The Greenville Zoo’s organizational and operational structure is being reevaluated.
The city of Greenville currently oversees the operations and revenue of the Greenville Zoo. The Greenville Zoo Foundation provides additional fundraising support to the zoo.
The city hired Relevant Strategies and Solutions to conduct a governance study of the zoo, which began in the spring of 2023. According to the city, an assessment was needed to help the city’s strategic planning efforts for the zoo.
“The findings and recommendations will be considered to ensure that the zoo is positioned for success in the future,” said Brandon Madden, deputy city manager.
Greenville City Council approved a resolution to accept the assessment report during its Sept. 9 meeting.
Recommendations and strategies
Relevant Strategies and Solutions recommended shifting the zoo’s governance structure to a public-private partnership with a nonprofit governing board. This would essentially give the city and Greenville Zoo Foundation a more equal role in funding and managing the zoo.
Shifting the governance of the zoo is expected to be a three to five-year process. According to the report, a shift in governance would:
- Enhance the efficiency of the zoo’s operations
- Provide greater cohesion among staff
- Improve business decision-making
- Help leverage new funding sources
Creating a strategic plan was identified as the first step to prepare the zoo for a shift in governance. The plan would provide a vision for the future and focus on strengthening the zoo. A 10-year facility concept plan was also recommended to be developed that looks at potential projects to enhance the zoo for future capital campaigns.
Madden said both the strategic plan and facility concept plan are currently in progress.
A need for increased zoo funding was also highlighted in the report. Relevant Strategies and Solutions found that the public and private funding is “below a sustainable level” for maintaining the zoo’s facilities and accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
According to the report, public funding covers approximately 5.5% of the zoo’s operating budget. Relevant Strategies and Solutions advises the city provide to increased and consistent financial support to the zoo.
Before the governance transition occurs, the report also noted that the Greenville Zoo Foundation must significantly increase its private fundraising for operations and capital expenses. The Greenville Zoo Foundation currently raises approximately $400,000 a year for the zoo, according to the report.
The foundation was tasked with launching a comprehensive fundraising campaign that includes capital projects, endowment, zoo maintenance and annual fund.
“The city will work with the community and our partners to implement action items outlined in the final report,” Madden said. “Strategic planning will continue and formal status updates will be presented to City Council as strategies are implemented.”
By the numbers
- Approximately 315,000 visitors visit the Greenville Zoo each year.
- $2.29 million in revenue is generated from the zoo’s admissions.
- 14-acres comprise the Greenville Zoo.
- $601,000 in support services are provided by the city to the zoo.
- $1.5 million has been raised by the Greenville Zoo Foundation over the last three years.
Reaccreditation update
The Greenville Zoo is currently seeking renewal of its Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation, a process it must undergo every five years. The zoo’s operations are required to meet standards for animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education, guest services, physical facilities, safety, staffing, finance and governing body.
A three-day zoo inspection was conducted in June by a visiting committee that provided a preliminary report on its findings. Zoo administration will present to the AZA commission during a formal hearing that is set to take place this fall.
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