the incredible wildlife-saving work of our conservation partners in the Galápagos Islands.

Between the Charles Darwin Institute’s scientific endeavors and ECOS Foundation’s work with local teens, the many endemic species that call the islands home are well protected. Kevin Hodge, VP of Animal Programs, and Mike Concannon, Assistant Curator of Aquariums and Sea Lions, shared exclusive details about the animals that would soon call Houston Zoo home – including rays, sharks and of course, the much-anticipated Humboldt penguins.

On a crisp fall evening, Flock members and guests enjoyed a spooky night sipping, snacking, and strolling through the Zoo. Flock, our donor club for young professionals, hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Attendees of Wild and Wicked enjoyed vampire-inspired cocktails, Saint Arnold brew, wine from Trinchero Family Estates, and bites from Indianola, Thistle Draft Shop, Rodeo Goat, Hughie’s and Tiff’s Treats. A silent auction and Pumpkin Pull offered unique animal experiences at the Zoo and local goods. Some of our most fascinating bugs and reptiles made special guest appearances alongside an experienced herpetology and entomology zookeeper. As dusk fell, bat tours were led by two bat experts at the Texas Wetlands exhibit (where six different species have been spotted). DJ Little Martin kept the party going with great music throughout the evening.

Click here to learn more about the Asante Society

Click here to learn more about Flock

38 | Financials

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.

2022 ATTENDANCE: 1,868,479* * As of December 31, 2022

29%

11%

Zoo Lights

13%

Members

Free Entry

24%

Free & Discount

8%

Lone Star Guests

36%

General Admission

2%

Military

1%

Senior

This positive financial data is a result of our strategic focus to operate in a financially-sustainable manner through innovative business and operational practices.

FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY

Financials | 39

2022 Revenue Contributions

$

15,501,812

Admission Fees

$

18,878,180

City of Houston Management Fee $ 10,774,747

Other $ 1,520,487 Membership Fees

$

7,964,436

Concession Payments

$

5,192,778

Total Revenue $ 59,832,440

9% 26%

13% 3%

2022 Revenue

18%

Contributions Breakdown Centennial Campaign

$

Unrestricted Contributions

$ 2,990,332

Federal Grant Contributions

$

690,465

Special Events

$

2,291,817

Other

$

1,846,024

Total Contributions

$ 15,501,812

2022 Expenditures Zoo Programs

$ 39,546,095

Conservation & Education

$

5,151,707

Management and General $ 3,133,946

Advertising and Marketing $ 2,195,877 Fundraising

$

32%

7,683,174

2,682,358

Membership $ 1,282,041

Total Expenses $ 53,992,024

4% 6% 10%

5% 2%

2022 Expenditures

73%

40 | Support

Annual Gifts $100,000+ Cathy and Joe Cleary Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages* Kathrine G. McGovern/ John P. McGovern Foundation Bobbie Nau Phillips 66 PNC Jordan and Dylan Seff* The Tapeats Fund TXU Energy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Kelli A. and John A. Weinzierl* Wildcat Foundation $50,000-$99,999 Vanessa and Chuck Ames Anonymous Pat Chazen Steve Chazen Chevron The Favrot Fund H-E-B Houston Methodist Hospital Peggy A. Kostial Kelley and Stephen Lubanko* LyondellBasell Marathon Oil Corporation* The Powell Foundation Saint Arnold Brewing Company* Stephanie and Frank Tsuru $10,000-$49,999 Neelo and Sami Ahmad Adrienne and Snehal Amin Anonymous Meg and George Basu The C.T. Bauer Foundation Berg Hospitality Group*

Susan and Bradley Billetdeaux Judy and Mark Blanchard Bloomberg Philanthropies Estate of Dulane Myrtle Bourdeau CFP Foundation Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital Joyce H. Chremos Shari Conner ConocoPhillips Claudia and Roberto Contreras Trang and Alan Cormack Joseph Coym Stacey and Peter DallePezze Jillian and Chris Day Dellinger, Bickham, Jackman and Mueller Wealth Management Jennifer and Michael Dellinger Debra and Mike Dishberger* Disney Worldwide Services, Inc. Robin B. and Chris J. Dodson Jimmy Dunne Andrea and Lyle Eastham Jenny Elkins Lesha and Thomas Elsenbrook Sidney Faust The Marvy Finger Family Foundation Robin and Sammy Fleschler Harriet Foster Ann and Randy Fowler Nan and Bob Franklin Frost Bank Kat A. Gallagher Kerry A. Galvin* Cullen K. Geiselman Kathy and Marty Goossen* Annie and Bob Graham Kassia Yanosek and Christopher Gurr Collin Harlan Courtney and Zac Harmon

Barbara Harrison Sara and Phil Hawk The Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation Richa Himani and Neeraj Hingorani Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Rebecca and Bobby Jee Elise and Russell C. Joseph Sippi and Ajay Khurana King & Spalding LLP Carey Kirkpatrick Daniel Irion and Kirk Kveton Nicole and Todd Lacy Jennifer and Christopher Laporte Legacy Community Health Ann and Jorge R. Leis Stella and John Lillicrop Jenna A. Lindley Shelli and Steven Lindley Claire Liu and Joe Greenberg Beverly W. Loftis Penny and Paul Loyd Karri and Joey Mahmoud Nancy D. McGregor and Neal Manne Marek Kirby and Scott McCool Stacy and Dee Methvin Miami Zoo Micole Foundation Chaney and Ben Miller Ruthie and Adam Miller Denise and William Monteleone Suzanne and Bob Nimocks Sara and Randy Ortwein Patterson & Sheridan, LLP Trish Freeman and Bruce Patterson Cynthia Pickett-Stevenson and Donald E. Stevenson Beverly and Jim Postl

Proud Source Water, Inc.* Alie and David Pruner R. E. Smith Foundation Macey H. and Harry M. Reasoner Republic National Distributing Company Polly and David Roth Karen and Robert Saltiel Fayez Sarofim Susan Krohn Sarofim Maryjane and Bud Scherr SSA Group SkinLab at West Ave* Sterling-Turner Foundation Charlotte and J. Terry Strange Carl Stutts Laura and Mike Sweeney Michael Ainsworth and Karen Szauter TC Energy Texas Children’s Hospital Tootsies* Trecora Resources Trinchero Family Estates University of Houston Alumni Association The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Hallie Vanderhider Jennifer L. and John D. Vogel Kristen and Michael Weekley Randa and K. C. Weiner Whalley Family White Claw Hard Seltzer $5,000-$9,999 Beverlee Steinberg and Chad Alexander Joan Alexander Stanford Alexander Eric J. Alfuth Carina and Brooks Antweil Kathy Arthur

