During 2009, the zoo’s Board of Trustees participated in
developing a new vision and mission. This was an exciting undertaking and our new vision will provide meaningful strategic guidance for the zoo into the future. Our vision is, “A world-class zoological society, committed to excellence in animal stewardship and conservation leadership.”
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
Russ Hall
What will it take to achieve this vision? I believe a key to ongoing success will be the continued dedication of our amazing and skilled zoo team. Following are a few examples I have learned about that exemplify the kind of commitment to which I am referring. On an incredibly cold December morning after a big snowfall at the zoo’s Devonian Wildlife Conservation Centre, volunteer Wally Patterson braved frigid temperatures on an open bobcat for hours to remove huge drifts of snow in the alleyway between the whooping crane buildings so the keepers could access the birds. Every week, Shirley Servis, a long time volunteer, picks up and delivers to the zoo’s commissary produce donated from a local grocer. Barb Campbell, a long time zookeeper, often had an extra passenger in her vehicle as she arrived at the zoo early in the morning – a baby opossum abandoned at a wildlife rehab centre and taken in by the zoo that needed to be hand-raised and required 24-hour care. Last year, in
southern Saskatchewan’s Grasslands National Park, field researcher Natasha Lloyd and her team trudged across the prairie setting up monitoring stations to count blacktailed prairie dogs and sat patiently waiting on blustery hillsides to weigh, measure and microchip these little animals – research vital to the successful reintroduction of the black-footed ferrets to Canada last October. These are just some of the stories that make up every day in the world of the Calgary Zoo. In 2009, over 30,000 hours were donated to the zoo by our volunteers. Animal care and horticultural staff have literally hundreds of years of cumulative experience among them – many have been at the zoo for 20, 25, 30 or more years – devoting their entire lives to the care of these animals or the development of the beautiful gardens that enhance the zoo. It is almost impossible to adequately acknowledge or measure the level of dedication, passion and commitment that drives these individuals. The provincial and municipal
governments, corporate leaders, individual donors and zoo supporters have also been instrumental in the zoo being able to complete several major capital projects over the past few years. This generous support from people who recognize the value inherent in saving species and habitats through the zoo’s programs is greatly appreciated and illustrates the important role the Calgary Zoo plays in our community and our province. In 2009, we made significant progress in balancing investment in new capital projects with our desire to ensure our sustainability. The ENMAX Conservatory, which reopened in November 2009, will be the site of many special events in the lives of generations of Calgarians and its new environmentally-friendly design showcasing alternative energy technologies will undoubtedly influence the thinking of the future generations. Children and adults alike will connect with the green side of our world and learn how they can make a difference by reducing their own environmental footprint. The redevelopment of the north parking lot was substantially completed this year and will serve the zoo’s many visitors with increased security and accessibility. Construction began on the new Calgary Co-op Kids’ Zone which will include an endangered species carousel, new train station and playground area at the zoo’s west end. Early in 2010, we will begin construction on an exciting new penguin exhibit – Antarctic Landing. The Calgary Zoo continues to grow and evolve responding to the changing needs of species conservation while always striving to provide an enjoyable experience for its many visitors. In the midst of challenging economic times, the Calgary Zoo’s management team has been able to achieve a solid financial footing. The entire team adopted an attitude of creativity and fiscal responsibility to achieve strong results which helps assure our financial stability. This has enabled the zoo to reinvest funds into the growth and improvement of the zoo and the enhancement of
facilities, and for the zoo to continue with important work in conservation and research. The Calgary Zoological Society’s volunteer Board of Trustees is proud to work with all the zoo team to help the organization achieve excellence in every aspect – conservation, animal care and visitor experience – while maintaining our place as the city’s favourite family destination and the largest outdoor attraction in western Canada.
