Better Business Bureau Report for
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Better Business Bureau Report issued March 2010
Better Business Bureau Report expires March 2012


This BBB Accredited charity meets all 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. Find out more...


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Charity Contact Information

Name: Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
Address: 3400 Vine Street
  Cincinnati, OH 45220
Phone: (513) 281-4700
Web Address: www.cincyzoo.org
Also known as:Zoological Society of Cincinnati
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Better Business Bureau Comments

Year, State Incorporated: 1941, Ohio
Affiliates: Cincinnati Zoo Foundation, Inc.
Stated Purpose: Creating adventure, conserving nature, conveying knowledge, and serving community.

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Evaluation Conclusions

               

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
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Programs

               

According to the organization, in 2009, over 1 million people visited the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, which features more than 500 animals and 3,000 plant species. The Cincinnati Zoo has programs designed for all ages (18 months to adults) that explore the wonders of wildlife and conservation. In addition, the Cincinnati Zoo has programs specifically designed for schools and classrooms to visit. All Zoo programs focus on the message of conservation and science education.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden's program expenses were:

  
Animal Care & Health 9,520,161
Park Operations 3,107,124
Events and Group Functions 2,937,843
Education 2,629,310
CREW 1,363,192
Horticulture 1,049,393
Total Program Expenses: $20,607,023
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Governance

               

Chief Executive : Mr. Thane Maynard, Executive Director
Compensation*:
 $202,319

Chair of the Board: Mr. Murray Sinclaire
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation: President & CEO, Ross Sinclaire & Associates, Inc.

Board Size: 28

Paid Staff Size: 375

*Compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
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Fund Raising

               

Method(s) Used:

direct mail appeals, telephone appeals, invitations to fundraising events, print advertisements, television & radio appeals, grant proposals, Internet, planned giving arrangements, cause-related marketing, membership
Fundraising costs were 23% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $7,326,773, are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)
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Tax Status

               

This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
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Financial

               

The following information is based on Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden's audited financial statements - combined for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

Source of Funds  
Gifts, Grants, and Donations 7,326,773
Tax Levy 6,187,920
Memberships 4,882,607
Admissions 4,866,915
Programs 1,341,215
Commissions 1,248,348
Investment Income, Net 948,415
Attractions 869,677
Parking 747,277
Rental Income 646,191
Other Income 300,164
Endowment Expenses -190,292
Change in Beneficial Interest in Trusts -846,296
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) -5,451,860
Total Income $22,877,054


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Uses of Funds as a % of Total Expenses

Programs: 75%  Fund Raising: 6%  Administrative: 8%  Other Expenses: 11%

Total income   $22,877,054
  Program expenses $20,607,023
  Fund raising expenses 1,721,427
  Administrative expenses 2,264,417
  Other Expenses 3,052,426
Total expenses   $27,645,293
Expenses in Excess of Income   (4,768,239)
Beginning net assets   88,115,035
Ending net assets   83,346,796
Total liabilities   20,060,037
Total assets   $103,406,833


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An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau is a registered service mark of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.

This report is not to be used for fund raising or promotional purposes.

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