Shaping the Future Zoo

Cleveland Metroparks ZooCleveland Zoological Society

Beloved by children and adults for 130 years, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

has evolved from a local entertainment venue to a nationally recognized

conservation park. The Zoo’s transformation and continued success

are the result of a thriving public/private partnership with the

Cleveland Zoological Society and Cleveland Metroparks.

Delivering $100 million in economic impact, with 1.3 million visitors annually

and 46,500 household memberships, the Zoo is one of the most popular

destinations in Northeast Ohio and a leading provider of informal science

education. Each year, Zoo field trips and educational programs reach

80,000-100,000 school children, with the goal of inspiring people of all ages

to develop a sense of individual responsibility for the planet and to take

conservation action.

The Zoo is committed to the conservation of wildlife and wild places.

Conservation programs focus on the global issues facing wildlife today:

habitat loss, conflict with humans, over harvesting, illegal hunting, and

disease. We care for endangered species here at the Zoo, and so must do

everything possible to conserve them in the wild.

The Zoo and You

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo & Cleveland Zoological Society

To lay the groundwork for a sustainable future,

the Zoo and Zoo Society jointly engaged in an

intensive, comprehensive planning process, with

significant input from the community and in close

alignment with Cleveland Metroparks. An exciting

new mission and vision guide our efforts:

MissionWe create compelling

experiences that connect people with

wildlife and inspire personal responsibility

for conserving the natural world.

Shaping the FutureStrategic & Master Planning

VisionBy being regularly

engaged in the Zoo’s programs and activities to conserve wildlife and wild places, the people of Northeast Ohio will

demonstrate their love for the natural world and

be the most informed and enlightened

conservationists in the United States.

An exciting vision for the 183-acre campus combines the best in animal care and visitor experiences, ensuring the Zoo and Zoo Society will emerge as industry leaders while forging profound and lasting connections with Northeast Ohio citizens. The Master Plan embraces our campus ecology and strengthens the organization’s commitment to sustainable operations and a stronger financial model.

Consultants from two expert firms — Schultz & Williams and CLRdesign — guided our process. We gratefully acknowledge funding from the Cleveland Foundation, Cleveland Metroparks and Cleveland Zoological Society — ZooFutures Fund.

DRAFT

With the Strategic Plan as our guide, we will engage the community and continue to build a vibrant and thriving Zoo for this region. Working together, the Zoo and Zoo Society will:

1. Evaluate opportunities to increase earned revenue to invest back into the Zoo and create a long-term sustainable business model

2. Continually seek ways to strengthen the public / private partnership to maximize effectiveness and grow support

3. Identify a combination of short-term facility improvements and longer-term projects which appeal to visitors, the community and donors

4. Build on the momentum, energy and excitement created with the opening of African Elephant Crossing

5. Increase current levels of capital spending — both for new projects and to enhance facilities

Next StepsFocusing on the Future

The success of the Zoo in implementing the

new Strategic Plan depends on its ability to

embrace change and pursue its ambitious

goals with Zoo leadership working in

tandem with the Zoo Society in a stronger

partnership than ever before, aligned with

Metroparks leadership in a holistic approach

to achieving excellence.

Animal Care and Exhibition

Wildlife Conservation

Sustainability

Conservation Education

Guest Experience

Community Leadership

Management

• AnimalCareandExhibition:Exceed industry standards and guidelines for species in our care; adopt a program of continual improvement; and be recognized as leaders in creating high-quality, innovative animal exhibits.

• WildlifeConservation: Capitalize on the unique role of zoos in saving critically endangered species through ex situ (in zoo) conservation efforts. Build on in situ (in the wild) partnerships and forge strong links between our work in the Zoo and our programs around the world.

• Sustainability: Be a model in sustainability by developing and implementing Zoo-wide green practices and promoting sustainability throughout Northeast Ohio.

• ConservationEducation: Be the foremost provider of lifelong learning experiences in Northeast Ohio, a trusted voice for wildlife conservation and an inspiration for conservation action.

• Guest Experience: Exceed guest expectations for service and amenities.

• Community Leadership: Be a greater civic priority for Northeast Ohio and strengthen the Zoo’s leadership role as one of the top destinations in the area; as a regional economic development driver; and as the wildlife, conservation and sustainability expert.

• Management: Be a robust, fiscally sustainable organization modeling best business practices with a culture of collaboration, partnership and continual professional development.

Seven strategic focus areas will ensurewereachourfullpotential:

Elizabeth T. FowlerExecutive DirectorCleveland Zoological Society(216) 635.3342Fowler@ClevelandZooSociety.orgClevelandZooSociety.org

Steve H. TaylorDirectorCleveland Metroparks Zoo(216) 635.3330sht@clevelandmetroparks.comclemetzoo.com

With 180 million annual visitors nationwide, accredited zoos reach a vast audience and provide far more than just exposure to animals. As centers for conservation involvement, leading zoos provide the public with essential connections to the natural world, promote conservation action, and enhance the quality of life for visitors of all ages and stages.