Board of Trustees OFFICERS OF THE BOARD
Chair: Russ Hall Past Chair: Dr. Ted Bogle Vice-Chair: Greg Turnbull Secretary-Treasurer: Mike Tumback TRUSTEES
Don Archibald Sherri Balm Monty Carter Hugh Gillard Jennifer Koury Rick Kuzek David Laws Andrew MacNair Michael McKerracher Richard O’Farrell Gord Olson Bob Redgate Tamara Shawa Richard Waller Glenn Wickerson Dr. Murray Young
2009 marked the end of the first decade of the 21st century, and the year began with many businesses looking ahead with concern for the world’s economic outlook. We shared those concerns; however, I am pleased to report that our attendance exceeded our expectations and once again more than 1.2 million visitors passed through our gates showing the continuing support that we enjoy from our community, zoo members and business leaders.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dr. ClÉment Lanthier
In June 2009, we launched a new mission statement for the zoo with three key words – ENGAGE, CONNECT, INSPIRE. It is our hope that every staff member and every volunteer at the zoo will do just that – engage our visitors in experiences and discussions about our natural world, connect with them personally and perhaps most importantly, help them to leave the zoo inspired to make a difference in whatever way they can to help save species and spaces. This year we celebrated the birth of 16 Vancouver Island pups; the birth of an endangered red panda cub; the first birthday of our youngest gorilla Yewande; six whooping crane eggs were once again successfully transferred to Wisconsin, hatched there and grew into young ‘whoopers’ taking part in Operation Migration, following an Ultralight aircraft from that northern state all the way to Florida. We saw the Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary in Ghana, West Africa celebrate its 10th anniversary; we provided support which made a significant difference to the survival of
snow leopards in Nepal and African wild dogs, among many other species. Our educators taught and presented programs to literally tens of thousands of children and adults through interpretive programs, Zoo School programs and Zoomobile programs. In October 2009 after being extirpated (extinct in Canada) for more than 70 years, our Conservation Research team, a partner in the international recovery team, participated in the return of black-footed ferrets to Grasslands National Park in southern Saskatchewan. In December, another beautiful giraffe calf was born to our herd.The list of success stories is long for this past year and we can feel proud of what we have accomplished. There is no question however that we also faced some challenges – no business is without them. The world of zoos can be particularly challenging as we live in what is a microcosm of the natural world. We deal every day with life and death; with animals that are unpredictable and have unique needs. Many of them are representative of
species in peril of survival in the wild. Sadly, the human error of a staff member in December resulted in the tragic death of an animal in our care. As a veterinarian for more than 25 years, animal health and welfare is always of paramount concern to me – as it is to the many men and women who have made the Calgary Zoo their life’s passion. Reflective of our commitment to the highest standards of animal care, we expect the results shortly from the independent review of the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) and the CAZA (Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums) which I commissioned in December. We are continually looking for ways to improve our practices and make a difference in
conservation initiatives and I believe that the review will help us become even better. Our city, our world and the world of zoos has evolved greatly over the past 30 years and I am sure will continue to change. The list of endangered species and habitats around the world grows on a daily basis. We are committed to ensuring that the animals for which we have stewardship receive the best possible care and we are also committed to the bigger conservation story both at home and around the world. We are fortunate to have so many dedicated and talented people in our Calgary Zoo family and as we combine our efforts we will make a difference. 2010 promises to be a great year – a year of looking forward with optimism.
