Summary of Thank You for an Incredible 2023:
On December 28, 2023, Chelo Grubb highlighted the year’s significant achievements at Reid Park Zoo, expressing gratitude for public support:
1. A zebra foal was born on Christmas Day, and Zuri joined the existing herd.
2. Gwen the sloth was introduced to a new habitat, capturing hearts with a Sloth Cam.
3. The opening of World of Play offered children an immersive adventure playground.
4. Blue duikers became a new attraction, sharing space with ring-tailed lemurs.
5. A new parking lot was constructed to facilitate future growth and the Pathway to Asia project.
6. The Big, Big Bugs exhibit educated visitors on the importance of bugs in various ecosystems.
The Zoo emphasized strides in animal welfare, developing a master plan, and supporting conservation efforts through partnerships. They stressed the importance of donations for continual support of their mission and invited year-end contributions as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
The message ended with well wishes for health and happiness in the new year.
– Celebration of the new developments and events at Reid Park Zoo in 2023, including the birth of new animals and the opening of new exhibits.
– Acknowledgment of the support from the community and a call to action for continued contributions to promote the growth and well-being of the Zoo and its inhabitants.
– A look at the importance of zoos in conservation and education efforts, highlighting Reid Park Zoo’s role in these endeavors.
As twilight descends on yet another orbit around the sun, we tip our hats to the wonders that unfolded throughout the year. In every corner of Reid Park Zoo, from the rustling tall grass of the zebra habitat to the mysterious depths of the Antarctic ice cave replicated for youthful adventurers, there have been flashes of marvel and audible gasps of awe.
2023, a year as unpredictable as the flight path of a butterfly, brought us intriguing tales worthy of retelling. With each new dawn, we witnessed the symphony of life playing within the realm of this treasured haven. With the curtain call moments away, a palpable sense of gratitude lingers for those moments that left indelible marks on our collective memories.
Firstly, it’s worth noting that stripes became trendier this year. The zebra habitat, verdant and robust, is ever the more animated with the arrival of a foal—a pint-sized trailblazer born on no less a day than Christmas. The little one, all legs and wonder, joins our cherished Zuri in the close-knit fabric of our herd.
Then, our hearts were captivated, utterly trapped by the slow-motion charm offensive of Gwen, the sloth. His abode, entwined in the lushness of the South America loop, became a rite of passage for visitors agog at his unhurried escapades, now shared with the world through our Sloth Cam, a window into the tranquil life up the trees.
A joyous shout echoes for the World of Play. This microcosm of adventure, where children are spirited away to clamber over sinuous redwood roots or explore chilly, Alaskan-inspired nooks, opened its arms wide to the laughter and curious hands of our most spirited explorers.
Among many new faces, the diminutive blue duikers struck their unique chord. Sharing a habitat with the ring-tailed lemurs, these elfin antelope brought a splash of whimsy to their domain. Small enough to nestle in the crook of an arm yet swift enough to dart like a hare, they serve as a befitting emblem of nature’s exquisite variety.
Even our parking lot crafted its narrative—asphalt and lines heralding a future of growth and expansion as we ready ourselves to embrace the Pathway to Asia, an expedition we’ve all eagerly awaited.
And who could have foreseen the allure of the huge ‘The Big, Big Bugs’ exhibit? These colossal crawlers, an homage to our ecosystem’s oft-overlooked architects and custodians, turned the Zoo into a buzzing nucleus of discovery, highlighting the cyclopean role of these tiny titans.
Yet, these vignettes are mere chapters in the larger tome of zoological splendor that your support has helped the author. This year, vital strides were made in animal wellness, piecing together the responsible and tender care that creates a semblance of the wild within human-made confines. The meticulous development of our Master Plan, an ambitious vision now set in stone, underscores our commitment to the future—a tapestry woven with threads of foresight and diligence.
This is where the role of conservation partners springs to the fore, an alliance of the devoted, shepherding the fragile into fortitude. An intricate dance of science and empathy has protected countless wild animals and safeguarded those untouched enclaves they call home.
The Reid Park Zoo is a microcosm of nature’s grandeur, a capsule of the wild granted amidst the urban sprawl, offering reprieve and connection to our roots. The vibrancy of this institution is tethered to your generosity and passion, ensuring that the whispers of our natural world are not lost in the clamor of human bustle.
Within these grounds, the art of caretaking merges with the noble pursuit of conservation, echoed by the educational echoes that foster a new generation of guardians for our planet. Each swing of a child across the monkey bars, each studious gaze of a youth deciphering the mysteries of bug biology cements the purpose of what we have built together.
Therefore, as the members of this year wane, the spark of hope for the ensuing chapter at Reid Park Zoo glimmers with fervor. With your backing, a shroud of new beginnings envelops us, and the Zoo stands as a beacon of continued growth and learning. Your contributions energize the spirit of this sanctuary, crafting a refuge not only for the animals that call it home but for the souls of those who seek solace in its embrace.
Envision a future where children’s laughter melds with the calls of the wild, where the marvel of nature’s creations coexists harmoniously with human curiosity. This dream, now more tangible than ever, is a testament to the irreplaceable role each of you plays in weaving the fabric of this ecosystem of wonder.
As the threads of the old year unravel, the labyrinth of life within Reid Park Zoo awaits the weave of the new. And through this labyrinth, we walk together, harnessing the power of shared vision and undying support to cast a legacy beyond the confines of time and space.
By making a tax-deductible gift, your contribution plants the seeds for a verdant tomorrow—a tomorrow where the stripes on a zebra foal, the unperturbed nap of a sloth, and the hidden world beneath our feet burgeon under the watchful care of those who dare to dream.
Join us in saluting the year’s accomplishments and gazing forward toward the horizons of the unknown with a steadfast commitment to the care and wonderment of all creatures, great and small. Here’s to health, happiness, and the unwavering bond between humanity and the natural world as we embark on this shared journey into the new year.
Reid Park Zoo could not—would not—Zoo it without you.
