BACKGROUND:

The Zoological Society of San Diego is a non-profit organization that operates the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park and the Institute for Conservation Research. It was founded in 1916 under the leadership of Dr. Harry M. Wegeforth.

The Zoological Society of San Diego has the largest zoological society membership in the world, with more than 250,000 member households and 130,000 child memberships, representing more than a half million people. Society members enjoy free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the 

Wild Animal Park, a subscription to the monthly magazine ZOONOOZ, and other benefits, depending on their level of membership.

The Zoological Society of San Diego is extremely active in conservation and species-preservation efforts. Its Institute for Conservation raises California Condors, Pandas, Tigers, African Black Rhinos and a large number of other endangered species. Many species are bred in captivity for release into their native habitats where appropriate. It employs numerous professional geneticists, cytologists and veterinarians and maintains a Frozen Zoo cryopreservation facility for rare sperm and eggs.

Today’s recommendation is to receive a report on the Society’s latest publication, “Celebrating Our Wildlife Connection.”   The presenter will be the Society’s board president, Dr. Fred Frye. 

Dr. Frye will discuss many of the roles and projects of the Zoological Society and the accomplishments over the previous year. The presentation will focus on the Zoological Society’s role as a leader in education and in conservation in San Diego and around the world.

Respectfully submitted,

RON ROBERTS

Supervisor, Fourth District