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW THE CALGARY ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Balance Sheet
As at December 31, 2009 (in thousands of dollars)
Operating Fund $
Capital Fund $
Venture Fund $
Endowment Fund $
Total 2009
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW THE CALGARY ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
for the year ended December 31, 2009 (in thousands of dollars)
Statement of Revenue and Expenses and Changes in Fund Balances Operating Fund $
Total 2008
Capital Fund $
Venture Fund $
Endowment Fund $
Total 2009
Total 2008
Revenue
Assets Current assets
Admissions
8,251
-
-
-
8,251
8,131
Cash and short-term investments
5,681
894
1,540
75
8,190
2,163
Grants
6,787
9,752
-
-
16,539
9,451
Accounts receivable
1,521
822
4
-
2,347
1,505
Food and beverage
5,964
-
-
-
5,964
6,558
Memberships
2,779
-
-
-
2,779
2,619
Donations and sponsorships
1,994
1,335
440
-
3,769
3,317
Gift services
2,637
-
-
-
2,637
2,596
Programs
1,060
-
-
-
1,060
1,134
Inventories
385
-
-
-
385
290
Prepaids
219
-
-
219
78
Due to (from) funds
133
(1,322)
1,189
-
-
-
7,939
394
2,733
75
11,141
4,036
Investments
-
8,322
4,427
811
13,560
19,004
Capital assets
-
101,650
80,757
71
-
-
101,650
Other assets
-
71
71
8,010
110,366
7,160
886
126,422
103,868
Liabilities
Accrued vacation liability Deferred revenue Current portion of long-term debt
Long-term debt Deferred contributions
Other Investment income Gain (Loss) on sale of investments
60
-
-
-
60
221
307
-
95
-
402
238
66
189
-
-
255
1,132
(83)
-
-
-
(83)
1
29,822
11,276
535
-
41,633
35,398
15,799
-
289
16,088
16,543
4,707
209
150
-
5,066
5,487
Expenses
Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Fundraising
Salaries and benefits 2,152
3,822
16
-
5,990
3,177
General and administrative
966
-
4
-
970
1,097
Amortization
2
6,899
-
-
6,901
3,511
1,661
-
1,730
Costs of goods sold
3,147
-
-
2,984
1,472
554
Facility operations and maintenance
2,421
-
13
-
3,147
1,472
-
1,661
-
-
2,434
2,170
638
581
581
1,662
4,779
5,294
20
-
10,093
6,558
-
9,532
1,304
-
-
9,532
376
-
376
366
5,155
14,826
20
-
20,001
86,597
8,228
Fund balances Internally restricted for investment in capital assets Internally restricted
-
Externally restricted
86,597
-
-
-
-
5,616
-
5,616
1,575
-
8,943
1,524
-
10,467
19,063
Endowments
-
886
75
2,855
-
886
Unrestricted
-
-
2,855
1,190
2,855
95,540
7,140
886
106,421
95,640
8,010
110,366
7,160
886
126,422
103,868
73,737
Animal care Project expenditures Donations, grants and scholarships Botanical
Excess (deficiency) of revenue over expenses
-
581
-
-
163
981
-
-
-
163
73
73
109
26,787
7,689
615
-
35,091
34,028
3,035
3,587
(80)
-
6,542
1,370
1,192
91,218
3,155
75
95,640
94,625
-
-
3,192
811
4,003
-
638
Fund balances - beginning of year Transfer of assets from The Calgary Zoo Foundation Change in fair value of available-for-sale investments Interfund transfer
236
-
-
-
236
(355)
(1,608)
735
873
-
-
-
Fund balances - end of year
2,855
95,540
7,140
886
106,421
95,640
The Society’s audited financial statements are available upon request. Please visit www.calgaryzoo.com or call 403.232.9300.
Engaging donor passions; connecting with nature; inspiring conservation efforts . . . thank you! The Calgary Zoo, as a non-profit registered charitable organization, relies on operational funding generated by guest attendance and the generous support received from individual donors, corporations, foundations and various levels of government. Without this combined commitment to the Calgary Zoo from so many in our community, our ability to continue to operate and create a safe and unique environment for all Calgarians would not be possible. Zoo supporters provide their contributions to the Calgary Zoological Society in various ways including annual, capital, targeted programs, special events and campaigns as onetime, monthly and multi-year pledges. Gifts can be given as cash, by credit card, appreciated securities, property, life-insurance programs, or as bequests.
ESTATES Estate of Constance A. Howse Estate of Alice Ritter Estate of Earl Shaw
INDIVIDUAL DONORS Phyllis Aberle Arnold and Nancy Ames Mary Anderson Gerald and Marilyn Aquilini
The foundation of our existence is the support we receive from our community. Sir Isaac Newton said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” We appreciate and acknowledge this community support for being the shoulders upon which we stand. We know that you give because you care about your zoo and want the Calgary Zoo to succeed in providing a family-friendly venue in our community; saving endangered species and habitat at home and around the world; and, teaching the next generation to learn about, appreciate and preserve nature. We would like to thank all of our donors for their generosity and support, and include the names of all those who made donations of $500 or more to the Calgary Zoo in 2009.
