Houston Zoo 2022 Annual Report

Annual Report 2022

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.

Inside Cover Image: Centennial mural, Galápagos Islands by GONZO247

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

Celebrating 100 Years

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

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

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

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.

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 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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

New Zoo Additions

1. Jaguar, Vida

2. Goeldi’s monkey, Betty

3. Capybaras, Bruno and Pepa

4. Orangutan, Takai

5.

HIGHEST QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ANIMALS

Blue duikers, Vlad and Seana

6. Chilean flamingos, Astro and Orbit

7. Black bear, Claud

8. Masai giraffe, Zawadi

54th Annual AAZV Conference

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 .

Our partners from the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association during Zoo Day Conference attendees on a tour of the Zoo’s animal hospital

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

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.

QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ANIMALS

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.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO SERIES

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Eliminating Single-Use Plastic at Zoo Gift Shops

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.

Click here to learn more.

LED LIGHTS

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.

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

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

715 cell phones and tablets

• 11.3 tons of paper

• 26.6 tons of metal

• 64.58 tons of cardboard

• 2.24 tons of glass

2.42 TONS of plastic

THESE RECYCLING EFFORTS TRANSLATE TO:

• 37 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions prevented

• 447,080 kWh of electricity saved

enough to power

42 HOMES FOR A YEAR

• 531,145 gallons of water saved

1,046 MATURE TREES conserved

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

• 2,243 cubic yards of landfill space avoided

COMPOSTED 995.75 TONS OF ORGANIC WASTE

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

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.

The I.D.E.A. Team

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.

Staff participates in the Pride craft day in June

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.

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.

PROJECT

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO ON THE HOUSTON TOAD

SAVING WILDLIFE BRAND

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!

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!”

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.”

Partners in the Field

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.”

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.”

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.

CREATE MEANINGFUL GUEST EXPERIENCES

Houston Zoo

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

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.

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

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.

“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

ASANTE – GALÁPAGOS ON THE HORIZON

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.

Click here to learn more about the Asante Society

FLOCK – WILD AND WICKED

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 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.

2022 ATTENDANCE: 1,868,479*

* As of December 31, 2022

29% Members

11% Zoo Lights

13% Free Entry

24% Free & Discount

36% General Admission

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

8% Lone Star Guests

2% Military

1% Senior

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

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

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

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

Matching Gifts

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

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

The John and Ingrid Werler Society

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

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

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

*Includes a gift in kind

Names in italics denote deceased individuals.

