We Are - Happy Holidays from Blank Park Zoo

We Arethe blank park zoo

07-08 Annual Report

Our MissionFor over 4 decades, the Blank Park Zoo has been an inspiration to the people of Iowa.

INSPIRING…

» A look of wonder on a child’s face as he or she sees an animal for the first time. » A rare connection as one looks into an animal’s eyes. » A new found desire to protect our natural world and all things living in it.

The mission of the Blank Park Zoo is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education and recreation. The Zoo is operated and funded through the Blank Park Zoo Foundation.

The Blank Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. As an accredited member of AZA, America’s leading accrediting organization, rigorous professional standards are set to ensure our Zoo is dedicated to excellence in animal care and welfare, conservation, education, and research that collectively inspires respect for animals and nature. AZA is building North America’s largest wildlife conservation movement by engaging and inspiring visitors to help animals in their native habitats.

Where People Connect With Animals

07-08 Annual Report | p.3

Message from the CEOThanks to your support, the Blank Park Zoo set new records this year touching the lives of 392,859 people. From Zoo Brew to Night Eyes; Dreamnight to Family Friday Nights, there were myriads of fun activities at the Blank Park Zoo.

Our educators met the challenges of teaching outside the classroom with enthusiasm and professionalism and found teachable moments for 71,560 persons onsite and 23,374 students on field trips – an all time record. They enriched the experience of a Zoo in ways that teachers and parents appreciate and students enjoy. Our outreach educators took our animal ambassadors throughout central Iowa. The next time you see the Zoomobile on the highway, you will know that a group at a public library or retirement center is in for a treat!

Our animal care staff are not only experts in the field of animal care and behavior, but also committed conservationists who work for preservation of wild habitats and sustainability of wild and captive populations. They are the heroes of our Zoo – the people who take care of the animals every day from the coldest January morning to the hottest August afternoon.

Our volunteers contributed thousands of hours to the Zoo. Their roles are amazingly diverse - from feeding animals to greeting Zoo guests. Not only do they save the Zoo money by providing valuable services, but they also enrich our institution through the knowledge they bring from careers and other experiences away from the Zoo.

Since the Blank Park Zoo first opened 42 years ago, we have grown from a small children’s zoo to a year-round zoological park with indoor and outdoor exhibits, educational resources and activities with wide appeal to all ages.

As you read through this report it is my hope that you will share our sense of pride and accomplishment, and perhaps find a desire to become even more involved in our mission – to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education and recreation.

Terry Rich, CEO


A Message from the Outgoing Chairman of the BoardWith the end of this amazing fiscal year comes the end of my term as Chairman of the Blank Park Zoo Foundation Board of Directors. As a member of the board since 1999, I remain committed to our mission to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education and recreation.

I am particularly proud that the Wild About Animals Capital Campaign to raise $40 million for the Zoo’s renaissance - expansion and renovation - began this year. With excitement and pride I have watched Mike Hubbell and Loretta Sieman, the campaign co-chairs, provide nurturing connections with donors, Zoo members and community leaders.

The efforts of an incredibly talented and experienced staff have given me a renewed sense of gratitude and it was their hard work that allowed the Blank Park Zoo to again receive full accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), continuing its status as Iowa’s only accredited zoo.

On more than one occasion this past summer, I enjoyed hearing the laughter and seeing the smiles of Zoo visitors as they watched Rosie and JP, our visiting elephants, perform their amazing routine – and help bring our numbers to an all-time high of 392,859 guests.

Being Chairman of the Blank Park Zoo Foundation Board has been an amazing experience. Many of the board’s accomplishments are behind-the-scenes, but its work is critical to the well-being and future of the Zoo. I want to thank the board members for their diligence in keeping our budget “in the black” and for being such good stewards for the Zoo we all love.

Though my role as Chairman of the Board has ended, my involvement with the Zoo has not. I will continue working hard to make our Zoo one of the best – and I will continue my frequent visits to the Zoo to visit my favorite animal, Cha-Cha the lion! Thank you for your support – and for allowing me to serve you and the Blank Park Zoo Foundation this year.

Teri Wood TeBockhorst, Outgoing Chairman

392,859lives were touched by the Blank Park Zoo.

The Great Cats consumed

22,000 lbs. of beef and horsemeat.

An estimated 1,000 Koi fish reside in the Kid’s Kingdom lagoon.

20,370

people fed a Blank Park Zoo giraffe.

Over 20,000 school kids participated in educational field trips to the Blank Park Zoo.

Over 2,000 jellyfish were reared.

6,531 hot dogs were sold in the Safari Grill.

8,000 households were 2008 Zoo members.

There were

475,375 visits to the Blank Park Zoo website.

people received marriage

proposals at the Blank Park Zoo.

2

400 pumpkins decorated the Night Eyes pumpkin patch.


New Acquisitions

» 3 Japanese macaques

» 1 Hedgehog

» 1 Bleeding-heart pigeon

» 2 Victoria crowned pigeons

» 6 Scarlet-chested parrots

» 2 Rothchild’s peacock pheasants

» 4 Red lory

» 1 Blue-tongued skink

» 1 American alligator

» 1 Bullfrog

» 3 American toads

» 2 Leopard frogs

» 12 Longsnout seahorses

» 1 Red lionfish

» 1 Snowflake eel

» 10 Common emperor scorpions

Born/Hatched

» 1 Reticulated giraffe

» 1 Magellan Penguin

» 2 Bennett’s wallaby

» 7 Speckled mousebirds

» 25 Gouldian finches

» 6 Emerald doves

» 2 Silver-eared mesias

» 1 Trumpeter swan

» 6 Chilean flamingos

» 3 Golfodulcean poison dart frogs

» 100+ Longsnout seahorses

» 2,000+ Moon jellyfish

The Blank Park Zoo has over 2,800 individual specimens representing 183 different species. The following animals were added to the Zoo family in 2008:

New at the Zoo

Victoria crowned pigeon

Scarlet-chested parrot

Blue-tongued skink

Red lionfish

Snowflake moray eel

Longsnout seahorses

We are AnimalsZoo staff continually seeks ways to improve the animal experience, for both our guests and our most important constituents of all . . . the animals themselves.

