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Chicago Zoological Society

Brookfield Zoo

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 362167016 ✦ Brookfield, IL ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Chicago Zoological Society?

The Chicago Zoological Society, also known as Brookfield Zoo, is a nonprofit organization based in Brookfield, Illinois. With 672 employees, they manage 75 buildings on 235 acres of land to exhibit over 2,500 animals. Their mission is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Annually, two million visitors enjoy their exhibits and educational experiences. The society offers free admission to the general public on select days, Illinois school groups, and military personnel. Membership and events teams engage supporters, while visitor services provide tram tours and accessible transportation options. The organization maintains a strong commitment to conservation through its educational programs and seasonal events.


Official website here: www.czs.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 96% (Four-Star out of Four Stars)

The Chicago Zoological Society has achieved an impressive Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its strong performance in accountability and finance. With a score of 96%, the organization demonstrates a commitment to transparency and effective financial management, highlighted by a majority of independent board members and a solid program expense ratio of 81.03%. These factors suggest a well-structured organization that prioritizes its mission while maintaining high standards of oversight.

User feedback from Great Nonprofits underscores the positive impact the Society has on individuals who engage with its programs. A former employee expressed deep satisfaction with their experience at the Brookfield Zoo, praising the beautiful environment and the enduring friendships formed during their time there. This indicates that the organization not only serves its public mission effectively but also fosters a supportive community for its staff.

While the data does not highlight any notable limitations, the overwhelmingly positive feedback and high ratings suggest that the Chicago Zoological Society is a well-respected organization within the nonprofit sector. Its focus on accountability and quality programming likely contributes to its strong reputation among both users and reviewers.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.

Is Chicago Zoological Society legitimate?

Chicago Zoological Society is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Chicago Zoological Society submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $1,721,541
Professional Fundraising Fees: $596,938
Other Salaries and Wages: $25,893,773

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.czs.org

What is the mission statement of Chicago Zoological Society?

The Chicago Zoological Society (CZS) aims to inspire conservation leadership by bridging the gap between people and wildlife. Through their various activities, they connect individuals with the natural world, fostering a sense of responsibility and encouraging positive change. The organization maintains a vast exhibit of over 2,500 animals across 235 acres, attracting two million visitors annually. These interactions offer opportunities to raise awareness about the interconnectedness of humans and wildlife. CZS operates year-round, offering free admission to the public on select days and providing various membership benefits. The society engages visitors through educational events and experiences, such as Earth Day Party, Ape Awareness Weekend, Holiday Magic, and Boo at the Zoo, as well as accessible transportation options and narrated tram tours within the park.


Official website here: www.czs.org

Who is the CEO of Chicago Zoological Society?

Michael J Adkesson is the President And Ceo of Chicago Zoological Society. The CEO's salary of Chicago Zoological Society is $448,546 and their total compensation is $488,552.


Official website here: www.czs.org

What is the revenue of Chicago Zoological Society?

Chicago Zoological Society's revenue in 2023 was $64,594,406.


Official website here: www.czs.org

Who are the executives of Chicago Zoological Society and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Chicago Zoological Society during 2023 was $41,094. There are 672 employees and 407 volunteers at Chicago Zoological Society.


Here are 54 key members and their salaries (Chicago Zoological Society's CEO's salary is $448,546 and their total compensation is $488,552):