Lisa Marie Avendaño Baker Botts L.L.P. Bailey Dalton-Binion and Greg Binion Mary Kay and Brandt Bowden Dianne and Michael Bowman Mary K. and Frank R. Bradley Kristy and Chris Bradshaw Marcelite B. Bristol and David A. Bristol, Jr. Bristow Group Inc. Bill and Elizabeth Brown Cynthia J. and Stephen W. Brown Kristen and Scott Browning Heather and John Burgess Cal-a-Vie Health Spa* Cheryl and Carl Carlucci Jade and Darryl Carter Nancy Chafe Holly and Kenneth Charette Caroline Chase Kim Chau Julie and Stephen Chen Kris and Sherene Chikelue CIBC Private Wealth Management Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Chita and Lane Craft* The Crain Foundation Mary and Walter Crain Stacey and J. C. Crenshaw Mindy and Josh Davidson Sherree and Norman Davis Kathryn Hite and Leo de Sousa Lynn L. Atkinson and David Drucker Deborah and Marshall Dujka Anne Duncan Charles Duncan Lee C. Ehmke Angela Fabbri* Jay J. Follmer

Paula Fonda Friends of the Bergen County Zoo The Fruehauf Foundation Princess Maria-Anna Galitzine and Prince Piotr Galitzine Alice G. and William R. Gamble Edward and Lauren Geiser Amanda and Curtis George Glenda and Russell Gordy Linda and John Hague Maggie C. Hawk Hildebrand Fund/Mindy and Jeff Hildebrand Claudia and Hank Holmes Emily Downing-Ishee and Jonathan Ishee Tandra Jackson and Derick Perkins Diana and Glenn Johnson Jim A. Johnson Diane and Don Kendall Jennifer and JC Kneale Sharon and Dick Lane Stephanie and Rich Langenstein Nancy H. Langford Albert Laverty The Lindley Family Foundation Cornelia Long Barbara Mackey Paige M. Jackson and Mike J. Manley DeeDee and Wallis Marsh Janine J. and Kevin G. McArdle April Dunn McGee and Wells McGee Kimberly McKay and Tom McKay Elaine and Matt Menger Leila and Walter Mischer Natalie and Steve Mohtashami Mary Ann Newman Sherri and Michael Nicol Sandra and Patrick O’Donnell

Support | 41

Palmer Foundation Karen D. Werner-Petak and Steven M. Petak Callie Trueblood and Ryan Petersen Sarah and Beau Pollock Robbyn S. and Byron K. Pope Tommye and David Powell Nancy and David Pustka Demi and Ron Rand Renee Renfroe Laura A. and Tim D. Roberts Beth Robertson Lillie Robertson Sacramento Zoo Leslie and Shannon Sasser Rosemary and Matt Schatzman Anna and Brett Scholtes Catherine Michelle Miller and Clifford E. Shedd Penny and Mark Small Elizabeth M. Cosgrove and Cameron D. Smith Becky Roof and Gary Smith Courtney and Bas Solleveld Sterling Kim and David Sterling Judy L. Stover Judy and Charles Tate Steve and Leticia Trauber Katherine O. Valdez Valobra Master Jewelers* Janie and Pat Wagner Cynthia and Mac Walker Randa D. and Charles A. Williams Zegna* $2,500-$4,999 Ashley Longshore Studio Gallery* Dian Austin Cyndi Baily Tiffany and Kenneth Baird

Amber and Matt Baker Carol J. Baker Jamie and Jarvis Belinne Myron and Rosanna Blalock Susan L. and Mickey A. Bloome Kathryn and Travis Boeker Boot Ranch* Theresa A. and Frank J. Bramanti Bebe and Bob Burns Bill Butzner Sharon and John Campbell Deborah and Gardner Cannon Mary Farach-Carson and Daniel Carson Darleen W. and Jack H. Christiansen Anne and John Clutterbuck Devin Coffey Kari and Frank Coffey Decie Autin and Dan Coleman Robin L. and Joseph P. Cunningham Shonnie and Bruce Daniel Jeanette and Dannie Davis Carolyn D. and Platt W. Davis Jewel E. Day Jeanine Denton Thomas Dompier Jan and Berk Donaldson Renece and Keith Duggan Deborah Dunkum Julie and Clay Edwards Bob Edwards Elizabeth Anthony* Lynn L. and John W. Elsenhans C.C. and Duke Ensell Connie and Eric Estopinal Tracy and James Fish Shari L. and Tom O. Fish Lorrie and Mike Foreman Rebecca and Peter Franklin Cathryn Gabor and Rob Fuller Marcie and Woody Garmon

Marilynne and Fred Gorman Hillary and Tim Graves Timothy Hale Ann Hamilton Nancy and John Hathaway Julia Hayes Michele Hayes Jim H. Hazen Linda and Tracy Hester Susan L. and Earl J. Hesterberg Nancy S. and Carter E. Hixon Gillian A. Hobson Matt Hoss Houck Family Foundation Houston Grand Opera* Julie A. Koch and Richard R. Humphreys Katrina and Andrew Husmann Audra Jesudason Natasha A. Jesudason Melissa DeMontrond and Bryon Johnson Cheryl Ballard-Jones and Charles Jones Leigh and Chris Joseph Joan Kaplan Ann P. and Stephen M. Kaufman Deborah L. McCoy and Robert Keenan Christine Cangelosi-Kelley and Ryan Kelley Chea and Liam Kelly Patricia J. Kerrigan KGS Studios* Leslie and Donald Kilbourn Kathy and Dick Kimbrough David R. King Kim King Angela Chen and Mark R. Klitzke Candy and Tom Knudson Jordan E. and Simeon T. Lake Lise and Geoff Lanceley

