President's Messages to the Society
by Gary M. Slovin, Esq.

Gary M. Slovin is a partner with the law firm Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel, and is the former executive director of the Hawaii State Ethics Commission. He also served as Honolulu's corporation counsel under former Mayor Eileen Anderson. At Goodsill, he concentrates his practice in the area of government relations, representing clients before government agencies, the State Legislature and the County Councils. He currently serves on the boards of the Friends of the UH Richardson School of Law, Helping Hands Hawaii, Aloha United Way, and was the chair for its 2001 annual campaign.

Winter 2008 Message

On behalf of the Board and staff, I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year.

This has been another successful year for the Zoo Society and the Zoo.  The most notable accomplishment is certainly the completion of the tiger enclosure improvements.  A dedication was held on November 19, 2007, with the Mayor in attendance.  The Zoo can now begin to facilitate the breeding of the Zoo’s tigers. We are hopeful that cubs will be produced sometime in the Spring or early Summer.  We are extremely grateful to the many people and organizations who provided donations to make this project happen, especially those listed below.

While the tigers have received the most attention, thanks to City and Society efforts there have been a number of other significant improvements.  Signage is will now start becoming much clearer, a new logo has been designed and sidewalks and other parts of the Zoo structure have been renovated.  The Honolulu Zoo today is a dramatically more exciting place to visit than it was just a few years ago.  A spirit of cooperation among many people has produced a zoo we can be proud of and that meets the needs of the community.   We look forward to building on this foundation in 2008.

Fall 2007 Message

The Honolulu Zoo Society recently held its 2007 annual meeting. At the annual meeting, each of our departments made a report.  Membership is up significantly, educational activities are completely booked and our volunteer programs are thriving. Included in the good news of that evening, attended by the largest number of members in many years, was the announcement of the tiger exhibit expansion.  The project has been delayed as we closely analyzed all aspects of the project to be certain the final exhibit would be safe for the keepers, the public and the animals. 

 As with nearly all not-for-profit organizations, funding is always a challenge.  Extra contributions to the Zoo are important.  Every dollar contributed to the Zoo Society supports the Zoo in some way.  The Zoo remains one of Hawaii’s most popular and enriching attractions.

As I begin my last year as President, I am enthusiastic about the future and proud of what we have contributed.  And, as always, I thank the members for their loyalty.

Spring 2007 Message

In many of these notes, I have urged members to not only maintain their own membership but to try to persuade others to join the Zoo Society as well.  All successful zoos have strong zoo societies, and a strong society means lots of members.  Our membership has grown dramatically over the past two years and much of that is due to the enthusiasm of you, the members, who are the heart and soul of the Zoo.

Many of you will recall the Tiger Moon fundraising dinner sponsored by the Zoo Society last fall to raise money to expand the tiger enclosure to provide sufficient room for adults and cubs.  The cost for doing the expansion turned out to be far more than what was originally anticipated.  The Zoo Society staff, board members and City employees have been working together to find ways to bring the cost of the expansion to a more reasonable level.  With building permit now in hand the project can begin to bring about another Zoo improvement.  We hope to have the expansion completed well before the end of the year. 

Another example of the Zoo and HZS Staff and Board Members working together to improve the Zoo is through participation in the Branding Team with consultants Richard Reese Designs.  The team is developing a new Zoo logo, graphics and way finding system that will considerably improve the visitor experience.             

The popularity of the Zoo itself is at an all time high.  With summer coming, the Wildest Show in Town, courtesy of Starbucks and the Zoo Society will run for 10 weeks.  In recent months nearly all of the Zoo’s Programs, such as Snoozes and special parties and tours, have been fully booked.  Clearly the demand for the use of the Zoo facilities as a place for children and families to learn about animals and conservation, as well as to create wonderful moments, is ever present.  We hope to be able to provide more such opportunities in the future with the addition of more staff members.             

The Zoo Society remains committed to working with the City on a public - private partnership which we believe to be key to the Zoo’s future.  Progress has been slow, but we are hopeful that the pace will pick up in the coming year and that we will see significant advances made toward achieving this goal.             