Traveling TrunksIn late May, Rosie, a 26 year old female Asian elephant, and her

18 month old son, JP, arrived at the Blank Park Zoo from their home in Perris, California. The elephants were accompanied by their handlers Gary Johnson and Joann Schmidt. Daily presentations highlighted the importance of elephant conservation worldwide as well as demonstrating the agility and learning ability of the species. Rosie and JP stayed in Iowa for seven weeks drawing record crowds to the Blank Park Zoo.

Giraffe CalfOn the morning of July 26, 2008, the Blank Park Zoo welcomed to the world Mkuu, a 6’2” tall and 162 lbs. giraffe. Samburu, the calf ’s mother, was suspected of being pregnant for quite some time and was in a specially prepared maternity stall when the calf arrived. DNA analysis proved the sire to be Jakobi, our bull giraffe, who has now sired his first calf at the somewhat precocious age of 19 months. “Mkuu,” a Swahili word meaning chief or principal, was selected in honor of Barry Griswell, past CEO of Principal Financial Group, for his outstanding support of the Blank Park Zoo.

Growing TroopsThe Blank Park Zoo acquired three young male Japanese macaques to start a breeding program with our resident troop of 20. It’s hoped that reproduction will begin in the next three years.

The Hatchings ContinueWe had five successful flamingo hatchings this past year. Two hatched in September and three in October. The Zoo’s first successful hatching was in 2000, and the number of chicks has steadily increased since that time. It is rare for a small flock of our size to have such breeding success, especially in a northern climate.

New Sea LifeIn 2008, the Blank Park Zoo set up a new Longsnout Seahorse display. The exhibit was constructed using recycled materials in both the structural and life support components. The seahorses displayed are not available for wild collection and were aquacultured in a facility in Brazil. The Zoo is doing our part by initiating a breeding program to help distribute these seahorses to other zoos and aquariums across the country.


We are EducationEducation based on discovery and joy instills passion for the natural world. Our programs for every generation rely on hands-on learning and foster a lifelong relationship with nature.

2008 Education Highlights » The Education Department conducted

over 800 programs reaching over 115,000 people.

» 249 Living Classroom programs were conducted in K-12th grade classrooms around Central Iowa.

» Over 23,000 students and chaperones came to the Zoo for field trip experiences.

» 56 programs were conducted in Central Iowa libraries reaching over 5,000 people.

» 17,000 child admission tickets were given to students that participated in the Central Iowa Library Association’s summer reading programs.

» Over 90 Early Childhood programs were held at the Zoo for a total of 2,175 child and parent participants.

» Over 400 children attended Summer Safari camp. Campers enjoyed hands-on activities, crafts, games, and live animals all related to different environmental topics.

» Over 150 teachers attended seven teacher workshops. Teachers learned about the resources at the Zoo and planned field experiences.

New in 2008 » Students from The Boys & Girls Club

participated in a year long program called Learning Environmental Action Program (LEAP) made possible by a generous contribution from The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) and Conservation Education Program (CEP).

» The Zoo partnered with the United Way of Central Iowa to install the Born Learning Trail. Born Learning is an early childhood initiative to teach parents how to spend time with young children and learn by playing. The Blank Park Zoo is the first Zoo in the country to be a part of this program and the first location in Des Moines to feature the Born Learning Trail.

» The Education department acquired seven new animals to utilize in programs on and off site. New animals include a Red-tail Hawk, two baby ducks, two baby chicks, a Blue-tongued skink, and Webster, an American Alligator rescued from flood waters in Webster City.


We areConservation Conservation is an essential component of the Zoo’s mission, and we hope our guests realize that many of the animals they encounter are ambassadors for their counterparts, whose future may well be in peril.

» Eastern bongo » Snow leopard » Lion » Amur tiger » Red panda » Japanese macaque

» White-handed gibbon » Ring-tailed lemur » Golden-headed lion tamarin » Mauritius pink pigeon » Panamanian golden frog


Species SurvivalManagement of the animal collection is key in helping the Blank Park Zoo fulfill its mission for the conservation of animal species and ensure the survival of wildlife – both in captivity and in the wild. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Blank Park Zoo has an ethical duty to participate in cooperatively managed programs.

» Bennett’s wallaby » Reticulated giraffe » North American river otter » California sea lion » Harbor seal » Serval » Lesser Madagascar hedgehog tenrec » Emerald dove » Luzon bleeding heart dove » Gouldian finch » Chilean flamingo

» Red-billed hornbill » Laughing kookaburra » Speckled mousebird » Magellan penguin » Rothchild’s pheasant » Crowned pigeon » Nicobar pigeon » Sunbittern » Trumpeter swan » Blue poison dart frog

For over 10 years, the Blank Park Zoo’s

Conservation Committee has

been dedicated to supporting

conservation efforts around

the world. This year’s projects

include:

» Project Golden Frog

» Hornbill Research Foundation

Family Adoption Program

» Center for Ecological Survival

» African Predator

Conservation Research

Organization

» Snow Leopard Trust

» Polar Bears International

» International Elephant

Foundation

» Iowa Nature Mapping

» Energy Conservation

» Hogs for Frogs

The highest level of management is a Species Survival Plan (SSP). At the Blank Park Zoo we have 11 species that are covered by a SSP:

The next level of management is called a Population Management Plan (PMP), similar to SSPs but requiring less intensive management and conservation action. At the Blank Park Zoo we have 22 species involved in PMPs:

We are VolunteersVolunteers who give their time and talents to the Zoo do so for many reasons, but primary among them are a love for the institution and a respect for its mission.