Carrie D. Colbert and Mark Latham Lauren Craft Collection* Brooke Leibe Matthew J. Lindley Linda Magoto David Maldonado Walter Marshall Paula and Miles McClelland Jennifer and Ben McClure Sheila R. McIlnay Laura and Richard McLaughlin Hannah and Cal McNair Tamar Mendelssohn* Morgan and Christine Micheletti Sheila and Steven Miller Alexis and Todd Mitchell Dee Ann Pederson and Shaun P. Mooney Joel and Jennifer Moore Vanessa and Filippo Nenna Nathan and Ashley Norman Linda and Lee Norris Alma M. and Edward J. Novotny Dianne B. Padgett Jill and John Parsons Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP Jessica and Tyson Pinnell Amy and James Pipe Pamela and James Pool Pat G. Pratt Raising Cane’s* Republic Boot* Jay Ring Chris I. Rivers Kelly B. and David A. Rose Marcy Rothman and Tammy Pye Jay and Stacey Roussel Camilla R. Sayers Adam and Ashley Scheele

Betsy and Ed Schreiber Hanna M. Schwarze Cathryn and Doug Selman Barbara and Joseph Sheldon Maggie and Gregory Sheridan Herbert D. Simons Meredith V. and Jeffrey G. Sipes Beth and David Slater Becky and David Smith Natalie Emge and Jeremy Smith Leigh and Reggie Smith J.J. and Gerry Spedale Steak 48 Houston* Veronica N. Niebler-Hunt and John P. Stein Sammie R. Sappington-Story and Wesley L. Story Dixie Meynier and Fred Stow Kris Torberson Nidhi Turakhia Velasquez Elementary School Nancy Verly Diana and Jaime Villarreal Robin and David Walstad Pat and Jim Walzel Bonnie and David Weekley Dava and Jim West Martha and Buzz White Deborah Whitman Vasilia and Laurens Wilkes Margaret Alkek Williams Tracey and Connie Williford Sandra and Karl Willmann Britten Fund/Kendall Woods Susan and Austin Young $1,000-$2,499 Admiral Glass Company Mike Afshari Iqbal Akhtar and Zafreen Jaffery Julie and Drew Alexander Amy and Joseph Allen Jennifer and Scott Allison Roxanne Almaraz and Chrissy Stegemoller

AmazonSmile Denise and John Anguish Elizabeth Armacost Brigid Ashcraft Ryan Ashcraft Ellen and Hank Bachmann Rekha Muddaraj and Neil Badlani Ashley and David Bailey David Baker Myra W. Barber William P. Barry Linda Benedict Matthew Bennett Michael Zamkow and Sue Berman Foundation Mario E. Bertoni Amy and Mark Bisso Kathy Morin and Paul Block Melissa Bogle Jeffrey Bolnick Margery Anderson and Farhad Bozorgmehr Kathryn and Billy Bragan Esther Brakkee Kelli and Mike Bridges Karen and Michael Brisch Dean Burke Alison Burton Sabrina D’Amico and Faraz Butt Jennie and Richard Buxbaum* Minda and William Caesar Carolyn and Gregory Calhoun Zac Calhoun Catherine Tyrrell Campbell Carolyn and Orion Campbell Lynn and Win Campbell Michelle B. and Winfield M. Campbell Sarah and Jeffrey Carr Kristen Castellanos-Ridgway Tena M. Chamberlain Jereann Chaney Diane and Johnny Chaney

42 | Support

Kenyon and Sean Cichowski City Kitchen Catering* Jeannie L. Clark Melissa A. Clark Catherine Lee Clarke and Theis Clarke Suzanne and Mark Clevenger Rene Sigman and Nathan Cochran Emilie and Ky Cooksey Mary McBeth and Jim Crump Sheryl and William Curtin Brittney A. Gregory and Michael W. Dafcik Amanda Mularz and Steven Dalati Nancy and Thomas Daly Daniel Ortiz Photography* Claudette M. Danna Hillary and Jason Danziger Cathy and Stephan Darnell Adam Davidson Sue A. Davis Barbara and Jonathan Day Kristin and Carlos de Aldecoa Bueno Erica U. and Rafael T. DeHoyos Cindy Dick Carol E. Dinkins Kelly and Ben Dotson Mary Lou Flynn-DuPart and Michael DuPart Sarah and Zachary Duran Leslie A. Ellis Janie and Toby Ellis France Archambault and Calvin Embry Nick Espinosa and Carlos Meltzer Leighton and Gavin Fairbairn Karli Gillum and Jonathan Farb Sally and Jack Farley Marguerite and Bruce Ference Cindy and Brian Fiegel

Barbara Files Marty and Richard Finger Bari and David Fishel Cathy A. FitzGerald Teressa Foglia* Courtney and Alex Forshey Cheryl and Andy Fossler Deborah and William Fowler Jennifer K. Fox Foyt Winery* Ellie and Michael Francisco* Kristina and Kevin Frankel Haylee Freeman Brenda and Chris Funk Carolyn B. Watts and Dale K. Furrow Heidi and Luis Galito Jean and Mark Gargiulo Amy and Blair Garrou Clayton P. Gauthreaux Cynthia and William Geiser Sarah George Vanessa and Eric Gerard David Martin and Kristy Godwin Donald A. Goff Barbara S. Goldfield The Goosen Family Charity Fund Lacey and Matt Goossen Ryan D. Gordon Lauren and Lawson Gow Maria V. and Rex O. Grey Veronica and John Griffin Richard L. Gruen Anuj Gupta Anuj Sharma and Nupur Gupta Rebecca Hall Erin Fox and Gray Hancock Donald Hang Patricia Harris Amy and Curtis Hartman Stacee and Derek Hawkins

Jaclyn S. Randall-Helfrich and Louis C. Helfrich Samantha Baker and Kyle Hilberg Elaine and Jeff Hiller Robyn Marchand and Mike Hillerman Penny and James Hillier Isabel Chan and Matthew D. Hillin Allison and David Hills Katie Kildal and Rodrigo Himiob Karen D. Hinson Lisa and Fred Hollins MaryLee and Del House Houston Museum of Natural Science* Penny and Daniel Houy Krista Hovey Jennifer and Brent Howard Cynthe and Brian Hughes Kelly Hickman and Ryan Ingraham* Insomnia Cookies* Karen Ippolito David B. Jackson Emily and Scott Jackson Joanie Jacobsen Kevin Jakubenas Diane and Eric Jansen Jill and Cameron Jensen Anne E. Kennedy and Michael Jensen Gwenda L. Brewer and George Jett Sara Kristi and Corey Johnson Cerin Johnson and Todd Johnson Kirkwood Johnston Jane and Gregory Jordan Shawn Stephens and James M. Jordan Junior League of Houston, Inc.

