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Houston Zoo Inc

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

EIN: 741590271 ✦ Houston, TX ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Houston Zoo Inc?

Houston Zoo Inc, based in Houston, Texas, is a leading accredited organization by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Their mission is to bridge the gap between communities and wildlife, inspiring action towards wildlife conservation. Guided by ten principles, which include exemplary animal care, a fun and inspiring guest experience, and community support, the zoo cares for a diverse animal collection and boasts a renowned veterinary team. Houston Zoo's commitment to conservation extends to Texas native species and the global movement to save wildlife. Despite pandemic-related challenges, they have completed several projects, such as the South American Pantanal exhibit, which showcases the wonders of the world's largest freshwater wetland and the conservation efforts within it. The Houston Zoo is dedicated to ensuring safety, sustainability, and accessibility for all, offering free admission opportunities, and collaborating with various community organizations. With a team of 562 employees, Houston Zoo Inc continues to make a significant impact on wildlife preservation and community engagement.


Official website here: www.houstonzoo.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating 100% - Four-Star out of Four Star rating

Houston Zoo Inc has achieved an impressive Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating a high level of accountability and financial health. With a perfect score of 100% in both Accountability & Finance and Culture & Community, the organization demonstrates strong management practices and effective engagement with the community it serves. The nonprofit has a fully independent board with 32 members, underscoring its commitment to governance and ethical oversight.

While the overall score indicates robust performance, the Leadership & Adaptability score is noted at 10%. This suggests there may be areas for improvement in leadership practices or responsiveness to changing environments. However, the organization excels in its financial practices, as reflected in a low liabilities to assets ratio and a high program expense ratio, ensuring that a significant portion of funds is directed towards its mission-related activities.

Feedback mechanisms are also a strong point for the Houston Zoo, with a perfect score in collecting and utilizing feedback to enhance its operations. This indicates a culture of continuous improvement and responsiveness to stakeholder input, which is essential for maintaining public trust and support. Overall, Houston Zoo Inc presents a strong case for trustworthiness and effective operation within the nonprofit sector.


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

Is Houston Zoo Inc legitimate?

Houston Zoo Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Houston Zoo Inc 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: $1,515,074
Professional Fundraising Fees: $139,500
Other Salaries and Wages: $20,834,388

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.houstonzoo.org

What is the mission statement of Houston Zoo Inc?

Houston Zoo Inc, a leading accredited zoo, is dedicated to connecting communities with animals and inspiring action to save wildlife. Guided by its mission, the zoo focuses on exemplary animal care, delivering an outstanding guest experience, and promoting conservation awareness. With a diverse animal collection and a top-notch veterinary team, Houston Zoo is committed to providing excellent animal welfare and conserving various species. The organization strives to make a difference beyond its borders by supporting conservation efforts worldwide and implementing measures to protect wildlife, such as the South American Pantanal exhibit. Adhering to its principle of being a "Zoo for All," the zoo ensures accessibility to the community through various free admission programs. In 2022, it provided free admission to 242,858 guests, totaling over 1.66 million in attendance. Houston Zoo's volunteers contribute significantly, donating over 31,000 hours to the organization in 2022.


Official website here: www.houstonzoo.org

Who is the CEO of Houston Zoo Inc?

Lee Ehmke is the President & Ceo of Houston Zoo Inc. The CEO's salary of Houston Zoo Inc is $585,301 and their total compensation is $605,718.


Official website here: www.houstonzoo.org

What is the revenue of Houston Zoo Inc?

Houston Zoo Inc's revenue in 2022 was $68,161,300.


Official website here: www.houstonzoo.org

Who are the executives of Houston Zoo Inc and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Houston Zoo Inc during 2022 was $39,768. There are 562 employees and 524 volunteers at Houston Zoo Inc.


Here are 51 key members and their salaries (Houston Zoo Inc's CEO's salary is $585,301 and their total compensation is $605,718):


