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Jackson Zoo Media Kit
OVERVIEW
ZOO FACTS
2015 IN REVIEW
EVENTS
HOW DO YOU ZOO?
SUPPORT YOUR ZOO
CONTACT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The mission of the Jackson Zoo is to provide visitors with a quality
recreational and educational environment dedicated to wildlife care
and conservation.
JACKSON ZOO MISSION STATEMENT
ABOUT US
There is change under way at the Zoo—from the humble beginning in 1919 with a
small menagerie of animals in a firehouse to a vast and multifaceted zoo collection
providing direct care to approximately 380 animals representing 125 species from
various continents. The Jackson Zoo is the city’s unsurpassed venue for enjoying
safe, wholesome, family entertainment, and making the memories of a lifetime.
In 2013, the Zoo underwent a branding campaign to “Zoo It Better.” A branded look
was created featuring character mascots, and a unified look that will be
implemented in all marketing and promotional materials. For updates on how the
zoo is constantly working to “Zoo It Better” please visit www.zooitbetter.com.
Visit http://jacksonzoo.org for zoo news, events calendar, membership and ticket
purchases and more.
Visit http://jacksonzoo.org/press-room-2/ to view past and present news releases.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Please follow our social media pages for updated news and events:
Facebook– www.facebook.com/jacksonzoo
Twitter– www.twitter.com/Jackson_Zoo
Instagram– www.instagram.com/jacksonzoo
YouTube– www.youtube.com/TheJacksonZoo
Pinterest- www.pinterest.com/thejacksonzoo
Flickr- www.flickr.com/photos/jacksonzoo/
ZOO FACTS
LOCATION: 2918 W Capitol St. Jackson, MS 39209. The Jackson Zoo is located in the historic
Livingston Park, located 2 miles from Downtown Jackson and easily accessibly from Interstate I-220
and Woodrow Wilson Ave. The Zoo is located on 110 acres of land acquired by the City of Jackson
from Samuel Livingston. Approximately 54 acres are developed.
HISTORY: The Zoo opened in 1919 and moved to Livingston Park in 1921, it was operated by the
City until 1986. Through an operating agreement with the City of Jackson, Jackson Zoological
Society, Inc. has managed the Zoo for the past 29 years. The Zoo is a non-profit organization that
receives state and city funding, as well as private donations and sponsorships. It is currently operating
under an 8 year agreement to be renewed in 2016.
HOURS: The Zoo is open daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m. except December 25. Ticket sales end at 3:30 p.m.
ADMISSION: Adults- $9.25, Children- $6.75, Seniors & Military- $8.25, Military Children- $5.75.
Winter pricing is discounted November-February.
MEMBERSHIP: The Jackson Zoo offers several membership packages for individuals and families at a
very affordable price. Individual memberships begin at $25 a person, and family memberships begin
at $65. Visit our website for a full list of membership packages.
VISITORS: The Jackson Zoo serves approximately 130,000 visitors annually, with 47% from the
Jackson metro area, 43% from other Mississippi counties and 10% from other states. The Zoo serves
every segment of the population, creating a wonderfully diverse audience.
ANIMALS: The Zoo currently houses approximately 380 animals, which consists of 125 species. There
are 14 endangered species (Addra Gazelle, Amur Leopard, Bornean Orangutan, Brown-headed Spi-
der Monkey, Chimpanzee, Cotton Top Tamarin, Emperor Tamarin, Fishing Cat, Grevy’s Zebra, Lion-
tailed macaque, Pygmy Hippo, Red Ruffed Lemur, Sumatran Tiger, White-handed Gibbon). There are
35 active Species Survival Programs (Addra Gazelle, Amur Leopard, Black and White Colobus Mon-
key, Black-necked Stilt, Blue-bellied Roller, Bornean Orangutan, Brown-headed Spider Monkey,
Chimpanzee, Cougar, Cotton Top Tamarin, Diana Guenon, Fishing Cat, Grevy’s Zebra, Hawk-
headed Parrot, Kinkajou, Klipspringer, Kookaburra, Lion Tailed Macaque, Marabou Stork, Nicobar
Pigeon, North American River Otter, Red Panda, Red River Hog, Red Ruffed Lemur, Red Wolf, Reticu-
lated Giraffe, Pygmy Hippopotamus, Sable Antelope, Schmidt’s Monkey, Springbok, Sumatran Tiger,
Tawny frogmouth, Wattled Crane, White Handed Gibbon, White Naped Crane, White Rhinoceros).
BUDGET: The Zoo’s annual operating budget is $2.3 million.
ACCREDIDATION: The Jackson Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and
Aquariums (AZA). The AZA currently accredits 228 institutions, with this population
equaling around 10% of all establishments in the country.
