
Elmwood Park Zoo experienced an explosion of growth over the past five years, consistently sustaining increases in attendance, memberships and concessions – while at the same time unveiling new exhibits and upgrading current.
Seeing this operational and financial success, the zoo’s contributed revenue also saw a spike as eager new supporters joined the zoo family, as our current stewards were reassured. Because of this, the zoo planned its 100th Anniversary Campaign, which includes a brilliant new Education Complex, but before we explore the future, lets revel in the past! |
A LOOK AT THE PAST 5 YEARS |
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New Animals
Currently, Elmwood Park Zoo maintains a 300-animal collection that represent species from across the globe. As one of only 230 zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), we are able to house 19 classes that participate in the Species Survival Plan (SSP), and have the largest accredited, open-air bald eagle exhibit in the United States. Since 2016 EPZ has added dozens of new animals to its collection, everything to blockbuster exhibits like Jaguars, Cougars, Ocelot, Giraffe, and Zebra to the tame Mara and Rhea. ![]()
Autism Certification
The crowning achievement of Elmwood Park Zoo's inclusivity initiatives was its 2018 accreditation as a Certified Autism Center, awarded to organizations that complete a training and review process with the goal to better serve individuals with a wide array of special needs. From Sensory Packs, to Quiet Morning, to Touch Tours for blind and visually impaired, EPZ has been working effortlessly to better transition its facility to be inclusive to all needs. ![]()
Renovated Veterinary Clinic
Recently the zoo has taken considerable measures toward ensuring its animal collection is healthy, happy and comfortable. First was the renovation of its clinic: new cabinets and operating beds were installed, a new floor laid, and equipment replaced. Second, the zoo hired University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine graduate Dr. Michele Goodman. From there the zoo secured over $100,000 in new veterinary equipment and technology. As our animal family grows, so must our animal-welfare practices. |
FINANCIAL CONFIDENCE |
New exhibits, attractions, facility upgrades, and creative marketing campaigns led to increases in revene across the board! (Click the Line Items on the left to see a snapshot.) |
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FACILITY ENHANCEMENT HIGHLIGHTS |
Interested in learning more about the zoo's recent progress? Take a look at our expanded organization update by clicking the button below.
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2020: Bright Points in a Difficult Year |
2020 was a challenging year for EPZ, both financially and emotionally. Even with losing a substantial portion of its peak-season income the zoo had to continue to operate fully despite the complete lack of earned revenue. Our animals depend on us, and no storm nor pandemic could stop us from providing their routine care. In response we reevaluated expenses to ensure that while our gates were closed, our facility was maintained. However despite the hardships that were thrust upon us, the zoo rose above many challenges plaguing both it and the nation by continue to foster its mission of education, conservation and community. |
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EPZoo2U
EPZoo2U is the zoo's new online portal for digital zoo engagement! While our gates were closed to the public, EPZoo2U became the zoo's best new avenue of educational engagement, offering parents and teachers the high-level learning resources they've come to expect from the community's most beloved non-profit. ![]()
Zoo School Live
The flagship of the zoo's new virtual education push, Zoo School Live is Elmwood Park Zoo's new daily education livestream. Hosted on Facebook each weekday, the zoo's dedicated education staff introduces a unique animal to a captive virtual audience of thousands. Beginning mid-May, as schools started closing, Elmwood Park Zoo's daily recordings feature a live Q&A with zoo keepers and educators — and have already reached 600,000 homebound learners! ![]()
New Parking Lot & Boardwalk
Even during a trying year, the zoo was able to pull off a major accomplishment: the completion of a new, 300-space parking lot with an adjoining boardwalk leading to the zoo's entrance. Just as with the 2015 completion of the zoo's "lower lot", the zoo expects to see the extra parking directly correlate to a new boom of attendance. ![]()
Nature Play Activities
Elmwood Park Zoo's Nature Play Activities take homebound learners into the great outdoors with complete guides to turn your backyard or neighborhood park into an outdoor classroom. These guides, created by the zoo's education team and adhering to PA academic standards, walk kids, parents and teachers through nature activities! |
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