One Good Egg Among ManyRoxanne Kucharski, an outstanding Blank Park Zoo volunteer, received the “2008 Good Egg Award”. Roxanne put in nearly 95 hours of volunteering last summer and is always willing to go above and beyond. Her volunteer hours included such activities as Zoo Brews, Family Friday Nights, helping the membership department, guest surveys, the Des Moines Art Festival, Born Learning Day, Learnapalooza and Party for the Planet. She has been a volunteer since 2006. Congratulations Roxanne, and thanks for your time and talents! » Blank Park Zoo had 130 active volunteers in 2008. » Volunteers donated over 6,200 hours of service.

Thank you to the many outstanding Blank Park Zoo volunteers – we couldn’t do it without you!


Carol Akers

David Allen

Susan Allen

Rachel Amundson

DeAnn Barnhill

Sandy Blanchard Quinn

Penny Brockelsby

Loren Brown

Melody Burgus

Deb Burnett

Jim Carmody

Colleen Chisman

Zosh Choda

Jeanne Clark

Cindy Clefisch

Sharon Coates

Diane Coffey

Bobbie Davis

Jean Ann DeBiaggio

Dee Dennis

Martha DeVries

Roma Dye

Rollin and Karen Dyer

Tara Engel

Nancy Engle

Sandy Fallis

Lenora Fisher

Kirsten Gebhardt

Brooke Giberson

Cindy Griese

Sue Hines

Laurie Hoskins

Dennis Houghtaling

Sonia Houghton

Mary Ann Hynes

Adam Janik

Scott Jeffrey

Merri Johns

Tristan Johnson

Jordan Jones

Marj Jordan

Wilma Kennedy

Hok Kim

Kent Klein Sr.

Amy Kopatich

Kathy Krogmeier

Roxanne Kucharski

Pam Levine

Shandy Mikkelsen

Ica Miller

Kerri Moegenburg

Joe Moroney

Phyllis Nagel

Jessica Nybeck

Amanda Olson

Sue Osorio

Carlin Peer

Rebecca Petterson

Karl Ransom

Lana and Steve Riche

Rachel Scearcy

Lance Schreier

Rebecca Schumacher

Selisia Schwarz

Fred Scott

Mia Siebrasse

Jerry Smith

Adam Sorgen

Fran Stewart

Kayla Stokes

Laurie Strackelijahn

Saundra Stuart

Peter Thelen

Lori Tiangco

Chuck Vredenburg

Jacob Walker

Patty Weeks

Martha West

Leanna Whipple

Denise Williams

Eva Williams

Carol Wilson

We are RecreationFor more than 40 years, the Blank Park Zoo has been a part of this community. Generations have come to commune with the natural world. We are here to make sure the experience is extraordinary.

» Family Friday Night: This summer series offered extended hours for families to enjoy the Blank Park Zoo. Guests enjoyed special entertainment, music, activities and more!

» Dreamnight: The first Friday in June marked a special evening for children with special healthcare needs and their families. This year hundreds of children and their families came out to enjoy activities, special animal demonstrations and much more at this cost-free evening.

» Zoo Brew: A summer series where the Blank Park Zoo became a playground for those 21 and over. Guests enjoyed

all the animals of the Zoo, as well as music, drinks, food and activities!

» Concert in the Park: An unexpected visitor, country music artist Billy Currington, dropped by Blank Park this fall to perform a concert. Admission was free for nearly 7,000 people who attended the afternoon show.

» 18th Annual Night Eyes: Nearly 27,000 children and adults came to this merry, not scary, Halloween event. They made their way through the treat safari and found family-friendly activities, proving that the Zoo is Central Iowa’s favorite place to trick-or-treat.


Community EventsThis year, the Zoo was proud to host a number of community events, including:

Blank Park Zoo EventsThroughout the year, the Blank Park Zoo provides a variety of special events that benefit the community by providing entertainment for kids of all ages. This year over 88,000 people attended these events, made possible through the generous support of community sponsors and our devoted volunteers.

» Arthritis Walk » Head Start Day » IPTV Kids Day at the Zoo » Jazz in July » Jingle Jam

» June Jam » Latino Heritage Festival » Run for Ronald » Step Out Walk to Fight Diabetes

We are Great . . .because of you!Supporters of the Blank Park Zoo enable us to inspire and entertain visitors, offer quality educational programming, and provide the best possible care for the animals in residence. For you we are grateful!

UpTown HoeDown Gala Raises Over $100,000 Nearly 300 guests donned their favorite jeans and dancing boots to enjoy a night of exZOOberant entertainment, festive food, down-home drinks and raise $107,000 in support of the programs and operations of the Blank Park Zoo. Gala guests dined on a chuck wagon dinner while being entertained by local artists Gina Gedler and Alexis Van Fleet. The evening was topped off with uptown desserts and dancing to country western band, 8 Seconds.

