High Attendance, Record-breaking Volunteerism at the Zoo
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.—The Palm Beach Zoo announces its second-highest attendance year to date, with 313,746 guests visiting during the Zoo’s 2013 fiscal year, which ran from October 1, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The Zoo was aiming to break the previous attendance record set in 2011, when 314,471 guests visited, and the Zoo came within 0.025% of that record.
“We were only 725 guests short of our goal,” explained Andrew Aiken, President and CEO of the Zoo. “Although we came close, several days of heavy rain in September prevented us from surpassing the previous record-high attendance number.”
“We’re proud that we almost set a new record,” Aiken continued. “Having the second-best attendance this year lets us know we’re on the right track for reaching visitors with our message of conservation.”
Although there was not a new attendance record set, a record number of volunteers put their passion for wildlife into work at the Zoo. The Zoo had474 volunteers during the past fiscal year, with 34,913 hours given. In comparison, 10,000 volunteer hours were donated in the 2012 fiscal year. This year, 175 individual volunteers and ten groups with 299 total volunteers helped the Zoo reach an all-time high amount of hours donated.
“Volunteers are critical to our success,” said Joe Landmichl, Volunteer and Docent Manager for the Zoo. “Their time and abilities help to fill the resource gap that non-profit organizations like the Zoo face. With our family-friendly feel and conservation mission, I am proud of the atmosphere we’ve gained to increasing volunteerism at the Zoo.”
“The Zoo has many volunteer opportunities, especially for groups of five or more who want to help keep the grounds beautiful,” said Landmichl. “We aim to be a place for families to come, not only to have a good time, but to learn about the world we all share.”
To volunteer with the Zoo, visit this link: http://www.palmbeachzoo.org/volunteers-docents
Media Contact:
Angela Cruz Ledford
Media Relations Manager
(561) 547-WILD x222 (o)
(318) 512-7464 (c) or (561) 962-1413 (c)
About the Palm Beach Zoo
The Zoological Society of the Palm Beaches exists to inspire people to act on behalf of the natural world. We advance our conservation mission through endangered species propagation, education, health and wellness, field research, and conservation medicine. Our sustainable and responsible business practices and local, national and global partnerships enable the Palm Beach Zoo to support national and international conservation, species survival, and habitat preservation.
The Palm Beach Zoo is a located at 1301 Summit Boulevard in West Palm Beach , Florida . The Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, visitwww.palmbeachzoo.org.
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