The Oregon Zoo Foundation is a nonprofit that encourages charitable giving in order to advance the zoo's mission of inspiring the community to create a better future for wildlife.
OZF provides approximately $3 million per year to enhance the zoo's work on behalf of wildlife at home and around the world, thanks to generous support from:
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Individual donations: From Conservation Circle to the Wildlife Legacy Society to Zoo Parents, OZF relies on gifts from individuals help the zoo fulfill its mission of creating a better future for wildlife. - Corporate partnerships: Through zoo exhibits, programs and events, OZF offers businesses premium exposure and zoo access, along with an opportunity to give back to the community.
- Grants: OZF pursues funding from foundations that are committed to providing grants that support the zoo's conservation and education programs.
- Special events: Some of the zoo's most popular events like Zoolala are fundraisers hosted by OZF.
OZF also manages the zoo's membership program, which encompasses approximately 45,000 households in Oregon, Washington and beyond.
Looking ahead
OZF's role is increasingly important as the Oregon Zoo embarks on an exciting time in the zoo's history when donor support is essential to completing the zoo's 20-year master plan. Aside from the nine projects outlined in the 2008 Oregon Zoo bond, the longer-term master plan calls for numerous enhancements to the zoo's infrastructure and habitats.
The zoo's visions are grand, but it can't be done alone. Community support through OZF is essential to make the Oregon Zoo the best – and greenest – zoo in the world. Will you stand with OZF in support of wildlife?
OZF milestones
1980 to 1996
OZF support helps the zoo complete exhibits and facilities:
- Cascade Stream and Pond
- Alaska Tundra
- Africa exhibits
- Lilah Callen Holden Elephant Museum
- Center for Endangered Species
- Renovations to the elephant yards
OZF helps fund elephant reproduction research and education program development.
1994
Zoo membership: 25,000 households
1997
OZF merges with the zoo's development office.
1998
OZF secures over $1 million in zoo support, including funds to complete the Cascade Crest exhibit.
2000
Zoo membership: 30,000 households
Zoolala raises $104,000 for Eagle Canyon, a record for a zoo fundraising event.
2002
Zoo membership: 36,000 households
Annual OZF support approaches $4 million.
2003
OZF completes its first comprehensive capital campaign, securing over $2 million to build the Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation, the world's fourth breeding facility for the endangered California condor.
2006
Zoo membership: 41,000 households
OZF embarks on "Predators of the Serengeti: Bring Back the Roar!" capital campaign to secure the $5 million needed to build the multi-species exhibit.
2007
Future Zoo Vision Plan serves as catalyst for a planned zoo improvement bond measure, shepherded by a OZF-led public support campaign.
2008
Voters approve a $125 million bond measure to support six new animal exhibits, a conservation education center and a veterinary medical center.
Predators of the Serengeti campaign ends. OZF provides $6 million to build and help operate the exhibit.
2009
Predators of the Serengeti opens to the public and helps the Oregon Zoo set an annual attendance record of 1.6 million visitors.
2010
Zoo membership: 49,000 households
Predators of the Serengeti receives the top exhibit award from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Red Ape Reserve exhibit opens, with funding assistance from OZF.
2011
More than 500 donors fund equipment for the new Veterinary Medical Center.
2012
Veterinary Medical Center opens.
Contact
4001 SW Canyon Road
Portland, Ore. 97221
OZF@oregonzoo.org
Fax: 503-223-9323