As the issue of nonprofit governance of the Parkway is a key component of our strategy, it is worthwhile to examine similar arrangements. One that is curently working out quite well is the nonprofit governance of the Sacramento Zoo, which used to be governed by the city.
Established in 1927, the Sacramento Zoo is one of the region's top attractions, with an annual attendance of 450,000, including approximately 80,000 school children visiting the zoo each year on organized field trips. The Zoo's collection consists of more than 400 animals, diverse botanical life and several specialized gardens.
The Zoo is the largest accredited zoological park in the Central Valley. Set on 15-acres in William Land Park, the Zoo opened in 1927. Accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association since 1975, the Zoo collection exhibits more than 400 animals including 32 endangered or threatened species in a lush park environment.
The non-profit Sacramento Zoological Society operates the Zoo.
The Zoo property, buildings and animal collection remain assets of the city of Sacramento.
The Society, formed in 1957, assumed daily financial management of the Zoo, from the city, in July 1997. Since its inception, the society has served as the fund-raising organization for the Zoo, providing funds for habitat improvement, education and conservation programs.