YEAR IN REVIEW: 2015
Amphitheater Seating to be built by the current amphitheater stage. Gertrude C. Ford donated $150,000
toward this project. After completion, there will be opportunity for educational presentations and shows,
concert series, and additional seating for events.
A digital x-ray machine has been installed in the Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital. This will save staff time and ex-
pense from traveling to Crystal Springs to use their digital x-ray machine. It also brings 21st century tech-
nology into our veterinarian practices at the zoo, and offers opportunity for MSU vet students to use this
technology in studying exotic medicine. Special thanks to Jim & Donna Barksdale for their contribution.
There will be a new splash pad lounge & changing room built by the splash pad area. This lounge will in-
clude changing rooms and a sitting area for the convenience of guests. Expected to be completed by May
1, 2015. Thanks to Jim & Donna Barksdale for their contribution.
Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine will offer an elective through the
Jackson Zoo, beginning Spring 2015. Under the direction of Dr. Holifield and zoo vet staff,
students will have the opportunity to examine and care for exotic animals, along with producing research
from their studies.
Jackson State University’s Membership Program went into effect Jan. 1, 2015. Active JSU students, staff and
alumni are offered memberships at a discounted rate, which is made possible through a partnership that
was signed in November 2014. The partnership pledges a three-year commitment of $120,000 that will
provide care for the JSU Tiger Exhibit and Sumatran Tigers SSP, as well as educational kiosks and technolgy
around the JSU Tiger Exhibit and incorporated co-branded merchandise available in the gift shop.
The Zoo is working with Nucor Steel to build a new exhibit for the red pandas. The Red Pandas will be
moved from their current location, to a new exhibit between the Orangutans and Giraffes.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History awarded the Zoo with a $148,000 grant to renovate the
historic Rhino Exhibit.
The Wild Learning program has received several contributions from Zoo supporters, such as: Nissan, Rotary
Club of West Jackson and Entergy.
In 2015, the Zoo will establish an Endowment Fund & Operating Reserve Fund with the Community Foun-
dation of Greater Jackson. The endowment fund & operating reserve fund will allow donors to provide long
term support to the Jackson Zoo. Crymes Pittman & Dr. William (Bill) Aden have made initial contributions
to get the funds started.
In 2015, the Zoo is working toward getting their Specialty License Plate Tag into official production with the
Mississippi Department of Revenue. This would serve as a long standing revenue generator for the Zoo & a
way to market the zoo across the state of Mississippi.
In 2015, the Zoo will start a five year master planning process with the assistance of PJA Architects to plan
out major projects for next five years.
In 2015, the Zoo will start new work to be done on our Discovery Zoo, as we shape and mold the Discovery
Zoo into a more interactive area for children & families.
In 2015, new food vendors will be added to concession options. Simply Down South Catering will be locat-
ed in the Mississippi Wilderness area. Kona Ice, and other mobile vendors will be on-site seasonally.
EVENTS
2015 Calendar of Events
Mar. 3 Media Day 10a-Until
Mar. 7 Zoo Day 10a-1p
Mar. 28 Member’s Appreciation Day ALL DAY
Apr. 3 Zoo Brew 4-10p
Apr. 4 Easter Breakfast 9-10a
Apr. 12 Zoo Blues 12-9p
Apr. 18 Party for the Planet 10a-1p
June 17 Dream Night 5-6:30p
July 11 Ice Cream Safari 10a-1p
Aug. 1* Last Splash 10a-1p
Sept. 10 Senior Day 9a-12n
Sept. 24 Zoo Party 6-9p
Oct. 23, 24 Boo at the Zoo 5-8p
Added Value/Discount Days
May 2* Town Day (Clinton)
May 10 Mother’s Day
May 16* Town Day (Ridgeland)
May23- 25 Memorial Day
May 30* Town Day (Jackson)
June 13* Town Day (Rankin County)
June 21 Father’s Day
June 27* Town Day (Flowood)
July 4 Red, White & Blue Day
July 25 Tiger Day
Sept. 5-6 Frozen Treat Animal Enrichment Day
Nov. 11 Veteran’s Day
Education Events
Mar 9-13 Spring Break Camp
June 1-July 6 Summer Camp
*Marked dates are tentative.
EVENT DESCRIPTIONS
Zoo Day March 7
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
United Healthcare Plan of MS sponsors Zoo Day 2015. Our annual kick-off to spring includes fun games, activities, characters and more! This year join our characters Curious George, Lyle Lyle Crocodile, Junie B. Jones, and Ladybug Girl in a special story time. Also enjoy animal encounters, bounce houses, games and crafts, Robert Day the magician, and more! Regular zoo admission includes all activities. Adults: $9.25 Children $6.75
Spring Break
Camp
March 9-13
9 a.m.– 4 p.m.