As President of the Zoo Society, I am particularly proud of the professional quality and stimulating content of this magazine.  I hope you all enjoy it.  Its excellence is not an accident, but the result of the hard work and imagination of our own Dr. Kathy Carlstead.

Winter 2007 Message

The Board sincerely wishes all of the members a healthy and prosperous New Year.  Our members and our staff are the heart of the Zoo Society and we thank you for your continued support. 

The staff did an extraordinary job of organizing the Tiger Moon fundraiser dinner.  It was an incredible success in all ways.  We raised over $170,000 to expand the tiger enclosure, an amazing return for a dinner of our size.  Given the jeopardy tigers are in worldwide, this is a significant accomplishment, as the expansion will allow the Zoo to facilitate the breeding of tiger cubs.  This is both an effort to support education about tigers and to aid conservation.

Regrettably, poaching, deforestation, and other factors are threatening the extinction of many species.  Education and conservation remain the Zoo Society’s core programs. With the beginning of the New Year, I would like to take this opportunity to give a special thanks to all of our board members.  Ours is a working board, with nearly all board members giving not only of funds but also of time in assisting with the many activities the board and the Society are involved in. Some have been volunteers at the Zoo; all have a history of being involved in the not-for-profit community.   As with all volunteers, they do not receive nearly the credit they deserve.  Fortunately, it is the betterment of the Zoo and the community that drives them and not personal reward or recognition. 

Likewise, the Zoo and the Society have benefited from the quality work of a dedicated and loyal staff.

The Society’s rolls have increased significantly over the past year.  Memberships and donations are critical to continuing the excellent programs we support.  The national accreditation committee that reviewed the Zoo’s operations recently took particular note of the contributions made by the Zoo Society.  Renewing your membership and inspiring others to do likewise is critical to our continuing to be a viable organization.  While our Zoo may have areas that need improvement, we should keep in mind that we have a wonderful Zoo.  For me, it is always inspiring to visit the Zoo and see the positive impact our Zoo has on families and individuals.  Please do not forget to take advantage of your membership and visit the Zoo often.

Fall 2006 Message

As I mentioned in the last edition of the ZooView, the Zoo Society has been asked by the City to improve the Tiger Exhibit so that the tigers the Zoo obtained several months ago will be able to breed and raise cubs. This is part of a worldwide effort to preserve Sumatran tigers in captivity as their wild populations become increasingly endangered. It is critically important that the Zoo Society be able to meet this responsibility that the City has placed upon us. In order to fund this project, the Zoo Society is organizing a fundraiser that will be held on October 7 of this year. Last year’s event raised over a $100,000 for the new Orangutan Exhibit. If we can follow up the orangutan success with a similar result for the tigers, it will be of great help to the Zoo Society as we prepare to support the Zoo for the future. Invitations to this event, “Tiger Moon”, will be in the mail within the next few days, and we will be very grateful for any and all support that we receive from Zoo Society members. We have a fantastic support group led by our own Barbara Thacker that will make this event one of the best dinners put on by any organization in Hawaii.

The City’s consultant, David Towne, from the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, is in the process of completing a report to the City on whether the City should pursue a partnership with a community organization such as the Zoo Society to assume significant responsibility for the management of the Zoo. This issue will be debated over the next several weeks, but we remain hopeful that the City will move in the same direction that has been so successfully adopted by many cities on the mainland. The Zoo is a treasure that needs to be continually maintained and updated for people of all generations. A public private partnership ensures this will be done in a manner that is consistent with the conservation mission of the Zoo and the needs of residents and visitors for a fun and exciting zoo experience. Again, your support of the Zoo Society is critically important and is very much appreciated by your Board of Directors.

Summer 2006 Message

With school breaks approaching, the need for activities for children grows. If you have not yet visited the newly dedicated Keiki Zoo and the Orangutan enclosure, you have a real treat ahead. Children will not be easily dragged away from the Keiki Zoo and the new home for Rusti and Violet is a truly world class exhibit.

Another summer activity to plan on attending is the Wildest Show. Thanks to the generosity of Starbucks, the Wildest Show will be back again with more musical performances.