Lisa and Sanjay Kalavar Wade Kao Lawrence Kaplan Nina and David Karohl Cindy and Lewis Kasner Taylor and Dan Kaufman Krista Heidersbach and Mike Kelly William S. and Lora Jean Kilroy Foundation Robert Klotz Linda and David Knowles Jeffrey Kohley Whitney Kohley Rena and Michael Koinis Sheryl Kolasinski Kroger Food Stores Amanda Copperthite and Steven Kroon Kathy and Randy Lake Brenda M. Landry Kelley and Michael Lang Denise and Matthew Lanza Janice G. Laurie Victoria and Alexander Lazar Benigna C. and Ernst L. Leiss Linda and Gee Li Sara Lindsay Daniel Lindstrom Andrea and Richard Link Judge Roberta A. Lloyd and Don McWilliams Martha K. Long Seena and Jonathan Love Katie and Michael Lowenberg Christina M. Lyons Cynthia and Chad Mabry Michaela Grant and Ty Mackey Audrey and Robert MacLean Karan and Scott Mactier Sally W. Vernon and Steven Magee Dona Manning

Kristy Hislop and Michael Manteris Marmo* Kathryn and George Martinez Tina and William Mathers Catherine Matthews Deborah and David McBride Margie and Lyman McDonald Leigh and Michael McFarlane Frank McGee Kerry McKay Sheryl and Michael McKinnon Cathy Schnaubelt and Priscilla McLeroy Melcher Charitable Foundation Stephanie Verhardt and Trey Melcher Corey and Joshua Mermis Anna and Kenneth Mermis Ellie Meyer and Greg Joseph Margey Meyer Cindy Knebel and Wouter Miedema Diane and Dave Miller Hanna M. Neumann-Miller and Samuel Miller Melissa and Bill Miller Sheryl and Scott Mills Patricia A. Hunt and Joseph Milton Cara and Tanner Moran Josie and Phil Morgan Kellie J. Morrison Brett Mossman and Lisette Galindo Mary Louise and Terence Mullervy Marsha Murray Karol and Daniel Musher Elaine and Alan Mut Avery Neal Neiman Marcus Houston* Abhilash Gummakonda and Amy Ng

Briana and Vinh Nguyen Ellen and Joshua Nguyen Cathy and Bruce Niemeyer Kathy and Phil Noble Bobby Noblitt Jeri Nordbrock Diana and James Obulaney Odyssey Outreach Lisa and Michael O’Leary Stacy and Ronan O’Malley Elise and John Oren Megan and Jesse Ortega Anita G. O’Shaughnessy Andrea Pola and Neil O’Sullivan Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society Papoose Conservation Wildlife Foundation Shea and Braden Parker Biba and Jon Parker Ken Fatur and Jordana Parker Kristen Parsons Katrina Jackiewicz and Nick Peacock Linda H. and Robert J. Peche Rita Peck Sara and Blake Pellerin Marguerite Penewitt Tess K. Peterson Michael K. Poindexter and Debbie K. Leo Michele Pola Laura B. and Michael C. Puzio Janet H. and John E. Pyle Deborah Quintero and Angie Quinten Bradley L. Radoff Sarah Ratzel Amber Alonso and Tracie Renfroe Clara and Lawrence Revill Sharon Roark Shannon and Justin Robinson

Support | 43

Adrienne and Trevor Rodenberger Kristi and Bryan Roof Sybil F. Roos Mary W. Rose Ellen R. Gritz and Mickey D. Rosenau Elizabeth and Adam Ross Christine and Jason Rowe Linda and Jerry Rubenstein Sadie Rucker Janis and Tom Rudd Chris Ruez Mary Beth Russell Patrick Ryan Safeway Inc. Saks Fifth Avenue* Jamie and Rodrigo Salinas Kaly and Michael Samadi Cheryl and Joshua Samuels San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance* Melanie and Danny Savitz Ting Liu-Schmidt and Engel Schmidt Lori and Paul Schomber Margaret and Garry Schoonover Elizabeth Hanks and Steven Schroder Courtney Schumann Elizabeth and Russell Sellen Shibani Shinde-Patil and Karthik Selvam The Senterpiece* Jenny Yang and John Seo Lee-Taylor and Riley Sharman Peggy and Bryan Roberts Chris Shepherd and Lindsey Brown* Vijay Singal Barbara S. and Louis S. Sklar Erin and Jason Smith Julia F. Smith Pam J. and Bill F. Smith

Janet and H.J. Springer Kate and Taylor Stallings Janet and Paul Stannard Tera and Jason Starr Elizabeth and Alan Stein Katherine Brooker and Thomas Stenack Pam Campion and Max Stetzer Macey and Bob Stokes Laura and Trevor Stolzenburg Jennifer and David Strauss Joseph Perkinson and Stacy Strehlow Amber and George Sturrock Linda Suib Vanessa Sutherland Marguerite M. Swartz Sally Anne Schmidt and Marc Tabolsky Amir Taghi* Leah and Tom Taylor Judith Thompson Krystal Crane Thompson and Garrett Thompson Madison and Trey Thompson Nancy P. Thompson Thompson-Patton-Zahn Post No 8905 VFW Shanna and Michael Thorvilson Alisa Tijerina Nancy and Tim Timpani Annie Torres Caroline Baker and Jeremiah Traxler Wendy Harris and Kenneth H. Turnbull* Mardi and Mark Turner Adrienne and Timothy Unger Ann and Michael Van Wagener Lisa and John Vitovsky Molly and Coert Voorhees Vince Wall Connie and Lawrence Wallace Janice and Gerald Walrath

Maria C. Walsh and James Hitchcock AnaPaula Watson Amber and Dylan Weaver Misty M. and Christopher T. Weihs Brenda Weiser White Rhino Patio and Cocktail Bar Amanda and Scott Wiesenborn Wild Oats* Linda Williams Hall Wanda and Bert Williams Jessica DeMarr Williams and Rick D. Williams Lety and Richard Wilson Melinda B. Wineinger Jack and Diana Wisdom Jane B. and Jim P. Wise Lana Wynne* Gina and Joseph Wyszynski Kam Yuen Atessa Zafar The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation Gaye and Stuart Zarrow Deborah and Richard Zembek