Friends of the Zoo Luncheon Honors SponsorsOn December 2, 2008 the Blank Park Zoo Foundation Board of Directors hosted nearly 80 corporate sponsors to a special recognition luncheon to say “thank you” for their important support. The generosity of these sponsors allowed the Blank Park Zoo to bring you Rosie and JP, (the Asian elephants), Family Friday Night, Zoo Brew, Night Eyes, the UpTown HoeDown Gala and many educational programs.

Blank Park Zoo Plans to GrowIn 2008, the Blank Park Zoo began the Wild About Animals capital campaign soliciting leadership gifts during the “quiet” phase of the $40 million campaign.

The campaign has three important goals. » Expand the Zoo from 23 to 103 acres. » Renovate the existing Zoo. » Expand the Zoo’s endowment to ensure

future sustainability.

Thirty community leaders were recruited for the campaign cabinet and began meeting regularly in August 2008. This dedicated group has the enthusiasm, motivation and resources to ensure success. To date, $13.4 million has been raised for this exciting project, thanks to our generous leadership donors!


My decision to donate

18 acres of land to the Blank

Park Zoo was an easy one.

I can think of no better

way to develop the land

to benefit the community

than with the Zoo.

—Bill Knapp, pictured with wife Susan

“

”

Philanthropy is a very special part of my life. I feel very lucky to be

able to support such an important project for Iowa.

—Elizabeth Kruidenier, pictured with daughter Lisa

“ ”

Bob and Gloria Burnett, longtime Zoo supporters, at the UpTown HoeDown.

Cumulative GiftsThe names listed below reflect

cumulative gifts totaling $200,000

and above to the Blank Park Zoo.

$1 Million and Above Myron* and Jacqueline* Blank

City of Des Moines

Elizabeth and David* Kruidenier

William C. and Susan Knapp

John and Lilyan Stoddard Estate

$200,000 - $1 Million

Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling, Co.

Bravo Greater Des Moines

Robert and Gloria Burnett

Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust

City of West Des Moines

Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

Gardner and Florence Call Cowles Foundation

W.T. and Edna M. Dahl Trust

Paul and Sandy Easter

EMC Insurance Companies

Jo and Tom* Ghrist

Helen and James W. Hubbell, Jr.

Fred Maytag Family Foundation

Meredith Corporation Foundation

MidAmerican Energy, Co.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International

Polk County Board of Supervisors

Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino

Principal Financial Group

Tim and Toni Urban

Townsend Engineering Company

David and Dolores Wallace

Capital Campaign Gifts Many thanks to our generous

Wild About Animals Capital

Campaign donors.

$1 Million and Above City of Des Moines

Elizabeth Kruidenier


$250,000 - $999.999 Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines



$100,000 - $249,999 Robert and Gloria Burnett

W.T. and Edna M. Dahl Trust


Stan and Dotty Thurston

Tim and Toni Urban

$25,000 - $99,999 Paul and Sandy Easter

Allison and Jim Fleming

Jo Ghrist

Michael and Debbie Hubbell

Suzy and Chuck Muelhaupt

Governor Robert and Billie Ray

Pat and Lou Schneider

David and Dolores Wallace

John B. and Kathy Williams

$5,000 - $24,999 Baker Electric, Inc.

Judy Blank

Kaye Condon

Ann Cownie

Russ and Beth Cross

With deep appreciation, the Blank Park Zoo acknowledges the extraordinary support of the following donors.

* deceased


Fran Fleck and Terry Greenley

Matt and Bridget Fryar

Sara Ghrist

Rusty and Jody Goode

James and Pam Hagenbucher

Pat Henson

Jim and Sheila Hourigan

Lisa Kruidenier

Mary O’Keefe and Jeff Nall

Kevin and Debbie Prust

Suku and Mary Radia

Terry and Kim Rich

Alison and John Ruan IV

Loretta and Bob Sieman

Kathleen and Jefffrey Stahl

Teri Wood TeBockhorst and Andy TeBockhorst

Mike and Vickie Tousley

Teresa and Howard Wahlert

Dean and Lisa Whitaker

Jonathan Wilson

Connie Wimer and Frank Fogarty

Maria Wittern

$4,999 and Below Kelly and Sherri Aschan

Suzanne and Jake Arnold

Brett and Lisa Ashburn

Robert and Nicole Beaman

Connie Boesen

Andrew Bouska and Emily Williams-Bouska

Molly Catron

Carl and Nancy Coates

Chris Coleman

Kirk and Dina Embree

Daniela Graham

Jim Green and Keiko Sampson

Kylie and Kaleb Glover

Anna C. Hudson

Dick and Connie Isaacson

John and Sally Irving

Bill and Twyla Johnson

Dr. Alan and Margie Koslow

John and Kathy Krogmeier

Tracy Levine

Raymond and Shirley Michel

Mary Jean Paschen

John Peterson

Brian and Wendy Rickert

Randy Rogers

Fred Scott

Brian Seaman

Chris Shay

Miranda Shields

Tim and Anne Shimerdla

South Des Moines Chamber of Commerce

Steve Walker and Megan Wright

Stephanie Windsor

Jolene and Brian Veach

Governor Tom and Christie Vilsack

Annual Fund Gifts The Blank Park Zoo thanks the

following donors for their

contributions to the Zoo’s Annual Fund made

between November 1, 2007 and December 31,

2008. These gifts provide vital funding for the

programs and activities of the Zoo. (This list

does not include Wild About Animals Capital

Campaign Gifts.)