Let’s GO! - Spring is here and we’re gearing up for a week full of wildlife and wild places. Camp-
ers will come back with a passion for animals and nature and great ways to bring the family back
outside. Learn how we are all connected, from the smallest insect to the biggest rhino, the soli-
tary tiger to the socializing otter. Children ages 6-12 years old.
Members: $170/week or $40/day Non-members: $185/week or $44/day
Zoo Brew
(Adult only)
April 3
5-9 p.m.
The Jackson Zoo will host the 8th Annual Zoo Brew presented by Capitol City Beverages on Fri-day, April 3, 2015. This is an annual fundraiser for the zoo that has grown to over 1,500 in attendance. There will be two stages, with music from the Jason Turner Band, Sherman Dillon, Jesse Robinson, and Revue and the Mo’ Money Band. There will be over 50 free craft beers to sample and domestic beers will be available for purchase. There will be a wing eating contest and local restaurants will provide food samples. There will be a wing eating contest sponsored by Wing Stop and Tyson on the amphi stage. Adults only! $30/person; VIP $60; $15 designated driver
Breakfast with
the Easter
Bunny
April 4
9-10:30 a.m.
This is a Member’s only annual event for the children to come out and enjoy a morning of activ-ities, breakfast and a visit from our own Easter bunny. The Easter egg hunt on the front lawn of the Ed. Bldg. for children ages 1-12 is included. Children are asked to bring their own basket for egg hunting. $5 cost for breakfast; members must pre-purchase tickets.
Party for the
Planet
April 18
10 a.m.– 1 p.m.
It’s a Party for the Planet! Let’s celebrate wildlife and wild places and learn about going green.
Fun and earthy crafts and demos for kids and family. Special animal encounters and keeper
talks. Organizations from around the region will share their resources about living more sustain-
ably within our communities. Free with general admission.
Zoo Blues April 12
12-9 p.m.
What was once an annual tradition at the zoo, this event returns with bigger and better enter-tainment and lots of food and beverage vendors; taking place on the back of the Community Center, this event will allow guest to bring in their own lawn chairs and coolers. This event is funded by F& S Productions so the zoo benefits from the use of the facility plus proceeds from ticket sales.
Dream Night
June 17
5-6:30 p.m.
An evening set aside for children with special needs and chronically ill diseases. This year we have partnered with the Disability Mega Conference an opening activity to their annual confer-ence. Children and their families come out and enjoy the zoo at their own pace. Refreshments and activities are provided. This is a free event, registration is required to attend.
Ice Cream
Safari
July 11
10 a.m. –1 p.m.
Now in its 21st year, this event has featured our local media celebrities showing off their person-alities and scooping favorite Blue Bell flavors for your votes. This year we will separate the voting into print, radio and TV categories and still have an overall winner. ($15/adults; $9/child; $5 for members)
Last Splash
August 1
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Our annual end of summer event provides one last “splash” before its time to hit the books again. Large water slides located in the old tapir yard, squirt gun zone in MS Area, bounce hous-es, face painting, characters and more. There will be educational organizations and other ven-dors providing information and back to school supplies or giveaways. Regular admission in-cludes all activities.
Zoo Party
Unleashed
(Adult only)
September 24
6-9 p.m.
This annual fundraiser held at Highland Village will bring awareness to the needs of the zoo. Lots of good food, great music and more during this adult only event! Corporate sponsorships preferred; individual tickets available.
HOW DO YOU ZOO?
CONSERVATION: Did you know that by visiting the Jackson Zoo you are making a
donation to conservation? Twenty-five cents of every admission is donated to
conservation programs. The Zoo currently supports 4 programs which focus on
conservation efforts globally, nationally, regionally and locally. Guests have the
opportunity to designate their contribution to the program of their choice. Current
Conservation Partners: Tiger Conservation Campaign, Red Wolf Coalition and Raptor
Rehabilitation Program. A new program to support Amur Leopards will be added to
the list in 2015. Guests are given tokens at the admission gate, and then are directed
to the Change for Change Conservation Board, outside of the gift shop to choose
which program they would like to support.
EDUCATION: The Jackson Zoo offers education opportunities for all ages and interest.
Children can participate in one of our week or day camp programs; Spring Break,
Summer and Winter Camps available for ages 6-12. Adults can experience a different
side of the zoo through a behind-the-scenes tour. There are programs for scout groups
such as Slumber Safaris, Day Programs and Scout Events. The Zoo Mobile offers a
unique and convenient opportunity for those who would like the zoo brought to an
off-site location.
RECREATION: While the zoo is filled with education and conservation, it is also a prime
attraction that offers entertainment for families and individuals, alike. With a full list of
events taking place year-round, the Zoo is also an outlet for entertainment for families,
children, and adults. Don’t miss these “Zoo Favorite” events in 2015: Zoo Day, Zoo
Brew, Ice Cream Safari, Zoo Party Unleashed, and Boo at the Zoo.