In Memory of Morgan Claire Dornak In Honor of Helen Gardner Crain and Peter Lacy Crain In Celebration of Cullen Geiselman and Robert Muse In Memory of Molly Daly Gerard In Memory of Brenda Harlan In Memory of Bettye Honerkamp In Memory of Karen Johnson In Honor of Kelley and Stephen Lubanko In Honor of Kathrine McGovern In Memory of Scot Richter In Honor of Ryuichi Sayers In Honor of Maddy Thompson In Honor of Olivia Valdez’s continued volunteering with zoo crew In Honor of Tony Vecchio In Honor of Kelli and John Weinzierl In Memory of Betty White In Honor of Kristin Windle In Memory of Bill Wooten

Ann and Stephen Kaufman Donald R. Kendall, Jr. Sharon Lane Nancy H. Langford Judge Roberta Lloyd Paul Elon Pilkington Michael K. Poindexter and Debbie K. Leo 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 Sandy Tietjen Kris Torberson Mardi and Mark Turner Wendy A. Weston Shari and Gary Winston

Matching Gifts

The John and Ingrid Werler Society

*Includes a gift in kind

Anonymous (12) Kathie and Scott Amann Sandy Altman Dian Austin Lynne and John Averett Nancy Ayres Joel Bangilan Myra W. Barber Sharon and John Campbell Richard T. Churchill, Jr. and Linda E. Churchill Sherree and Norman Davis Michael and Debra Dishberger Rob Fuller and Cathryn Gabor

Names in italics denote deceased individuals.

Chevron Humankind Employee Funds ExxonMobil Foundation Matching Gift Program Marathon Oil Corporation Phillips 66 Sempra Energy Foundation Shell Oil Company Foundation

Tribute Gifts In Honor of Reena Z. Appelberg In Memory of Blake Austin Armacost In Honor of Jane Block In Memory of Mollie Coym

All donors listed made contributions totaling $1,000 or more in 2022.

44 | Support

Centennial Campaign $1,000,000+ Anonymous Laura and John Arnold The Brown Foundation, Inc. Chevron The Cleary Family The Cullen Foundation Anne and Charles Duncan The Elkins Foundation Jenny Elkins Marvy Finger Family Foundation The Fondren Foundation Russell and Glenda Gordy Annie and Bob Graham Family Halliburton The Hamill Foundation H-E-B Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation Houston Endowment Jerold B. Katz Foundation John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern John P. McGovern Foundation The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation The W.T. & Louise J. Moran Foundation Bobbie Nau Samuels Family Foundation Shell USA SSA Group The Wortham Foundation, Inc. $100,000-$999,999 Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation Anonymous Ellen and Hank Bachmann Sybil P. Balasco

Braxton Davies Reed Charitable Foundation The Browns - Chris, Morgan, Noah and Isabel Bob and Bebe Burns CFP Foundation Anne and Albert Chao Mindy and Josh Davidson Susie and Joe Dilg Michael and Debra Dishberger Leigh and Bob Edwards Lynn and John Elsenhans Johanna A. Favrot Fund Frost Bank Kat Gallagher Kerry Galvin Cullen K. Geiselman The Golden Family Kathy and Marty Goossen George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation The Hearst Foundations Alfons and Patricia Heinrich Institute of Museum and Library Services Jill and Dunham Jewett Jose Jones William S. and Lora Jean Kilroy Foundation Peggy Kostial Kathy and Randy Lake Tessa Lesley and Carl Stutts Claire Liu and Joe Greenberg M. D. Anderson Foundation Joey and Karri Mahmoud Neal Manne and Nancy McGregor Judy O. and Ken Margolis Family, Gerson and Lewman Families Stacy and Dee Methvin Ruthie and Adam Miller Suzanne and Bob Nimocks Robert R. and Kay M. Onstead Foundation

The John M. O’Quinn Foundation Randy and Sara Ortwein Phillips 66 Paul Elon Pilkington PNC Beverly and Jim Postl The Powell Foundation Nancy and David Pustka Ron and Demi Rand and the Rand Family Linda and Jerry Rubenstein Scurlock Foundation Herbert D. Simons Vivian L. Smith Foundation TC Energy Tellepsen Family Leticia and Stephen Trauber Randa and K. C. Weiner Constance and Jeff Woodman Susan and Austin Young $50,000-$99,999 Anonymous Peggy and Bill Barnett CenterPoint Energy Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Claudia and Roberto Contreras Trang and Alan Cormack Dickson-Allen Foundation Jimmy Dunne and Melody Dunne Sue Chin and Lee Ehmke Lorrie and Mike Foreman Jamison Forshey John Henry Forshey Mary Ellen Forshey Fowler Family Trish Freeman and Bruce Patterson Maria and Rex Grey Leigh and Chris Joseph Ann and Stephen Kaufman KPMG LLP Jennifer and Chris Laporte

Kimberly and Thomas McKay Melcher Charitable Foundation Tommye and David Powell Macey and Harry Reasoner Dr. Paula Reynoso Beth Robertson Lillie Robertson Kathy and Brent Smolik Strake Foundation Cynthia and Mac Walker Edith and Robert Zinn $1,000-$49,999 AGL Foundation Sami and Neelo Ahmad Roxanne Almaraz and Chrissy Stegemoller Anonymous Aramark France Archambault and Calvin Embry Marguerite and Bruce Ference Lynn L. Atkinson and David Drucker Decie Autin and Dan Coleman Denise and Philip Bahr Carol and Larry Barbour Meg and George Basu Julia and Joseph Batdorf Matthew Evans Bennett Monica and Fox Benton III Jane L. Bowles Michael and Dianne Bowman Cynthia and Stephen Brown Laura & Robert Bruce Charitable Fund Bill Butzner Deborah and Gardner Cannon William and Jan Cato Elizabeth Cosgrove and Cameron Smith Jesse W. Couch Charitable Foundation David and Katie Coughlen

Nancy and Tom Daly Sue A. Davis Jonathan and Barbara Day Carlos de Aldecoa Bueno Janet and Rob Denton Jeanine Denton Carol E. Dinkins Randell and Rebecca Doane Jeff and Michele Dodson Renece and Keith Duggan Deborah and Marshall Dujka Sheldon and Clayton Erikson Pam and Jimmy Erwin Nick Espinosa and Carlos Meltzer Theba and Buster Feldman and Family Bruce and Marguerite Ference Marty and Richard Finger Kristin Finney Tracy and James Fish Cheri and Andy Fossler Kristina and Kevin Frankel Nan and Bob Franklin Steven and Mary Gangelhoff Amy and Blair Garrou Amanda and Curtis George Barbara S. Goldfield Milton Gray Ellen R. Gritz and Mickey D. Rosenau Harriet Grossman The Haley Family Foundation Vivian M. Hall Courtney and Zac Harmon John and Nancy Hathaway and Family Sara and Phil Hawk Maggie C. Hawk Winell and Doug Herron Linda and Tracy Hester Gillian Hobson Sara W. Hogan Rodney Honerkamp and Javier Cuellar

