Page 62 - BusinessWest December 9, 2024

THE ZOO IN FOREST PARK & EDUCATION CENTER
293 Sumner Ave., Springfield, MA 01108 P.O. Box 80295, Springfield, MA 01138 (413) 733-2251 www.forestparkzoo.org
Executive Director: Sarah Tsitso
YEAR ESTABLISHED
Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1967. The zoo itself has been around for more than 135 years.
OPERATING BUDGET
$1.15 million (FY 2024)
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to
inspire our community
to respect and value the natural world through education, conservation, and rehabilitation.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Individuals looking to volunteer are asked to commit a minimum of
four hours a week over the course of six months and assist with daily animal- care duties. One-day group volunteers are accepted throughout the year to assist with beautification needs around the Zoo.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alison Bartlett-O’Donald
Nathan Bazinet
Nunzio Bruno
Daniel Burack Rebecca Connolly
Jeanne Elin Elizabeth Ginter-Healy Richard Greco Theodore Hebert Joan Kagan Carol Levine Nancy Piela Alfonso Santaniello
G42 DECEMBER 9, 2024
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UPCOMING EVENTS
• Zoo Night at Bright Nights, Dec. 11 and 18. A portion of the Zoo will be lit up with lights, giving guests the opportunity to see select animals, meet Santa, and enjoy hot cider for two nights during Bright Nights.
• Eggstravaganza, April 19, 2025. The Zoo’s first family-friendly event of the year offers goodies for the kids, up-close animal encounters, and crafts and activities.
• Wine Safari, May 31, 2025 (tentative). Wine Safari is a 21+ event that pairs wine from around the world with an animal from the same region, allowing you to sample the wines and meet animals from various corners of the world. • Brew at the Zoo, Aug. 25, 2025 This 21+ event welcomes more than 600 people annually and includes beer samples from a variety of local breweries, a home-brew competition, live music, food trucks, and more.
• Spooky Safari, Oct. 2, 2025 This not-so-spooky Halloween event features a trick-or-treat trail for kids, animal encounters, on-site activities, and face painting.
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
The Zoo is home to more than 200 animals. Working with wildlife rehabilitators across the U.S., the Zoo is proud to provide care to animals that have been deemed non-releasable to the wild due to injury, illness, permanent disability, habituation to humans, or other factors. While it is our wish that all animals can be successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild, we know that is not realistic for all creatures. Some will need lifelong, specialized care, which our dedicated, highly trained zookeepers lovingly provide.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
• Donate online at www.forestparkzoo.org or by check to Forest Park Zoological Society, P.O. Box 80295, Springfield, MA 01138.
• Extend the impact of your donation by becoming a monthly donor. • Enjoy unlimited visits with a 2025 membership.
• Sponsor an exhibit.
• Explore event sponsorship opportunities by emailing gabry@
forestparkzoo.com.