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

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

EXECUTIVE STAFF

Lee Ehmke

Amy Blackmon

Roberto Espinosa

Kristin Finney

Clare Greene

Kevin Hodge

Sheryl Kolasinski

Trazanna Moreno

Jeri Nordbrock

Peter Riger

Animal Programs

ANIMAL NUTRITION

Wilbert Booty

Amori Brooks

Rebecca Deleon

Catherine Keith

Phyllis Pietrucha-Mays

Cortney Shaw

AQUARIUM

Denise Babecki

George Brandy

Michael Concannon

Sarah Rogers

Kenneth Stange

Jazlyn Vazquez

James Winecki

BIRDS

Jessica Clark

Rajean Ferguson

Kyra Gardner

Brendan Giambruno-Fuge

Stephen Howard

Samantha Martinez

Kyle McAuliffe

Kelly Pardy

Ingrid Pérez Torres

Morgan Pups

Bethany Shick

Daniel Simmons

Ric Urban

Benjamin Vecchio

Jeremy Whitted

CARNIVORES

Eric Berg

Isaac Burkhalter

Dennis Charlton

Amberley Damm

Rebecca Hodgson

Samantha Howell-Barie

Jenna Mcmichael

Victoria Miller

Paul Reed

Alicia Wedel

CHILDREN'S ZOO

Lisa Cariello

Michelle Castle

Sydney Dean

Marisol Gomez

Megan Hedge

Timothy Johnson

Natalie Jones

Zoie Jorgensen-Tjornehoj

Heather Kilway

Amy Lavergne

Danielle Montes De Oca

Jason Moore

Bailey Nichols

Daniel Ortega

Sarah Radecker

Tianna Redieck

Brian Stucky

Hailey Wedlich

Carolyn Zewe

ELEPHANTS

Caitlin Amox

Alicia Andring

Allison Anthony

Robert Bernardy

Mariam Dehaini

Bryan Jeung

Kimberly Klein

Sylvia Molina

Amanda Rinker

Ian Ross

Kristin Windle

GENERAL ANIMAL OPERATIONS

Tarah Cornelius

Annalia Palacios Matthews

David Suttinger

HERPETOLOGY

Christopher Bednarski

Brittanie Crews

Marissa Grimes

Melissa Hodges

Matthew Lammers

Julie Laturner

Francisco Llauger

Stanley Mays

Declan McDonagh

Jonathan Rold

Julia Sanders

Eddie Sunila

Christopher Valdez

HOOFSTOCK

Wren Baker

Tia Goforth

Heather Johnson

Timothy Junker

Memory Mays

Kendall Moore

John Register

Kimberly Siegl

Jessica Sigle

Morgan Walker

Hannah Whitaker

NATURAL ENCOUNTERS

Rachel Adams

Anna Brewton

Julia Hart

Maria Hernandez

Jamie Quirk

Priscilla Reed

Tianna Roberts

Kamryn Suttinger

PRIMATES

John Allen

Briana Bauer

Kayla Cosmi

Emilie Covert

Karli Dallman

Amanda Daly

Amelia Dunn

Miriam Gordon

Sonny Heihn

Tyler Henk

Derrick Lockett

Daniel Marzluf

Judith Mcauliffe

Briyel McKay

Eric Murray

Chelsea Muse

Rebekah Rice

Rebecca Roloff

Ronald Santos

Heather Schimke

Diane Shea

Lucy Dee Sheppard

Heaven Sorrells

Ellen Wieczorek

SEA LIONS

Michelle Jones

Amanda Perry

Margaret Pionke

Krista Webber

Emily Wilkins

VETERINARY SERVICES

Catherine Almeida

Jennifer Atkinson

Kendra Bauer

Amy Chapman

Joseph Flanagan

Jordan Johnson

Jessica Jones

Andrew Krauss

Cody Macon

Christine Molter

Michele Ozuna

Kathrine Solomon

Jennifer Stevenson

Maryanne Tocidlowski

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

Marah Melendez

Emily Mossbarger

Marian Obiso

Jovita Ocampo

William Rodriguez

Victoria Rosales

Caitlin Rosentraub

Maria Santoyo

Yesenia Serna

Phillip Severson

Andrew Taylor

Brenda Taylor

CONSERVATION

EDUCATION

Colleen Cavanaugh

Stuart Davis

Bennett Dones

Kathleen Edinburgh

Sarah Fern

Stephanie Gonzalez

Judith Harrington

Samantha Junker

Nicholas Larberg

Gentry Leonard

Karl Maahs

Melissa Mair

Philip Malek

Kelly Mccreery

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

Ginger Moon

Natalie Nguyen

Kelly Nugent

Alexander Pugh

Sundra Spiller-Hayes

Mindy Stanford

Madison Thompson

Mia White

Brittani Williams

EVENT OPERATIONS

Wendy Babineaux

Andrea Hennerichs

Keijuan Saul

FACILITIES

Juan Banda

Juan Barrera

John Broussard

Franklin Calix

Jesus Cavazos

Jose Cervantes

Jamahd Clark

Carlos Cuevas

Peter Faini

Randy Francis

Antonio Garcia

Juan Garcia

Jacob Gleason

Silvestre Gomez

Brandon Hanna

Marcus Harkreader

Martin Hayes

Colley Hodges

Joshua Huddleston

Brendan Joseph

Joe Leija

Paul Lopez

Lissette Marders

Carlos Martinez

Fernando Mauricio

Jacob Miguel

Rene Rivera

Carmen Sanchez

Luaay Shehab

Bryant Smith

Raul Tapia Ortega

Kyle Weber

John Williams

FINANCE

Leslie Chow

Shane Dorman

Candace Gutierrez

Ashley Harvey

James Hutchinson

Benjamin Mosley

Elizabeth Tennill

GRAPHICS

Dawn Benavidez

Lucero Hernandez

Steven Shultz

Kirsten Ufer

GROUNDS

Adrian Barbosa

Khamron Burnom

Reynaldo Butanda

Cesar Cantu

Benjamin Fontenot

Juan Garza

Omar Guerra

Silvestre Hernandez

Tommie Juarez

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

Moises Campos-Contreras

David Hansen

Gregory Haro

Anna Land

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

William Mallard

Christopher Montgomery

Debra Morgan

Sylvia Olivo

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

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

Ami Orth

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Kevin Kendrick

Jessica Reyes

Jacquelyn Wallace

PURCHASING

Oscar Fernandez

Diego Lopez

Jose Ruiz Morales

Samantha Saracho

RANGERS

Christopher Adams

Luis Alvarado

Edgar Barrera

Renato Barrera

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

REGISTRAR

Sheri Bradley

Joann Watson

SPECIAL EVENTS

Hillary Rothenberg

Mallet Stafford

Abigail Taylor

Megan Williamson

WATER QUALITY

Michael Fannin

Robert Keller

Karen Sprague

Ashlin Stedifor

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Benjamin Jones

Staff listed were active employees as of December 31, 2022

Celebrating 40 Years of Service

Joe Flanagan, Senior Veterinarian WORKPLACE OF CHOICE

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

Houston Zoo 2022 Board of Directors

Sami Ahmad

Bill Barnett

George Basu ^

Carlos deAldecoa Bueno

Beto Cardenas ^

Kris Chikelue ^

Joe Cleary

Anne Clutterbuck ^

Josh Davidson

Michael Dishberger

Jeff Dudderar *

Anne Duncan

Robert “Bob” Edwards *

Kerry Galvin

Dr. Amy Garrou *

Dr. Cullen Geiselman

Eureka Gilkey

Robert Graham

Gillian Hobson

Tandra Jackson *

Jill Jewett *

2022 Annual Report

Myrtle Jones

Sanjay Kalavar

Peggy Kostial

Jennifer Laporte

Claire Liu

Kelley Lubanko

Kimberly McKay

Stacy Methvin

Clay Neff

Byron Pope

Jim Postl

Alie Pruner

Ron Rand

Tim Roberts

Bas Solleveld

Macey Stokes

Molly Voorhees

Cynthia Walker

Kelli Weinzierl ^

Randa Duncan Williams

Austin Young

EDITOR

Linsey Whitehead, Senior Director, Marketing and Sales

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