The Zoo is also a great place to host birthday parties, corporate events, family
reunions, weddings, and more!
The Splash Pad, located beside the gift shop, is a great place for kids to cool
down in the summer. The Splash Pad is open from May-September.
Train & Carousel Rides are available every day in the summer, and cost $2.00/
person to ride. Subject to close due to weather conditions, and off-peak season.
HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR ZOO
MEMBERSHIP: Becoming a Jackson Zoo member not only comes with lots of perks, but
it also helps support the future of wildlife through conservation, research, education,
and recreational programs. Purchase memberships online, over the phone, or at the
Zoo. Receive free year-round admission to the Jackson Zoo, 50% admission to over
100 other AZA zoos, discounts on camps & education programs, discount at the gift
shop, “Wild Things” eNewsletter to inform you of the latest news, events, and promo-
tions, and invitations to special events and previews.
ADOPT-AN-ANIMAL: For a gift of $50 or more to your favorite animal, you can be a
Jackson Zoo ADOPT parent! When you become a Jackson Zoo ADOPT parent, your
gift helps to provide food, toys, and enrichment items for the Zoo’s animal family. Every
animal, from the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach to our largest White Rhino, is availa-
ble for ADOPTion. Specify your animal of choice when making your purchase.
VOLUNTEER: Year-round opportunities are available for students and groups. Visit our
website: jacksonzoo.org/volunteer/#GroupVolunteers for more information. For indi-
viduals who would like to support the zoo through a year committment as a volunteer,
the Zoo accepts applications in January and July.
DONATIONS: When you donate to the Jackson Zoo, you are supporting the future of
wildlife and the environment. Many of the animals in our care are part of important
conservation breeding programs, while they also serve as ambassadors to engage and
inspire the casual visitor into wildlife stewards.
SPECIALTY CAR TAG: Put some stripes on your car! Your support of purchasing a spe-
cialty license plate provides the zoo with $24 returned to the Jackson Zoo from every
purchase.
GIVE $20, GET $25: Through a partnership with Restaurant.com, when you donate
$20 specifically to the Jackson Zoo Animal Emergency Supply Fund, you will receive a
$25 gift card from Resaurant.com. The Animal Emergency Supply Fund provides gen-
erators, fans & heaters, flashlights, blankest, first aid supplies, etc.
KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM: Support the zoo simply, and at no cost
to you through the Kroger Community Rewards Program. Register your Kroger card for
the program and select the Jackson Zoo as the Community Reward recipient. The
Jackson Zoo will receive a percent of your sales to Kroger, without any additional cost
to you.
Controller– Chris Herron Deputy Director– Dave Wetzel
Guest Services– Sheba Moses Education Director– Lucy Barton
Veterinarian– Dr. Michael Holifield Veterinarian Technician- Donna Todd
Animal Curator- Willie Bennett
CONTACT US
Phone: 601-352-2580
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.jacksonzoo.org
ZOO STAFF
Executive Director– Beth Poff
Beth has been working in the zoo community since 1980, starting as a keeper at the Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke Virginia, and becoming their Director in 1986. She came to Mississippi in May of 2005 to become the fifth Director of the Jackson Zoo. While at the Jackson Zoo she has overseen projects including Wilderness Mississippi, Gertrude C. Ford Education Center, Splash and Play Pad, and many others. She loves the Jackson Zoo’s old charm and the exciting possibilities for its future. The vision she sees for the Jackson Zoo’s future is that it will be seen as the Jewel of West Jackson by everyone in the metro Jackson area and the entire state.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 601-352-2580 ext. 222
Director of Major Gifts &
Annual Fund- Josh Friedel
Josh joined the Jackson Zoo team
on May 7, 2014. He has over 16
years of experience in non-profit
philanthropy. He is a graduate of
Millersville University in Millersville,
PA and is married to his wife,
Courtney & has one son named,
Lincoln.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 601-352-2580 ext. 225
Marketing & Communications
Manager– Angela Harris
Angela joined the Jackson Zoo team
on Oct. 1, 2014. She has Marketing
experience in the private, public and
non-profit sectors. She is a Mississippi
State University graduate with a
Bachelors in Communications & Public
Relations and a Masters in Public
Policy Administration.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 601-352-2580 ext. 227
President: Erin Shirley-Orey Vice President: Wilson Hood Treasurer: Russell Turley
Virgi Lindsay
Simon Turner Bailey Dr. Virginia Cora Catherine Cooper
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sirena Wilson Eric Stracener Patti Patterson
Allen Jones
Kate Lightsey JoAnne Prichard Morris Duane A. O’Neill
Kenneth Parker