$100,000 and Above Beverly Blank Perry Foundation

BRAVO Greater Des Moines

City of Des Moines



$50,000 - $99,999 Polk County Board of Supervisors

$20,000 - $49,999 Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

Bank of America

City of Altoona

City of Ankeny

City of Clive

City of Johnston

City of Urbandale

City of West Des Moines

City of Windsor Heights

State of Iowa Department of

Cultural Affairs - Cultural

Enrichment Program



Governor Robert and Billie Ray

Wells Fargo

Windsor Charitable Foundation

$10,000 - $19,999 Allied Insurance

Bankers Trust

Community Foundation of

Greater Des Moines

Paul and Sandy Easter

EMC Insurance Companies

John Deere Des Moines Operations

Principal Financial Group

The Vredenberg Foundation

Tim and Toni Urban

$5,000 - $9,999 AVIVA Charitable Foundation

Kaye Condon

Matt and Bridget Fryar

HI Foundation, Inc.

Nationwide Insurance

Variety - The Children’s Charity of Iowa

West Bank

$1,000 - $4,999 Advanced Analytical Technologies

Ahlers and Cooney, P.C.

Apple Tree Children’s Center

Austin Blank

Blank Children’s Hospital

Don and Margo Blumenthal

Harry Bookey and Pamela Bass-Bookey

Brenton Foundation

John and Colleen Burgeson

Casey’s General Store

Charles Gabus Dealerships

CDS Global

Community State Bank

Jim and Patty Cownie

DaVita

Des Moines Cold Storage

Marty and Jean Dunn

Electrical Engineering and Equipment

Ernst & Young

Ann Fleming

Holmes and Marjorie Foster

Jo Ghrist

Sara Ghrist

Barbara Graham

James and Pam Hagenbucher

Pat Henson

Holmes Murphy Charitable Fund

Jim and Sheila Hourigan

Harriett Hubbell

Fred and Charlotte Hubbell

Michael and Deborah Hubbell

Iowa One Gift

Alissa Jourdan

KDSM

Kenton Klein Sr.

Krause Gentle Foundation


Lisa Kruidenier

Stephen and Cathy Lacy

Nixon and Nancy Lauridsen

Caroline Levine

Richard and Jeanne Levitt

Richard and LaDonna Matthes

McDonald’s

Mercy Children’s Center

Merit Resources

Mrs. Clark’s Foods

Charles and Suzy Muelhaupt

Neumann Brothers, Inc.

Samuel and Carolyn O’Brien

Tamas Otrok

Dale and Mary Parker

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.

Kevin and Debbie Prust

RDG Planning and Design

Terry and Kim Rich

Michael and Ann Richards

Risk Management Consultants, Ltd.

Ruan Family Foundation

Sam’s Club

Scheels All Sports

Screenscape Studios

Robert and Loretta Sieman

Roger and Shirley Stetson Charitable Trust

Stew Hansen Dodge City

Stork Townsend

Andrew TeBockhorst and

Teri Wood TeBockhorst

Ted Townsend

Vision Bank

Fred Weitz

Wild Rose Entertainment

Stephanie Windsor

Violet G. Young Charitable Trust

Steve and Kathy Zumbach

$500 - $999 Affinity Credit Union

Ball Construction Services

Clark and Christine Bening

Birdies for Charity

Judy Blank

Marguerite Boss

Broadlawns Medical Center

Carl and Nancy Coates

Consumer Credit of Des Moines

Continental Western Group

Jon and Pat Crose

Tom Dentel

Delta Dental

Des Moines International Airport

Joel and Lori Doyle

Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company

Dr. Herman and Sara Graefe

Terry Greenley and Fran Fleck

Norman and Cindy Griese

Russell Hansen

Richard and Jane Hein

Homesteaders Life Company

John and Ellen Hunter

Innova Ideas & Services A Sigler Company


ITA Group

Scott Ivers

Steven Jayne and Karen Shaff


Charles and Jaina Johnson

Josephs Jewelers

Selma Kastle

William and Dorothy McGinnis

Helen McReynolds

Deborah Miller

Nanny 2 Shoes

Perkins Restaurants

Picture People

Pinnacle Construction Group LLC

Polk County Bank

Donald and Mary Ryckman

Charlie Schafer

Sertoma Club of Des Moines

Chris Shay

David and Rebecca Stark

The Vernon Company

Toyota of Des Moines

YMCA of Greater Des Moines

$100 - $499 L J Thomas and Charlene Ahlers

Kristian and Cindy Anderson

Terri Anderson

John and Cynthia Andrews

Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Michael and Melissa Atterberg

John and Sue Auer

Mary K. Baker

Barnes & Noble

Barton Solvents

Aaron Bauch

Robert and Nicole Beaman

Al Beaty

Ryan and Tammy Bickel

Adam Blank

Michael and Julie Blaser

Nancy Bone

Matt Bradner

J.C. and Sue Brenton

Jacqueline and Arthur Ely Brewer Jr.

Katie Broughton

Kendall Brown and Diane Todd-Brown

Gary and Pamela Bauer

Brenda Bucklew

Betty Buland

Douglas and Rochelle Burnett

Gregory Burnett and Cindy Barker

Robert Burnett Jr. and Barbara Burnett

Gregory Burt and Suzie Glazer Burt

Frank and Janet Burton

George and Kathlyn Carpenter

Molly Catron

Lynne Champion

Zach and Azure Christensen

Patrick Clem

Joseph and Margaret Ann Comito

Community Choice Credit Union

Troy and Deann Cook

Steven and Gwenn Copple

Ann Cownie

Frank Cownie and Christine Manbeck

M.C. and Mary Ellen Crawford

Creative Leap, Inc.