Hank and Demaris Hudspeth Brooke Husid Joan Jacobsen Nathan Jahnke Katie and Giji John Myrtle Jones The 4 J Kids Sanjay and Lisa Kalavar Kendra Scott Design, Inc. Kim King The Knobloch Family Foundation Sheryl Kolasinski Sharon Lane Stephanie and Richard Langenstein Nancy H. Langford Judge Roberta Lloyd Kelley and Stephen Lubanko Paige Jackson and Mike Manley Jennifer and Benton McClure Cal and Hannah McNair Donald Molony and Mya Schiess Rachel Moreau Kathy Morin & Paul “Chip” Block Gary and Louise Moss Marsha Murray The Michael Nicol Family Bobby Noblitt Jeri Nordbrock and Theodora Andrews Beverly and Edwin Ogilvie Once Upon A Time Foundation Stephen Pearce Cynthia Pickett-Stevenson and Donald Stevenson Amy and James Pipe Rick and Kathy Plaeger Poarch Family Foundation Maggie Nevada Hopper, Debbie Leo, M. K. Poindexter Patricia Pratt

Support | 45

Alie and David Pruner Laurie A. Rachford The Radoff Family Foundation Sharon Roark Laura and Tim Roberts Joseph and Colleen Robisheaux Adrienne and Trevor Rodenberger Kelly and David Rose Christopher, Angela, Rhianna & Lauren Roth Hans Roth and Ingrid Cordon Polly and David Roth Saint Arnold Brewing Company Mona and Andrew Sarofim Norma Inman Schmelling Richard and Cindi Scruggs Barbara S. and Louis S. Sklar Courtney and Bas Solleveld Eleanor L. Stanley Chad Alexander and Beverlee Steinberg Kim and David Sterling Sterling Macey and Bob Stokes Charlotte and Terry Strange Anne and Tio Suman Marguerite M. Swartz Erin and Stephen Szalkowski Dr. Karen Szauter and Dr. Michael Ainsworth Lindsey Taylor and Brandon Lee Kimberly Cotter Thomas Brian J. Thomas Sandy Tietjen Trees For Houston* Shannon and Wallace Trochesset Mardi and Mark Turner Helena van Dierendonck Lisa Vargas Greg and Pamela Wellen Karen D. Werner-Petak and Steven M. Petak

Evelyn Wernick Doug and Kay Wilson Shari and Gary Winston Alan Woelfel Garry Wayne Woodhouse Kendall Woods $250-$999 Ursula Akselrod John R. and Carolyn D. Allen Dr. Sara Ameringer and Mr. Greg Ameringer Anonymous Susie and David Askanase James and Rosalyn Assef James H Barksdale III Linda Benedict The Blackmon Family The Bolan Family Holly Brennan Susan Briggs Robert Brink John and Sharon Campbell Joey and Kim Casto Mary Cheek Jean H. Chernosky The Choksi Family Vicki Concannon H. Talbot Cooley Erin Copeland Kevin and Michelle Corley Ben and Jennifer, Eli and Abby Cowan Marcus Coyle Ranessa Crawford Marylene and Tony Dang Jeanette and Dannie Davis Elena DeLaunay Louis Delgado Cindy and John Dick Courtney Diehl Kelly Drinnen Deborah Dunkum Ronnie and April Durham

Mel and April Esmacher Chelsea Farnsworth and Shane Henning Minha & Isra Farooqi Chase Findley Cathy FitzGerald Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Fleming Rebecca Franklin Ralph and Sarah Frates Deborah Fuchs Becky Galloway Elva C. Godwin Ana M. Gomez Lisa, Joel & Katy Gray Green Family Paul and Mary Gregory Edward Gunderson Bettie Hairston Lamar and Warren Hall Vince Hamilton Toni and Colin Harper Stacee and Derek Hawkins Carl and Sharon Henry Janet and Philip Heppard Hibbitts Family Karen Hinson Carter and Nancy Hixon David, Bettye, Nathan, Heidi and Anora Hobbs Kevin Hodge Fred and Lisa Hollins Henry and Sara Hope Carrie M. Horne Daniel & Penny Houy James R. Hunt Greg and Carol Johnson Rebecca Jones Robert W. Kent Christa and Aivars Krumins Valeri Lansford The Law Family Kurt and Lauren Lobaugh SuAnn Longstreet Russell Lynch

Christina Lyons Courtney N. MacDonald Michelle Maddox Lynn and Marcel Mason Karen McClure and Jeff Post Mary Lou McElligott Derrick and Melissa McElroy Jeff McFarland The McGovern/Duman Family Sheila McIlnay David McKee Robert and Kelley Milsop Skip and Karen Moody Trazanna Moreno Josie and Phil Morgan Sarah Morris and Dylan Charles Dr. and Mrs. William A. Murphy Jessica and Ken Neikirk Dara Nichols Paul and Jennifer Nolte Eloise Novotny Kindel Nuno Janice and Dan Palomino Ronit Patri Yvonne Penman Jeanine Pepper Petitjean Family Keith and Karen Pikett Mike Pomeroy & Kris Banks Peggy Price Cindy and Charley Raimond The Reddick Family The Ryan Reed Family Carol Relihan and John Arthur Mr. & Mrs. Rhodes - Rhodes Environmental, Inc. Kristine Rinaldi Andreana Rivera Roxanne Rix Leslie Robertson Franklin Rojas Brandy Ruiz Mary Saul Allison Scott

Joe and Amy Shahda Jim and Pat Sheehy and family Sandy and George Shipley Shop Local Market LLC Liz and Rob Shoss Jennifer Lin Sickman Alyssa Smith Mallet Stafford Mary Lou Strange The Sturrock Family Linda Suib Sabahat Syed Bobbie Tompkins Kris Torberson Kat, TC & Izzie Turner The Verly Family Molly and Coert Voorhees Doug and Inta Walker Inmaculada Calzado and Oliver Warnke Allyson and Walter Weathers John and Jeanne Weaver John and Wendy Welch Rodrick Wilker and Laura Nicole Wilker Brittani Williams Jo Ann Williams Scott and Judy Williams Melinda Wineinger Ethan T. Wood The Yee Family Patricia Young Annette Zertuche