Joe Cleary (Board Chair As Of 7/22)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Stacy Methvin (Immediate Past Chair As Of 7/22)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Joshua Davidson (Vice Chair As Of 7/22)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Cullen Geiselman (Vice Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jill Jewett (Vice Chair Thru 6/22)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kimberly Mckay (Vice Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jim Postl (Vice Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Molly Voorhees (Vice Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Sami Ahmad (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
George Basu (Board Member As Of 7/22)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Carlos Bueno (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Beto Cardenas (Board Member As Of 7/22)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kris Chikelue (Board Member As Of 7/22)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Anne Clutterbuck (Board Member As Of 7/22)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Mike Dishberger (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jeff Dudderar (Board Member Thru 6/22)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Robert Edwards (Board Member Thru 6/22)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kerry Galvin (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Amy Garrou (Board Member Thru 6/22)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Eureka Gilkey (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Gillian Hobson (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tandra Jackson (Board Member Thru 6/22)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Myrtle Jones (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Sanjay Kalavar (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Peggy Kostial (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jennifer Laporte (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Claire Liu (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kelley Lubanko (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Clay Neff (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Bryon Pope (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Alie Pruner (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ron Rand (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tim Roberts (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Bas Solleveld (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Macey Stokes (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Cynthia Walker (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Keli Weinzierl (Board Member As Of 7/22)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Bill Barnett (Member Emeritus)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Anne Duncan (Member Emeritus)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Robert Graham (Member Emeritus)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Randa Duncan Williams (Member Emeritus)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Austin Young (Member Emeritus)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lee Ehmke (President & Ceo)
  • Compensation: $585,301
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $20,417
Sheryl Kolasinski (Coo)
  • Compensation: $312,955
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $19,024
Jeri Nordbrock (Cfo)
  • Compensation: $277,276
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $19,120
Roberto Espinosa (Vp Development)
  • Compensation: $253,157
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $27,823
Kristin Finney (Vp Human Resources)
  • Compensation: $220,601
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $21,376
Trazanna Moreno (Vp Marketing And Communications)
  • Compensation: $216,495
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $19,761
Mark Van Winkler (Exhibit Design Director)
  • Compensation: $200,458
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $15,286
Peter Riger (Vp Conservation And Education)
  • Compensation: $195,017
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $17,069
Conor Lalor (Exhibit Artist)
  • Compensation: $184,310
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $25,553


Official website here: www.houstonzoo.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Houston Zoo Inc?

Houston Zoo Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.houstonzoo.org

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

Mission Statement of Houston Zoo Inc

Houston Zoo Inc, a renowned accredited institution by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), dedicates itself to inspiring community connection with animals and motivating actions towards wildlife conservation. The organization's mission is multi-dimensional, guided by principles including providing exemplary animal care, delivering an engaging guest experience, being a leading environmental education resource, inspiring community support, and changing behaviors to save wildlife.

The Houston Zoo serves as a sanctuary for various animal species, boasting one of the most comprehensive and diverse collections in the nation. Its veterinary team is renowned for its preventive medicine programs ensuring top-notch welfare for the animals. Houston Zoo Inc is a global conservation leader, advocating for species such as the Attwater's Prairie Chicken, Houston Toad, Whooping Crane, and Kemp Ridley Sea Turtle. The institution's Centennial Master Plan, a significant investment in conservation-minded exhibits and infrastructure improvements, has faced pandemic-related challenges but successfully completed the South American Pantanal exhibit, showcasing the unique biological diversity of the world's largest freshwater wetland.

Houston Zoo Inc's commitment to community engagement is evident through its demographic representation, closely mirroring Houston's population. The organization's programs, including monthly free Tuesdays, cater to individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds, making it accessible to all Houstonians. Despite pandemic capacity restrictions, the Houston Zoo provided free admission to more than 242,000 guests during 2022. With a robust volunteer program consisting of adult volunteers, Junior League, and Master Naturalists, the Houston Zoo donated over 31,000 hours of community support in 2022.

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Impact




October, 2024

Houston Zoo Inc plays a pivotal role in fostering connections between communities and the animal kingdom, effectively inspiring collective action to protect wildlife. By achieving accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the zoo exemplifies the highest standards in animal care, safety, and education, positioning itself as a key player in wildlife conservation, particularly for several endangered species native to Texas.

The zoo's impressive animal collection showcases the diversity of the natural world, providing a rich educational experience for visitors. Initiatives like the completion of the South American Pantanal exhibit highlight its commitment to environmental education and conservation awareness, allowing guests to engage with unique species and understand the importance of protecting their habitats.

Houston Zoo Inc emphasizes inclusivity by ensuring access for all members of the community. Through programs offering heavily discounted or free admission, the zoo successfully serves a diverse audience, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent people from experiencing the wonders of wildlife. This dedication to community service is exemplified in its outreach, which aligns closely with the demographics of Houston’s population.

Moreover, the zoo actively involves volunteers in various capacities, leveraging their contributions to enhance animal care, support educational initiatives, and strengthen community ties. In 2022, dedicated volunteers contributed over 31,000 hours, underlining the zoo's role as a community hub for education and conservation.

Houston Zoo Inc’s multifaceted approach not only enriches the lives of its guests but also plays a critical role in wildlife conservation, community engagement, and environmental education, establishing it as an indispensable asset to Houston and beyond.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Houston Zoo Inc. 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
$68,161,300 (2022)
Expenses
$54,219,079 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $1,032,086
  • Program Service Revenue: $43,662,966
  • Gross Receipts: $81,862,410

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $348,888,874
  • Total Liabilities: $54,853,727
  • Net Assets: $294,035,147

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Programs

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

Admission fees

Revenue

$18,878,180

City management fee

Revenue

$10,774,747

Educ. progr. & events

Revenue

$8,817,261

Concessions

Revenue

$5,192,778

Organization Details

Founding Year

1920

Principal Officer

Lee Ehmke

Main Address

1513 Cambridge, Houston, TX, 77030

NTEE Category

Code: D115 - Animals

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