John and Karen Croat

Steve Cruse

Scott Dahlstrom

David and Myrlene Darnell

Des Moines Area Community College

Wells and Sharon Dickson

Jeff Dier

Kevin Drees and Tracey Dolphin-Drees

M. Burton Drexler

Andy Drish

Christina Drown

Bill Dryer

Jeffrey Duehlmeyer

Randy and Paula Duncan

Donald and Marian Easter

Evelyn Eckles

Bob and Jane Elgin

Roland and Jean Farley

John and Suzanne Farrington

Donald and Barbara Fatka

Financial Plus Credit Union

Steven and Susan Flack

James and Allison Fleming

Jonathan and Amanda Fletcher

Rosalie Gallagher

Julia Gentleman

Anne Ghrist

Mary Ghrist-James

J. Paul and Marlene Glahn

Carl Grant

Steven Gunson

Jerry and Mari Hall

Tom and Cynthia Hamilton

Tom and Sara Hanely

Ted and Corinne Hanke

Timothy Hartman

Jim and Sarah Hayes

Ruth Henson

John Hines

Harlan Hockenberg

Robert Hoehle

Dr. William Hornaday

David Hott

David and Barb Hurd

InPlay Des Moines

Iowa State Bank

Jefferson-Scranton High School

Kurt Johnson

Mark and Allison Johnson

Russ and Lucile Johnson

Angie Kaiser

Walt and Liz Kennedy

Guy Koenigsberger

Michael Kruse

Daniel Kucera

Kris and Roxanne Kucharski

Michael and Pamela Kulik

Robert Larsen

Laura Larson

John and Prudence Leachman

Leachman Lumber

Webster Lehmann

Alfred Leiserowitz

Kathleen Leonard

Rick and Jeri Levi

Tracy Levine

Victoria Lewis

Wade and Angie Lookingbill

Jim and Pat Luhrs

Dean Luttrell

Mark and Jeanne Lyle

Barbara Mack

Harriet S. Macomber

Robert and Joanne Mahaffey

Mahaska Veterinary Clinic

John Maletta

Michael Matthes

David and Maddy Maxwell

Christy McCormick

Randy McNeal

Dan and Joanne McPhail

John and Susan McRoberts

Donald and Janet Metcalf

John and Karen Miksich

Polly Moore

Sandra Morris

Roscoe and Cheryl Morton

Kurt and Jennifer Mumm

Chris and Colleen Murphy

Connie Newlin

Andrew and Barbara Nish

David Norris

Derek Notch

Richard and Patricia Noyce

Dan and Mary Ellen Oberender

Cathy O’Brien

Jim and Jeanne O’Halloran

Eric and Holly Olson

Dr. and Mrs. Roy W. Overton

Mary Jean Paschen

Rick and Jackie Patton

Arland Petersen

John Peterson

Playground for Kids

Joe and Diane Proctor

Sheldon and Roselind Rabinowitz

Dr. Brian Randall and Dr. Mary Kemen

Jack and Cynthia Rehm

Sue Reichardt

Edwin and Beverly Richardson

Brian and Wendy Rickert

Anne Riley Trust

Joe and Robin Rios

Steve and Dawn Roberts

George and Susan Robeson

Louis and Gretchen Rodgers

Brian Roskamp

Frank and Juliane Ross

Steven Rowe and Mary Louise Hlavin

Lorenzo Sandoval and Robin Heinemann

Richard and Carolyn Santi

Chris Schafer

Carl and Brenda Schumann

Carl T. Schwab

Carl and Margaret Schwab

Stanley and Mary Seidler

Robert and Lisa Shaw

Lawrence Shelton

Shive-Hattery

Robert and Anne Shumaker

Mac and Cally Slauson

Barbara Smith

Jill Smith

Stephanie Smith

Bernard Spaeth

Kathleen and Jeff Stahl

Dr. Lawrence and Marilyn Staples

William and Beth Stokes

Kathleen and Ted Stuart

George Sullivan

Kenneth and Cathy Talcott

Dawn Taylor

Kent Taylor

Rick and Tina Thompson

Tom and Mary Urban

Val Lanes Recreation Center


William and Wicker Van Orsdel

Jeff and Brenda Vasichek

Jolene and Brian Veach

Thomas and Kathy Wallace

Steve Walsh

Melissa Warner

Waterfront Seafood Market, Inc.

Steve and Patty Weeks

William and Linda Weidmaier

George Welch

Chuck and Tracy Wheeler

Dean and Lisa Whitaker

Frances Leschin Wilke

Bob and Gladys Wilkins

John and Kathy Williams

Gary Wilson

Jean and George Wilson

James and Sandra Windsor

Marvin and Marilyn Winick

Craig Winters

Workspace Inc.

Sumner and Karen Worth

Dorothy Wright

Under $100Arnis Akselis

Dr. M E Alberts

Patricia Aldrich

Barbara Amend

David Ashcraft

Rodney Bales

Laura Baumgartner

Ron and Carlita Beltz

Gary Bisignano

Doug and Martha Brown

Keith and Barbara Bullock

John and Ellen Burnquist

Chuck and Sandy Callahan

Robert and Linda Carpenter

Brandi Chasar

Lester Choate

Franklin and Tracy Codel

Robert and Janet Cole

Connie Comfort

Christopher Connelly

Corey and Colleen Conrad

Timothy Coughennower

Stevin and Staci Dahl

Donald L. Darnell

Katie Davenport and Joy Davis

T E and Ami Davidson

Ding Darling Women’s Chapter

Philip and Nora Doster

Vicki Doud-Gustafson

Vernon and Phyllis Drees

Bert Drost

Chris Drumm and Amy Garrett

Janet Dunn and Norma Vandenberg

Jeffrey Edwards

Jeremie Eginoire

Clark Eilers

Sara Erickson

Charlie and Jamie Evans

Craig and Cindy Fausch

Danial Findley

Mr. Thomas B. Freeman

Carol and Detlef Friedrichsen

Lori Fuqua

Frank and Nina Gallardo

Scott Gass and Elizabeth Vaughn

Michael and Ann Gersie

Julie Ghrist

Daniel Gilliatt

Joseph Giudicessi

Daniela Graham

Jim Green and Keiko Sampson

Daniel Greenland

Mark Gregory

Bruce Greiner

Florence Halbert

Larry Hare, Jr.