*Includes a gift in kind

46 | Houston Zoo Staff

EXECUTIVE STAFF

Lee Ehmke — Amy Blackmon 10+ Roberto Espinosa 10+ Kristin Finney Clare Greene Kevin Hodge 20+ Sheryl Kolasinski Trazanna Moreno Jeri Nordbrock Peter Riger 10+

Animal Programs ANIMAL NUTRITION Wilbert Booty Amori Brooks Rebecca Deleon Catherine Keith 20+ Phyllis Pietrucha-Mays 30+ Cortney Shaw 10+ AQUARIUM Denise Babecki George Brandy 40 Michael Concannon 10+ Sarah Rogers Kenneth Stange 10+ Jazlyn Vazquez James Winecki 10+ BIRDS Jessica Clark 10+ Rajean Ferguson Kyra Gardner Brendan Giambruno-Fuge Stephen Howard 30+ Samantha Martinez Kyle McAuliffe Kelly Pardy Ingrid Pérez Torres Morgan Pups Bethany Shick 10+ Daniel Simmons Ric Urban Benjamin Vecchio Jeremy Whitted 10+

CARNIVORES Eric Berg Isaac Burkhalter Dennis Charlton Amberley Damm Rebecca Hodgson Samantha Howell-Barie Jenna Mcmichael Victoria Miller Paul Reed 10+ Alicia Wedel CHILDREN'S ZOO Lisa Cariello Michelle Castle 10+ Sydney Dean Marisol Gomez Megan Hedge Timothy Johnson Natalie Jones Zoie Jorgensen-Tjornehoj Heather Kilway Amy Lavergne 20+ Danielle Montes De Oca Jason Moore Bailey Nichols Daniel Ortega Sarah Radecker Tianna Redieck Brian Stucky Hailey Wedlich Carolyn Zewe 20+ ELEPHANTS Caitlin Amox Alicia Andring Allison Anthony Robert Bernardy 20+ Mariam Dehaini Bryan Jeung Kimberly Klein 10+ Sylvia Molina Amanda Rinker 10+ Ian Ross 10+ Kristin Windle GENERAL ANIMAL OPERATIONS Tarah Cornelius Annalia Palacios Matthews David Suttinger 10+

HERPETOLOGY Christopher Bednarski 10+ Brittanie Crews Marissa Grimes Melissa Hodges Matthew Lammers Julie Laturner Francisco Llauger Stanley Mays 40 Declan McDonagh Jonathan Rold Julia Sanders Eddie Sunila Christopher Valdez HOOFSTOCK Wren Baker 10+ Tia Goforth Heather Johnson Timothy Junker 10+ Memory Mays 10+ Kendall Moore John Register 10+ Kimberly Siegl 10+ Jessica Sigle 10+ Morgan Walker Hannah Whitaker NATURAL ENCOUNTERS Rachel Adams 10+ Anna Brewton Julia Hart Maria Hernandez Jamie Quirk Priscilla Reed Tianna Roberts Kamryn Suttinger 10+ PRIMATES John Allen Briana Bauer Kayla Cosmi Emilie Covert Karli Dallman Amanda Daly 20+ Amelia Dunn Miriam Gordon Sonny Heihn Tyler Henk Derrick Lockett

Daniel Marzluf Judith Mcauliffe 10+ Briyel McKay Eric Murray Chelsea Muse Rebekah Rice Rebecca Roloff Ronald Santos 20+ Heather Schimke Diane Shea 10+ Lucy Dee Sheppard 10+ Heaven Sorrells Ellen Wieczorek SEA LIONS Michelle Jones Amanda Perry Margaret Pionke Krista Webber 10+ Emily Wilkins VETERINARY SERVICES Catherine Almeida Jennifer Atkinson Kendra Bauer Amy Chapman Joseph Flanagan 40 Jordan Johnson Jessica Jones Andrew Krauss Cody Macon Christine Molter Michele Ozuna 30+ Kathrine Solomon Jennifer Stevenson 10+ Maryanne Tocidlowski 20+ Tami Voss Ruth Zavala ADMISSIONS Ibrahim Adegbenro Eduardo Aguilar Chloe Anderton Amanda Burnom Felicia Burson Gerardo Castillo Christian Cedillos Amy Disisto Adalberto Garcia

Griselda Garcia Jasmine Garcia Asia Glover Stephanie Gomez Tina Gonzales Noe Gonzales Juan Gutierrez Arianna Hall Hapton Hawkins Christine Hutchison Asma Jamil Ashley Kuehne Jassmine Leyva Heather Love 10+ Marah Melendez Emily Mossbarger Marian Obiso Jovita Ocampo William Rodriguez Victoria Rosales Caitlin Rosentraub Maria Santoyo 10+ Yesenia Serna Phillip Severson Andrew Taylor Brenda Taylor CONSERVATION EDUCATION Colleen Cavanaugh Stuart Davis Bennett Dones 20+ Kathleen Edinburgh Sarah Fern Stephanie Gonzalez Judith Harrington Samantha Junker 10+ Nicholas Larberg 10+ Gentry Leonard Karl Maahs Melissa Mair Philip Malek 10+ Kelly Mccreery 10+ Alyx Scott Cecilia Silva Lillie Stockseth Melissa Wong Danielle Zottarelle Clara Zubrick

DESIGN & ENGINEERING Trisha Crowe Michael Flowers Mark Hoffman Florence Tang DEVELOPMENT & FUNDRAISING Rachel Baker Jillian Day Rodney Honerkamp Audra Jesudason 10+ Ginger Moon 10+ Natalie Nguyen Kelly Nugent Alexander Pugh Sundra Spiller-Hayes 10+ Mindy Stanford Madison Thompson Mia White Brittani Williams EVENT OPERATIONS Wendy Babineaux Andrea Hennerichs Keijuan Saul FACILITIES Juan Banda Juan Barrera 10+ John Broussard Franklin Calix Jesus Cavazos 30+ Jose Cervantes Jamahd Clark Carlos Cuevas Peter Faini Randy Francis Antonio Garcia Juan Garcia 10+ Jacob Gleason Silvestre Gomez 10+ Brandon Hanna Marcus Harkreader Martin Hayes Colley Hodges Joshua Huddleston Brendan Joseph Joe Leija Paul Lopez