Don Archibald Sandra D. Babush Jerry Ball and Maureen Dean-Ball Mike and Sherri Balm Hazel Bennett Judy Bilinski Donald Bourgeois and Susan Campbell Lee Michele Boyle Rita M. Boyle Stuart Briscoe
William Buchanan and Michele Nowak Graham and Val Carter Monty and Linda Carter George Castles David and Beverley Cenaiko Brian Cervi Lori Cohen Priscilla and Murray Colwell Sherry Dahl Kathy Dampier
Leslie and Karen Denbury Rick and Sherry DiCiano Virginia Dobson Christina Dozzi and Stephen Burns Brian Duclos and Denise Brown Carrie Edmonson Vance Elder Esther Emmett Brian K. Exton Shawnie and David Fesyk Peter and Cindy Findlay Charles Fischer and Joanne Cuthbertson John and Laura Fisera Geraldine I. Fish Stewart and Eileen Ford E.J. Fordham Jody Forsyth and Wilma Quan Forsyth Lawrence Fox and June Daley-Fox Ronald and Elaine Franklin Catherine Fuller Douglas and Linda Gage Charyl and Patrick Galpin Blair Gammon Cathy Gaviller Hugh and Rosemary Gillard Jason and Sarah Gillen Glenda Girling Jill and Jordan Groen Cameron Hall and Neeroo Sharma-Hall Russ and Liz Hall Timothy J. Hamilton Corinne and Kevin Hannah Wade and Lori Harper Dr. John R. Hemstock Joan and W. Gordon Holland Donna Holton Greg and Donna Horton Frank Huether Carolyn and Larry Hursh
Richard K. Irvine Bob Jamieson Keith Jensen Jason Johns Olivia and Trevor Johns J. L. Johnson Ryan Kalt Brian and Dee Keating John and Lynn Keating Alison Keene David and Catherine Kells Joey C. Kenyon Donna Kramer Robert Krebes Erika Kuhlwein Gordon Lackenbauer and Joyce Trapp Clemént Lanthier and Anne Marie Pagé Doris Lindman Robert and Lesley Locke Joan Lovlin Glen and Denyce Lundeen Meva and Daryl MacDonald L.W. MacEachern Graeme Maltman Stacey and Ronald Mar Dr. Albert and Ute Maringer Angie and Mary Martinac Ann McCaig Jane McCaig and Richard Waller Jeff and Marilyn McCaig Robert and Susan McClinton The McCreath Family Michael and Laurie McKerracher Joanne McLaws Brent McLean and Sheila Wappel-McLean Wayne and Sandi McNeill Lisa Miller Sheila Miller Charlotte Moller
J. Sherrold and Pat Moore Inez Morris Dorothy and Graydon Morrison Laurie and Michael Morrison Robert and Denise Morrison Donna and Rick Murray Joan Myers Brian and Eureka Nakai Michele Naruszewicz and Tom Wilk Margaret and Roy Nelson Mark Nelson Robb and Karen Nesbitt Joan Noble Janice and D’Arcy Norman Gordon & Carole Noyes and Sharen Marteny Susan O’Brien and Stewart Corbett Gilles Ouellette Stan and Marge Owerko Elaine and Scott Parker Julia and Gord Paterson Lorraine Paterson Carla Paton Marguerite Paulsen Leslie and Gary Peddle Barbara Peddlesden Bob and Mary Ann Peel Jerry, Maureen, Erin, and Renee Pelletier Crystal and Kelly Pelton Gary Perron Don and Shirley Peterkin Joan and Dale Primrose Laura Quinn Jack and Bonnie Rawlyck Margaret Raymond Bob and Caron Redgate Ilene E. Roberts George Rogers Sigrid and Curtis Schmidt Dave and Carolyn Sclanders
INDIVIDUAL DONORS Donald Seaman Susan Seekings
Duncan and Jan Stanners Caroline and Sandy Steinberg The Stewart Family
Mark and Colleen Wells Kipling West Glenn and Dawn Wickerson
Yelena Serkova Shirley Servis Norma and Richard Shalansky Neena Sharma Donald and Shirley Smith Kenneth and Barbara Smith Joan Snyder Gil and Jeanette Spielman Timothy and Margaret Spielman Gordon and Sharon Stabb M. A. Stanfield
Elizabeth and Peter Suchlandt Marlene Taverner Doug and Kelli Taylor Edward Trewin Whitman Tucker Michael and Susan Tumback Greg and Shirley Turnbull Rebecca Anne Van Sant Sid and Bev Wallace Jennifer and Bill Weaver Margaret and Gary Webster