Brett and Siobhan Harman

Doug and Annette Hatch

Mr. and Mrs. Hauston

Steven Held and Susan Breen-Held

Dennis Henderson

Andrew Hennesy

Lana Hinderks

Herndon and Martha Hippee

Max Hockett

Robert Hoelscher

Michael Hoffman

Kyle and Laura Holtman

Lisa Homstad

Andrew and Angie Hoyt

David and Linda Hueser

Eric Huntoon

Joel Hutchinson

Larry and Karen Hutzell

William and Carol Hyden

Stuart Isaacson

Phyllis Jagiello

Douglas Jensen

Curtis and Audrey Jones

Marjorie Jordan

Robert and Loral Kirke

Kristopher Klop

Christopher Knox

Rod Kruse and Jan Berg-Kruse

Christina Kyseth

Gerald and Dorothea Lalonde

Jacqueline Lloyd

Steve and Carol Looney

Michael Ludwig

Katherine Manion

Donald McLaughlin

Arthur and JoAnn McLendon

Trish McMullin

Gary and Cathy Miller

Mark Miller

Paul Moede

Ryan Moffatt

Marvin Morford

Paul and Gloria Morris

William and Anna Morrison

Aaron and Sarah Neely

Todd Neilsen

Tore Nelson

David Ness

Eric Nevins

Robert Newbury

Marc Nielsen

Ben and Jean Norman

Jerry Palmer

Thomas Perry Jr.

Larry Peters

Bradley Peterson

Brian and Margaret Quetsch-Bales

Randall Rees

Ricahrd Rexroat

Don and Amy Reynolds

Don Reynolds

Jill Richardson

David and Judith Risvold

Ray and Ann Robinson

David Scanlan

Joe Sciarrotta II

Emily Shanks

Joan Smith-Legg

Terry and Jean Smith

Linda Spad

Heather Spurlin

Scott Stearns

Kevin and Jennifer Stetson

Aaron and Melody Stone

Robert Suarez

Gary and Judy Svec

Lydon and Roberta Swartzendruber

Harold and Janice Thompson

Stephen and Christina Thompson

Stephanie Trujillo

Jason Van Essen

Lee and Joyce Vavra

Bert and Rita Verhey

John and Vera Wanamaker

Jerry and Margaret Weiner

Linda and Lindsay Wells

Gregg Westemeyer

Don and Anita Westerhaus

Janel Whitlatch

Lisa Williams

Ginny Wooldridge

Joel and Linette Worsfold

Robert and Lynda Wruck

Craig Zumbrod

In-Kind Gifts Affinity Credit Union

Allegra Print and Imaging

Applishus

Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company

Azalea Restaurant and Lounge

Baratta’s

Big Barn Harley-Davidson

Blue Bunny

Centro Restaurant

Civic Center of Greater Des Moines

Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewery

Creative Images

Dahl’s Food Stores

Bobbie Davis

Des Moines Art Center

Des Moines Cold Storage

Des Moines Metro Opera

Des Moines Radio Group

Des Moines Register

Des Moines Symphony

Dex Media

Kevin Drees and Tracey Dolphin-Drees

Eden

Bob and Jane Elgin

Great American Outdoors

Grounds for Celebration

Frank and Holly Hansen

Have Trunk Will Travel

Daniel Hodges

Holmes Hyundai

Hy-Vee Food Stores

Innova Ideas and Solutions


Jasper Winery

Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse

KCCI

Tim and Becky Kinman

Darel Kuhlmann

Loffredo Fresh Produce

Lucca

McMurray Hatchery

Moberg Gallery

Roy and Christine Molina

Palmer’s Deli and Market

Radical Cycle

Radio Garage Productions

Radisson Hotel

Rainbow Play Systems of Iowa

Revolution Cycle

Rider’s Edge Powersports

Stage West

Sticks

Scot and Jenipher Sutherland

Teri Wood TeBockhorst

Toyota of Des Moines

Waterfront Seafood Market

Wells Fargo

Rhonda Wheeler

Stephanie Windsor

Weitz Company

Winefest

Yellowbook

Memorial GiftsGift in Memory of Tom Ghrist

Anne Ghrist

Gift in Memory of Brice Janvrin

Bruce and Diane Janvrin

Gift in Memory of Retha Teare

Mark and Krista Beck

Rand and Cyndi Fisher

Pat Henson

Tim Jameson

John Stoddard Cancer Center

Mary Krantz

Chris and Colleen Murphy

Terry and Kim Rich

Stephanie Spencer

The Consortium

Gift in Memory of Wayne McCracken

Isaac and Martha Young

Honorarium GiftsGift in Honor of Bob Burnett

Arthur and Helen Stein

Gift in Honor of Ian and Ava Carlson

Chad and Amanda Carlson

Gift in Honor of Jon Crose

Al Beaty

Gift in Honor of Jean Ann Dunn

Cindy Dunn

Gift in Honor of Mr. and Mrs. John Marshal

Carl and Sally Harris

Gift in Honor of Eva and Sinead O’Neill

John and Cara O’Neill

Gift in Honor of Carlin Peer

Lindsay Barsness and Mary Schemmel

Gift in Honor of Mr. and Mrs. David Stitzer

Bambi Cero


You can make a difference!