Dr Michael Adkesson (President And Ceo)
  • Compensation: $448,546
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $40,006
David E Burns (Chief Financial And Admin. Officer)
  • Compensation: $379,631
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $30,038
Mary A Cronin (Master Planning Coordinator)
  • Compensation: $298,077
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $7,828
Dr Sathya K Chinnadurai (Sr. Vp Animal Health Welfare)
  • Compensation: $187,718
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $40,277
Jennifer L Baader (Sr. Vp Govt Affairs)
  • Compensation: $193,994
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $23,670
Leah Rippe (Vp Marketing Communications)
  • Compensation: $184,998
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $28,853
Sandra L Dornhecker (Sr. Vp Human Resources)
  • Compensation: $173,320
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $25,956
Michael Owens (Vp Information Technology)
  • Compensation: $186,752
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $7,998
Jerome E Johnston (Vp Guest Services Operations)
  • Compensation: $176,236
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $11,265
Frank W Zeigler (Sr. Vp Animal Programs Thru 2/2022)
  • Compensation: $170,095
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $3,963
Cherryl T Thomas (Chair Of The Board)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
William C Kunkler Iii (Deputy Chair Of The Board)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John P Grube (Vice-Chair Of The Board)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Elizabeth Hamill Bramsen (Vice-Chair Of The Board)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Merrick M Elfman (Vice-Chair Of The Board)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Bert A Getz Jr (Vice-Chair Of The Board)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kelley C Schueler (Vice-Chair Of The Board)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kathryn Babcock Shaffer (Vice-Chair Of The Board)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Michael P Emmert (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Randall G Vickery (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Stuart B Abelson (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Walter W Becky Ii (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jennifer L Bellini (Trustee As Of 7/2022)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jay D Bergman (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Edward Mccormick Blair Jr (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Barbara J Bradford (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
James A Bryan (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Michael G Canning (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John A Carpenter (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dr Bonny Chen (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Rita Sola Cook (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jr Davis Iii (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Michael F Desantiago (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Gregory J Didomenico (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Dr Lisa C Freeman (Trustee As Of 9/2022)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Sasha L Gerritson (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Darius A Gill (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Veronica Gomez (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Barbara Grayson (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Joseph A Gregoire (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Heidi Huizenga (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kevin M Keeley (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Molly Keller (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kevin M Killips (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Barbara Levy Kipper (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jerry Manne (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Toni Preckwinkle (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Benita S Romano (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mark G Sander (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Stuart D Strahl Phd (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kristi Weaver (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Patrick E Whiteside (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
George Barr (Trustee Thru 8/2022)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Steve Groetsema (Trustee Thru 7/2022)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.czs.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Chicago Zoological Society?

Chicago Zoological Society's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2023 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.czs.org

Learn more at the official website: www.czs.org

Mission Statement of Chicago Zoological Society

The Chicago Zoological Society, a leading nonprofit organization, is dedicated to inspiring conservation leadership by bridging the gap between people and wildlife. With a mission to connect individuals with the natural world and its diverse inhabitants, the Society operates on 235 acres of land, home to over 2,500 animals and 75 buildings.

Through its captivating displays and interactive experiences, the Chicago Zoological Society offers visitors an opportunity to encounter various species from around the globe. Each visit represents a unique chance to ignite a sense of responsibility towards wildlife and the environment. The organization extends free admission to the public on 52 days a year, as well as to Illinois school groups and military personnel, ensuring that anyone who wishes to learn and engage can do so.

In addition to providing a platform for wildlife appreciation, the Chicago Zoological Society offers various programs to facilitate conservation efforts. These include membership services, which engage over 119,000 households and encourage active participation in the Society's conservation and educational initiatives. The Events team organizes seasonal and animal-themed activities, such as Earth Day Party, Ape Awareness Weekend, Holiday Magic, and Boo at the Zoo, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature and learn about the importance of conservation. Furthermore, Visitor services cater to the needs of all guests, offering narrated tram tours and accessible transportation options within the park.

By fostering a strong connection between people and wildlife, the Chicago Zoological Society aims to instill a sense of respect, empathy, and responsibility for the natural world. Through its efforts, the organization inspires future leaders to take action in their communities and work towards a more sustainable future for both wildlife and humanity.

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Impact




October, 2024

The Chicago Zoological Society significantly impacts conservation and education by inspiring a profound connection between people and wildlife. With operations on 235 acres housing over 2,500 animals, the Society engages approximately two million visitors annually at Brookfield Zoo. Each visitor experience fosters awareness about the interconnectedness of humans and the animal kingdom, encouraging individuals to embrace conservation efforts.

The Society's commitment to inclusivity is evident with free admission provided for 52 days each year and at all times for Illinois school groups and military personnel, ensuring diverse community access to wildlife education. The membership program engages 119,000 households, allowing them to participate actively in conservation initiatives.

Seasonal events like Earth Day Party and Ape Awareness Weekend further promote environmental stewardship and education. With visitor services offering tram tours and accessibility options, the Society ensures that everyone can engage with and learn about wildlife, ultimately inspiring positive change in conservation practices.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Chicago Zoological Society. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$64,594,406 (2023)
Expenses
$66,115,083 (2023)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2023.

  • Investment Income: $2,365,021
  • Program Service Revenue: $35,909,344
  • Gross Receipts: $78,552,041

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $226,030,000
  • Total Liabilities: $52,116,000
  • Net Assets: $173,914,000

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

General Admissions

Revenue

$7,226,574

Memberships

Revenue

$15,874,150

Visitor Services

Revenue

$6,555,081

Admissions-Internal Attractions

Revenue

$2,412,300

Visitor Parking

Revenue

$2,465,507

Organization Details

Founding Year

1921

Principal Officer

Michael J Adkesson

Main Address

3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL, 60513

NTEE Category

Code: D500 - Animals

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