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The Zoological Society of Florida Will Change its Name to The Zoo Miami Foundation

The Zoo Miami Foundation name directly reflects its mission of supporting Zoo Miami

The Zoological Society of Florida (ZSF), the non-profit support organization for Zoo Miami, will officially become Zoo Miami Foundation (ZMF) on October 1, 2015. This name change better reflects its mission of supporting Zoo Miami through education, conservation and outreach programs; marketing and public relations; volunteer services and financial support for the construction of new exhibits.  It also brings clarity to the organization’s work and affiliation.  Zoo Miami’s mission is to encourage an appreciation for the world’s wildlife and to help conserve it for future generations.

The ZSF, soon to be the Zoo Miami Foundation, was founded in 1956 when the Zoo was located in Crandon Park at Key Biscayne. Starting in the mid-sixties, the Society spearheaded a campaign to include plans for a bigger, better zoo on the Miami-Dade County “Decade of Progress” bond issue. Voters approved the bond in 1972 and nine years later Miami Metrozoo, now Zoo Miami, opened its gates to the public at its current location.

Today, the ZSF is one of the largest membership organizations in South Florida with more than 18,200 households representing more than 60,000 members. Its Board of Directors includes community leaders in Miami-Dade and Broward counties who are committed to the education, conservation and recreation goals of Zoo Miami. While Miami-Dade County operates and maintains the Zoo, ZSF, backed by its strong membership, supports Zoo Miami’s programs and enhancements.

“With the original name, many donors believed we supported zoos across the state of Florida or that we were affiliated with other zoo societies in Miami.  Operating under our new name, the Zoo Miami Foundation, will eliminate confusion in the community,” said William W. Moore, ZSF’s President and CEO.

With an engaged and diverse Board of Directors, the ZMF is able to be an exemplary organization representing not only the needs of Zoo Miami, but the community of South Florida. “With a strong, clear name that better represents our focus, the Board of the Zoo Miami Foundation renews its commitment to education and conservation at our celebrated Zoo Miami with the goal of better integrating with the community while serving a global purpose,” said Ana VeigaMilton, Chairperson of the ZMF Board of Directors.  For a complete list of the current year’s Board of Directors, Officers and Executive Committee, visit www.zoomiami.org under Support Zoo Miami.

Current ZMF projects include: fundraising for the Florida: Mission Everglades exhibit and Entry Plaza project; the Animal Health Center expansion; the African and Asian lobe enhancements as part of the Master Plan Refresh; Adopt An Animal and Annual Memberships.  At $50 million and 6 acres, the Florida: Mission Everglades exhibit celebrating the flora and fauna of Florida and a new Entry Plaza are set to open in 2016 at Zoo Miami.  Those interested in being a part of it can donate to the project or purchase a commemorative brick that will line a walkway of the exhibit by calling (305) 255-5551.

For more information on the ZMF and its programs, call (305) 255-5551 or visit www.zoomiami.org under Support Zoo Miami.

About Zoo Miami
Rated one of the top ten zoos in the U.S. and one of the top 20 zoos in the world by Tripadvisor.com, Zoo Miami houses more than 3,000 animals in natural habitats and provides visitors the feel of a safari. Guests can enjoy animals like okapis, giant river otters, elephants and rhinos in large open air exhibits; a giraffe feeding station; camel rides; an Indian rhino encounter; Australian parrot feeding; meet and greets with mascots, the Zoo Squad; tram tours; family cycles; water play areas; a monorail and large exhibits like Amazon & Beyond.

Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152nd St., Miami, FL 33177. General Zoo Admission is: $19.95/adult, plus tax and $15.95/child (3-12) plus tax. Children under two, Zoo members and parking are free. Zoo Miami’s hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays; ticket booths close at 4 p.m. For more information please visit www.zoomiami.org or call 305-251-0400.

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Last modified: September 30, 2015