Purchase a Zoo MembershipOur annual Zoo pass allows members to come and go as often as they like. Members receive exclusive discounts including free or discounted admission to other conservation and education organizations, and invitations to special member-only events.

Adopt an AnimalThis is a fun and unique way to support the Zoo’s animal conservation efforts and create a special bond with one of your favorite Zoo animals. As part of the adoption program you will receive a certificate of adoption, special photo and fact sheet about your adopted animal, and your name displayed by the adopted animal throughout the Zoo season.

Host an EventThe Zoo offers a natural serene escape for special gatherings, and is a great place for private and corporate outings. Our staff will assist you in making your day, dinner, meeting or outing spectacular and memorable.

VolunteerYour time and talents are valuable! Volunteers are essential to the operation of the Blank Park Zoo. Volunteers support special events, animal care, education and service projects. Contact the Zoo’s volunteer coordinator for more information on how you can help.

Attend a FundraiserProceeds from Zoo events support animal care and education programs. From ZooBrew’s and the UpTown HoeDown to Night Eyes, we are certain to have an event you will love!

Support the Zoo Today By participating as a corporate sponsor, naming the Blank Park Zoo in your estate, or making an immediate impact to animal care, education and conservation through a gift to the Annual Fund! Your charitable gift helps the Blank Park Zoo care for more than 2,800 animals, offer education programs to over 115,000 people, and take part in conservation efforts worldwide.

The Blank Park Zoo is designed

to enhance the quality of

life in Iowa as an affordable

destination, and as a center

for education and endangered

species conservation. We hope

that the FY08 annual report

offers a snapshot of the many

things taking place at our Zoo.


Financials2007-2008 Operating Revenue

Financials based on Blank Park Zoo fiscal year end operating statements November 1, 2007–October 31, 2008. For the latest

financial statement, including endowment and restricted accounts, visit blankparkzoo.com or charitynavigator.com

2007-2008 Operating Expensesn Program Services $3,040,624

n General Operating $841,387

n Concession / Gift Shop $361,454

n Marketing $188,357

n Repairs / Maintenance $114,150

n Animal Feed $104,669

n Fundraising $69,485

Total $4,720,126

n Contributions $1,358,445

n Admissions $1,064,688

n Rentals / Other Revenues $808,947

n Memberships $564,773

n Gift Shop $450,397

n Train Rides $163,088

n Educational Programs $141,106

Total $4,551,444

Teri Wood TeBockhorst, Chair

Michael Hubbell, First Vice-Chair

Dean Whitaker, Second Vice-Chair

Jolene Veach, Secretary /

Treasurer

Jim Hourigan, Past Chair

Pat Henson, Board Liaison

Judy Blank

Molly Catron

Richard Clark

Chris Coleman

Kaye Condon

Paul Easter

Matt Fryar

Sara Ghrist

James Hagenbucher

Russell Hansen

Scott Ivers

Lana Jones-Gould

Robert Knudsen

Lisa Kruidenier

Cathy Lacy

Tracy Levine

Mary Jean Paschen

John Peterson

Billie Ray

Chris Shay

Loretta Sieman

Kathleen Stahl

Tom Stanberry

Tim Urban

David Wallace

Jonathan Wilson

Stephanie Windsor


Blank Park Zoo Foundation 2007 – 2008 Board of Directors

Connie Boesen

Bob Burnett

Gloria Burnett

Carl Coates

Ann Cownie

Jon Crose

Rusty Goode

Philip Gustafson

Mari Hall

John Hintze

Alan Koslow


Barbara Lukavsky

Suzy Muelhaupt

Greg Philby

Kevin Prust

Brian Rickert

Wendy Rickert

Barbara Smith

Curtis Van Veldhuizen

Marilyn Vernon

Chuck Wheeler

Michael Wille

John Williams

Kelly Wirt

Maria Wittern

Blank Park Zoo Foundation 2007 - 2008 Advisory Board

Blank Park Zoo StaffAdministrationKrista Beck

Pat Henson

Terry Rich

Miranda Shields

Animal CareBrett Ashburn

Lisa Ashburn

Myrna Booth

Rachael Cohen

Chad Comer

Kathy Cross

Jeff Dier

Kevin Drees

Kirk Embree

James Graff

Valene Hautekeete

William Johnson

John Krogmeier

Shannon Osterholm

Keiko Sampson

Bonnie Van Ellen

Jessica Weeks

Megan Wright

DevelopmentSarah Bonefas

Azure Christensen

Anna Hudson

Emily Williams-Bouska

EducationHaley Anderson

Sherri Aschan

Lori Boatwright

Daniela Graham

Katie Petty

Kira Bowles

Guest Services / OperationsPenny Brockelsby

Katie Broughton

Laura Holtman

Cindy Hutt

Daniel Kucera

Brian Seaman

Anne Shimerdla

Horticulture / Grounds / MaintenanceKenny Ball

Patrick Callahan

Cindy Fausch

Dan Greenland

Marketing / MembershipRyan Bickel

Matthew Forland

Lisa Williams

Special EventsRachael Shields

Zoo VeterinarianJune Olds, DVM

Blank Park Zoo Foundation Inc.7401 SW 9th StreetDes Moines, IA 50315

www.blankparkzoo.com

Documents

We Are - Happy Holidays from Blank Park Zoo