Denver Zoological Foundation

“The form 990 is reviewed and approved by the finance and audit committee. A copy of the form 990 is then made available to all members of the board for review, prior to its filing with the irs.”

“Conflict of interest questionnaires are completed annually by all officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. Trustees who have a beneficial interest in a decision are excused from discussion and voting rights. Also, if the item of purchase is a tangible asset with potential conflicts of interest, staff are required to get multiple bids for the item.”

“There are several factors, monetary and nonmonetary, that are considered in determining executive compensation. These business related factors include: budget: does the budget allow for any flexibility in the offer and what is the relative financial health of the organization? Internal equity: what are the other executives in the same type of job or at the same job level being paid? Market price/external demands: is this job difficult to fill or is it hard to find qualified candidates in this location or industry? Candidates' level of experience: how many years of relevant experience does this person bring to the table? Candidates' education level: what degrees does the person have that will benefit our organization? Candidates' current compensation package: what is the person's current base pay and benefits package? Salary surveys: what are other executives in the same type of job being paid at other non-profit organizations of the same size? Once the salary is determined, the board of governors reviews this information. A written employment agreement is also used for the ceo.”

“See explanation above, for form 990, part iv, line 15a.”

“The organization's governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements are made available to the public upon request. The zoo's articles of incorporation and annual reports are also on file with the colorado secretary of state.”

“Life sciences: the denver zoo's mission is inspiring communities to save wildlife for future generations. The denver zoo cares for approximately 2,500 animals, representing over 400 species, many of which are endangered or threatened. Our largest program area is caring for our animal residents who connect our guests to wildlife around the world. Denver zoo is a recognized leader in all areas relating to the highest level of care for our animal collection as we are focused on providing the best nutritional, emotional, social, and physical care possible. With the addition of the lembke family preserve, a 570-acre parcel in weld county, colorado, the denver zoo will be able to dramatically increase its holding, breeding, research and reintroduction efforts. Animals at the denver zoo receive the very best care from their dedicated animal care staff, animal behaviorists, veterinary medicine staff, and zoo nutrition and welfare staff. Our animals are bred under the recommendations of the association of zoos and aquariums' (aza) species survival plan (ssp), which ensures genetic diversity and healthy populations. Animal welfare is everyone's job at the denver zoo. The denver zoo is accredited by the aza and conservation certified by american humane. An important first setp in tackling the global issue of wildlife conservation is for people to connect with animals. One of the unique benefits of a zoo is the opportunity for people to see animals up close, which is typically more compelling than seeing them on tv or in a publication.”

“Guest experiences: the denver zoo exists to help our community connect with wildlife here and around the world so that we can all be part of the solution to helping species thrive. Our passion and reason for being is to inspire communities to save wildlife for future generations. We achieve this by providing an outstanding guest experience each and every day. The denver zoo monitors and evaluates the guest experience through a mystery shopper program, consistently monitoring online feedback, and extensive guest satisfaction surveys. The denver zoo continues to make a profound impact, creating meaningful experiences for guests, both at the denver zoo and off-site in the community, engaging citizens through impactful animal encounters that inspire a lifelong love of science learning. The denver zoo is a place where guests make local, regional, and international connections, linking people, animals, and nature. The denver zoo connects people with animals, inspiring them to champion the denver zoo's mission to inspire communities to save wildlife for future generations. As an accredited association of zoos and aquariums (aza) institution, the denver zoo is an important resource for the denver metro region to understand wildlife and the need to conserve the places animals live. The denver zoo is also american humane certified, recognizing excellence in animal wellbeing. The denver zoo's guests learn about the important role zoos have as leaders in conservation research. Through up-close experiences, visitors experience a stronger connection to nature, consider their role in environmental problems and conservation action, and see themselves as part of the solution as a result of their visit. The denver zoo inspires communities to save wildlife for futurer generations. Our community connections program ensures equitable access to the zoo and our wildlife conservation programs for all community members. Through this program, the denver zoo ensures at least 25% of annual guests enjoy the zoo and zoo programs for free or significantly reduced fees.”

“Learning experiences: denver zoos conservation learning, conservation engagement, community engagement and community research & evaluation teams aim to help students, families, and communities connect with the environment, become scientific thinkers, and ultimately champions for animals and habitats. The denver zoo is a one-of-a-kind place where people of all ages and backgrounds can experience the joy and wonders of animals, conservation, and the environment. The conservation learning team provided a variety of in-person learning experiences which were very well received by our local schools and community partners. The denver zoo had nearly 87,000 participants in education and outreach programs in 2024.”

“Field conservation: the denver zoo is a zoo-based conservation organization and a dedicated player in the movement to save wildlife. We conduct extensive field work in colorado and globally for animals and habitats in the wild. Our approach is to work with communities to understand conservation issues, then co-develop sustainable strategies to protect wildlife and wild places. Denver zoo is a leader among zoos in field conservation. In addition to connecting audiences with a wide variety of species at our 80-acre urban campus, we work to protect animals and habitats through core programs around the world in - laos, africa, peru, and the colorado rocky mountains and great plains. We commit full-time, part-time, and contract staff along with other resources to these programs each year. We develop the next generation of conservation leaders through internships, apprenticeships, and educational programs. Using both social and ecological science to identify and understand target species and threats to their survival, we work to mitigate threats by strengthening protected area management, engaging local communities, influencing conservation policy, and building the capacity of individuals and organizations to engage in conservation action.”