Development: At the Heart of our Mission

By Ausu Anaraki, Individual & Major Gifts Officer

Members are the lifeline of our organization. With a portion of memberships and ticket sales benefitting our conservation and education initiatives, visiting the Zoo and being a Member is as important as ever. After all, it is only with your support that we have been able to contribute more than $1.45 million to protect plants and animals in the last six years alone, and establish more than 45 conservation partners across the globe.

Membership and ticket sales are not the only ways that we generate the funds needed to support our efforts. Every year, we rely on a strong network of committed and passionate individuals who connect deeply with our mission of conservation and education: The Heart of the Zoo Society.

In 2020, Heart of the Zoo Society Members donated over a half million dollars to our numerous programs and initiatives, which are funded by the Zoo’s Annual Fund. With nearly 200 Members and growing, this group’s capacity to make a significant impact is clear.

While all Heart of the Zoo Society Members receive a membership, they also receive additional benefits depending on their membership level. These include General Admission tickets and Total Experience bands; an exclusive, quarterly e-newsletter; invitations to donorexclusive events, like Wine, Dine, Discover, Toast to Conservation, and ExZOOberation; an annual, private behind-the-scenes tour; and more.

Most importantly, by being a Heart of the Zoo Society Member, you are taking your support for us to the next level. With an annual gift of $500 or more, you can be a part of this incredible group of donors. Plus, the majority of your membership is tax-deductible (total varies per level).

For information on how to be a part of the Heart of the Zoo Society, please email anaraki@jacksonvillezoo.org or call (904) 757-4463, ext. 196.