Houston Zoo Staff | 47

Lissette Marders Carlos Martinez Fernando Mauricio Jacob Miguel Rene Rivera Carmen Sanchez Luaay Shehab Bryant Smith Raul Tapia Ortega Kyle Weber John Williams 10+ FINANCE Leslie Chow Shane Dorman Candace Gutierrez Ashley Harvey James Hutchinson Benjamin Mosley Elizabeth Tennill 10+ GRAPHICS Dawn Benavidez Lucero Hernandez Steven Shultz Kirsten Ufer 10+ GROUNDS Adrian Barbosa Khamron Burnom Reynaldo Butanda Cesar Cantu Benjamin Fontenot Juan Garza Omar Guerra 10+ Silvestre Hernandez Tommie Juarez 10+ Lorenzo Lerma Juan Martinez Theron Mathis Samuel Mellott Julio Renteria Ricardo Romero Jesus Santoyo Enrique Solis Jose Tapia Philip Torres Gisela Vazquez John Walker

HORTICULTURE Calvin Button Antonio Byles Carlos Campos-Garcia 10+ Moises Campos-Contreras David Hansen Gregory Haro Anna Land 10+ Steven Mata Francisco Ocampo Oliver Taylor Jessica Tristan Eric Valles HOUSEKEEPING Isabel Arellano Euricka Broussard Zachary Davis John Estrada Khalila Gilmore Lydia Hadley Heather Hernandez Ashley Higgins Courtney Lomas Sabrina Lomas 10+ William Mallard Christopher Montgomery Debra Morgan 10+ Sylvia Olivo 10+ Matilde Ponce Viviana Rodriguez Frank Romero Tamika Simon HUMAN RESOURCES Teaera Radick Brandy Ruiz David Garcia Candice Oliphant INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Quincy Armstead Matthew Bennett Jesus Hernandez Kafai Tse Kelly Wilcox LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT Taylor Gilley

MARKETING Jackelin Reyna Rachael Shappard Marylu Trevino Linsey Whitehead MEMBERSHIP Tyishia Austin Dianelly Castaneda Adrian Cavazos Rachel Duggan Nathalie Jolicoeur 10+ Markfirah Krueng Francis Xavier Maher III Bryanna Moore Erin Newell Dylan Olson Sara Riger Jeniffer Roman Liana Salazar Manuela Saravia Claudia Vega PEST CONTROL Alfredo Arriaga 10+ Ami Orth 10+ PUBLIC RELATIONS Kevin Kendrick Jessica Reyes Jacquelyn Wallace PURCHASING Oscar Fernandez Diego Lopez Jose Ruiz Morales Samantha Saracho RANGERS Christopher Adams 10+ Luis Alvarado 10+ Edgar Barrera 10+ Renato Barrera 10+ Desiree Barrios Todd Berry Joshua Bohannon Cheyenne Cantu Kailynn Castillo Gustavo Corona Emilie-Rose Gagne Marina Gallegos

Megan Hammond Sonia Heredia Anthony Hernandez Samanta Hernandez Nicholas Lopez Brianna Lykens Stephen Martin James Motley Monica Quiroga Francisco Rios Perez Abigail Salazar Derek Torres Lawrence Trussell Thomas Valdez Jordan Wilson Jeremy Womack Amanda Yzaguirre Eliza Zavala

Celebrating 40 Years of Service

REGISTRAR Sheri Bradley Joann Watson 10+ SPECIAL EVENTS Hillary Rothenberg Mallet Stafford 10+ Abigail Taylor Megan Williamson WATER QUALITY Michael Fannin Robert Keller Karen Sprague 10+ Ashlin Stedifor

Joe Flanagan, Senior Veterinarian

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Benjamin Jones

Staff listed were active employees as of December 31, 2022

10+ = 10 - 19 years at the Zoo 20+ = 20 - 29 years at the Zoo 30+ = 30 - 39 years at the Zoo 40

= 40 years at the Zoo

WORKPLACE OF CHOICE

48 |

Rainbow stag beetles, the first to successfully hatch in the Houston Zoo’s Bug House.

2022 Annual Report Contributors | 49

Houston Zoo

2022 Board of Directors

2022 Annual Report

Sami Ahmad

Myrtle Jones

Bill Barnett

Sanjay Kalavar

EDITOR Linsey Whitehead, Senior Director, Marketing and Sales

George Basu ^

Peggy Kostial

Carlos deAldecoa Bueno

Jennifer Laporte

Beto Cardenas ^

Claire Liu

Kris Chikelue ^

Kelley Lubanko

Joe Cleary

Kimberly McKay

Anne Clutterbuck ^

Stacy Methvin

Josh Davidson

Clay Neff

Michael Dishberger

Byron Pope

Jeff Dudderar *

Jim Postl

Anne Duncan

Alie Pruner

Robert “Bob” Edwards *

Ron Rand

Kerry Galvin

Tim Roberts

Dr. Amy Garrou *

Bas Solleveld

Dr. Cullen Geiselman

Macey Stokes

Eureka Gilkey

Molly Voorhees

Robert Graham

Cynthia Walker

Gillian Hobson

Kelli Weinzierl ^

Tandra Jackson *

Randa Duncan Williams

Jill Jewett *

Austin Young ^Joined July 2022 *Rotated off July 2022

COMMITTEE Lee Ehmke, President & CEO Nick Espinosa, Senior Vice President, Institutional Advancement Kevin Hodge, Vice President, Animal Operations Benjamin Jones, Senior Director, Wildlife Conservation Programs Sheryl Kolasinski, Chief Operating Officer Trazanna Moreno, Vice President, Marketing, Communications & Technology Jeri Nordbrock, Chief Financial Officer Peter Riger, Vice President, Conservation and Education Kirsten Ufer, Senior Creative Director Jackie Wallace, Senior Director, Public Relations & Communications WRITERS Colley Hodges Kevin Hodge Benjamin Jones Alex Pugh Jessica Reyes Mia White Melissa Wong

PHOTOGRAPHERS Jackelin Reyna Matthew Griffiths Amberley Damm Heather Shimke Tom Hopwood John Register Eric Berg

The Houston Zoo is one of over 200 zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

AZA accreditation stands for excellence in the care of zoo visitors, zoo animals, and Earth’s remaining wilderness.

1513 Cambridge Street Houston, Texas 77030

www.houstonzoo.org