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Size
The zoo spans 92 acres, 65 of which are developed as exhibits and public spaces. The remainder is devoted to administrative offices, a buffer zone and a neighborhood park.

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Hours
May 1-September 30, 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. October 1 - April 30, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Fees
October 1 - April 30: Adult (13-64) $11.00; Child (3-12) $8.00; Toddler (0-2) free. May 1 - September: Adult (13-64) $15; Child (3-12) $10.00; Toddler (0-2) free. Seniors and disabled receive a $2 discount and zoo members receive free zoo admission year-round. Please visit the Plan Your Visit section for complete information.

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Information
For more information, call 206.548.2500 or visit the zoo’s Web site.

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Establishment
Among its distinctions, Woodland Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos on the West Coast. In the late 1880s, Guy Phinney, a wealthy sawmill owner, purchased a large tract of forest land about six miles north of downtown Seattle. On December 28, 1899, several years after Phinney’s death, the City of Seattle purchased the estate for $100,000.

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Collection
The zoo manages the largest live animal collection in Washington state, with approximately 1,100 specimens representing nearly 300 species plus plus 62 species of invertebrates. The zoo provides a home for 35 endangered and five threatened animal species. The zoo’s botanical collection includes more than 92,000 plants and trees representing more than 1,000 species.

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Woodland Park Zoo Management
In 2002, the City of Seattle transferred management and financial responsibility of Woodland Park Zoo to the Woodland Park Zoological Society. Founded in 1965, the nonprofit Society initially served as the zoo’s fundraising partner, but over the years has taken on an increasing number of responsibilities, such as marketing and membership. A 41-person, volunteer Board of Directors governs the Zoo Society with 10 Board committees providing forums for information sharing between the Board and staff for various areas of zoo administration. The President and CEO reports to the Board and supervises all zoo staff. The City of Seattle continues to own the zoo grounds and exhibits.

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Membership
The zoo currently has 38,000 member households in five categories of membership ranging from individual to family. The zoo boasts one of the highest membership bases among Puget Sound area attractions and museums. Membership dues support top-notch animal care, operations, exhibit improvements, conservation initiatives around the world and education programs.

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Attendance
The zoo serves a large regional audience and is a major Washington state attraction, drawing more than a million visitors annually. Attendance in 2007: 1.07 million visitors (peak months are May through September).

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Education
With a mission of education and conservation, the zoo is a platform for educational purposes and participation in global efforts to understand and protect the world’s animals and their habitats. As a vital resource, the zoo serves tens of thousands of students and teachers across the state each year. In 2005, more than 320,000 visitors participated in the zoo’s public programs and more than 70,000 students, teachers and chaperones visited the zoo in school groups.

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Conservation
Through funding provided by the zoo's Partners for Wildlife Conservation Fund-Grants Program and the contributions of zoo members and donors, the zoo is supporting conservation of wildlife, preserving fragile habitats, and increasing public awareness for wildlife and environmental issues. The zoo currently partners with 43 field conservation projects taking place in more than 30 countries around the world. These include some of the smallest life forms--the endangered Oregon silverspot butterfly--to the largest mammals on land, the African elephant. Visit the "Conservation" section of our website for more information.

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Financial
In 2008, the zoo is budgeting to earn an operating net income of $913,000 on operation revenues of $30 million. Earned revenues (admissions, membership, community events, etc.) account for 47% of this total. Public funding sources provide 37% of the zoo's support and private contributions provide the remaining 16%. The zoo also continually raises additional private funds to improve exhibits and buildings. Our 2008 goal for such improvement project contributions is $4.5 million

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Staff
There are approximately 370 full- and part-time employees including 110 seasonal full-and part-time employees in departments such as administration, admissions, animal health, animal management, commissary, creative services, education, exhibits improvement, horticulture, maintenance, planning and development, marketing, membership, public relations and guest services.

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Volunteers
In 2007, more than 750 zoo volunteers donated more than 78,000 hours of service to the zoo, valued at more than $1.3 million dollars as an in-kind donation. In addition, 10 community and corporate groups to the zoo, resulting in the annual contribution of more than 80,000 volunteer hours.

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Award-winning Exhibits
The zoo has garnered six major exhibit awards by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums: Jaguar Cove, Trail of Vines, Northern Trail, Tropical Rain Forest, Elephant Forest and African Savanna.

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Group Sales
From barbecues for 5,000 in the North Meadow and weddings in the Woodland Park Rose Garden, to formal receptions in the Rain Forest Food Pavilion and picnics in the Picnic Shelter, the zoo offers unique venues for special events. Tours, animal encounters and activities are available, as well as the zoo’s own Rain Forest Catering and event staff to ensure every event is zoorific.

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Key Contacts:

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Web Site
Visit the zoo’s Web site for a comprehensive view of the zoo

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