Susan K. Wight W. Brett Wilson Maynard and Lynn Witzaney Lorraine Wood and Nick Capparelli Elisabeth and Derek Woolner Gallane Yam John and Carol Yates Kemm Yates Murray and Penny Young Katherine Zia
CORPORATIONS, FOUNDATIONS, SPONSORS, AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS Acadia School Agrium Inc. Alberta Conservation Association Alberta Egg Producers Board Alberta Lottery Fund Alberta Society of Professional Biologists Alvin and Mona Libin Foundation Arbutus Landscaping Inc. Aura Landscapers Ltd. Banff Tour Service Banrock Station Wetlands Foundation Canada Berkhold Family Foundation SM Blair Family Foundation BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. Botting & Associates (Alberta) Ltd. The Brawn Foundation Buchanan Elementary School Cadbury Schweppes Canada Calgary Co-operative Association Limited Calgary Flames Foundation For Life The Calgary Foundation Mary and Ken Betts Legacy Fund
Elmer and Penny Harbridge Fund Colin and Margaret MacDonald Family Fund Calgary Old Folks Home Fund Senior Citizens’ Fund Charles and Grace Thomson FOI Fund Calgary Hotel Association The Calgary Winter Club Cambrian Heights Elementary School CanadaHelps.org Canadian Museums Association Canadian Wildlife Federation Canon Canada Central Alberta Science Network Chevron Canada Corporation The Chinook Foundation The City of Calgary Civilized Adventures Inc. Collins Barrow Calgary LLP ConocoPhillips Canada Resources Corp. Cypress Energy Corp. Eco-Cell Elliot Page Limited
Emans Smith Andersen Engineering Ltd. EnCana Cares Foundation EnCana Corporation Enermodal Engineering Limited ENMAX Corporation Environment Canada Environmental Services Association of Alberta Felesky Flynn LLP First Calgary Savings and Credit Union FirstEnergy Capital Corp. Fitzhenry & Whiteside Limited Foothills Landscaping (2000) Ltd Foothills Young Author’s Conference Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society FT Services Ltd Gibbs Gage Architects Good Earth Cafes Ltd. Goodman & Company Gorilla Run Government of Alberta Government of Canada Hunting Hills High School
Husky Energy Inc. Imperial Oil Foundation ING Direct J.W. Jansen Consulting Services Ltd. Johnson Controls Ltd. Kinsmen Club of Calgary Kiwanis Club of Calgary Northmount Michael A Kostek School Maglin Site Furniture Inc. Manulife Financial McCarthy Tétrault LLP McCarthy Tétrault Foundation Mind Designs Inc. Mona Lisa Artist’s Materials Ltd. Parks Canada Jerry Pelletier Professional Corporation Pepsi Bottling Group Phil’s Restaurant Ltd. Thomas J. Ranaghan Foundation RBC Foundation Robertson and Associates Engineering Ltd Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxillary #154 Schneider Electric SkyFruit International Inc. Smitty’s Canada Limited Southworth Charitable Foundation Southworth Holdings Ltd. Spitzee Elementary School Standard Life Investments Stanley Jones Elementary School Suncor Energy Foundation Swift Family Foundation Sysco Food Services - Calgary Talisman Energy Inc. TD Canada Trust Friends of the Environment Canada Fund TELUS Thorncliffe Elementary School Tomecek Roney Little & Associates Ltd.
Touchworks United Way of Calgary, Donor Choice University of Calgary URBAN divide Valley Zoo Web Solutions Team Wiebe Forest Engineering World Wildlife Fund Canada World Wildlife Fund US - Northern Great Plains YWCA of Greater Toronto
“A world-class zoological society, committed to excellence in animal stewardship and conservation leadership.”
engage connect inspire
visitors in enjoyable and unique experiences
our community with nature
actions which support conservation
1300 Zoo Road NE Calgary, Alberta Canada, T2E 7V6 Phone 403. 232. 9300 FAX 403. 237. 7582 www.calgaryzoo.com Charitable Registration# 118824192 RR0001