Regular readers of ZooView are aware of the Honolulu Zoo Society’s interest in the establishment of a Public Private Partnership for the management of the Zoo. The person who managed this process for Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo has now been brought on as a consultant to the City to analyze a transition plan and assist this process. We feel this represents a significant step forward. The Society’s Board continues to believe that the preservation of our Zoo depends upon this being accomplished in the near future. As has been the case in virtually every other city, we believe the benefits will far outweigh the effort it will take to accomplish this goal. It is critical that we maintain the Zoo. As more and more animals become endangered, the Zoo and the Society’s efforts in conservation and education become even more important

About this time last year, we were announcing a fundraising event for the Orangutan enclosure. This year’s annual dinner will be for the benefit of the tiger exhibit. The Zoo has been fortunate to acquire a breeding pair of Sumatran tigers. All that remains for them to be able to produce tiger cubs is the improvement of the tiger enclosure to meet the necessary standards for housing cubs.. The fundraiser dinner will be held in the fall and you will be hearing more about that soon.

Your continued support is crucial. We ask for your support for the fundraiser, to renew your memberships, as well as to consider a cash gift to the Society and, as important, to please encourage people you know to become members and to contribute.

 

Spring 2006 Message

The year 2005 was one of the most significant periods in the history of the Honolulu Zoo Society. First, the Society took responsibility for the construction of the orangutan enclosure, one of its most challenging projects. We are pleased to note that both Rusti and Violet, the female orangutan obtained from the San Diego Zoo, are now living in the new enclosure which is open for public viewing. We hope members as well as the public will enjoy the significance of this accomplishment both for the Society and, most importantly, for the animals.
In early March, the dream of a new children’s zoo will be realized with the opening of the amazing Keiki Zoo. We know that the Keiki Zoo is one of the most critical elements of the Zoo for our children, the primary focus of the Zoo itself, and will provide a wonderful experience for young and old.

Working closely with the City Administration, the Zoo Society is working on a number of maintenance projects, both small and large. We recognize that it is important not only to build the new facilities that are needed, such as the veterinary hospital and the Keiki Zoo, but to maintain what we have. As time goes by, you will see small but significant improvements to the appearance of the Zoo itself.

The Zoo Society officers continue to be in discussions with City officials regarding new approaches to the management of the Zoo that will benefit everyone. We have been fortunate in having tremendous support from both Mayor Mufi Hannemann and his appointed director of the Department of Enterprise Services, Mr. Sidney Quintal. Mr. Quintal has undoubtedly spent more time at the zoo and in discussions with the Zoo Society in the year he has been the DES director then all of the directors combined over the past two decades. As a result, the Zoo Society and the City Administration are working hand in hand to develop plans to improve the zoo and to secure its future.

As always, we appreciate the importance of your membership in the Zoo Society. In coming months, efforts will be made to significantly increase our membership, a goal that we need to achieve to secure the stability of the zoo. The Zoo is a critical component of the culture of our city as it provides an opportunity for children in the community to observe animals that they would not otherwise have a chance to see. The Zoo Society membership is a wonderful benefit and we ask you to encourage your friends to join our group, and not only enjoy the benefits of membership, but help to secure the future of this wonderful facility.

Fall 2005 Message

Members of the Zoo Society may well be concerned about the fate of the animals in the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans in the mist of the tragedy that community has endured. Fortunately, the Zoo was not flooded and nearly all of the animals were saved with only two otters being lost due to the storm.

On a positive note, here in Honolulu, I am pleased to report that the enclosure for Rusti the orangutan is on schedule and should be dedicated prior to the fundraising dinner on October 15, 2005. The success of that event is important for the Zoo Society as we are in the process of raising the funds needed to complete the enclosure. Your support would certainly be welcome. And we are still hopeful that a female orangutan will be made available to the Zoo as a companion to Rusti. This is only one of several contributions the Zoo Society has recently been able to make to the zoo. Other improvements include HZS’ financial support of a state of the art veterinary clinic and the new Keiki Zoo which will increase and improve family experiences and educational opportunities at the Zoo. Both the vet clinic and the Keiki Zoo will be opened soon. Again, we encourage you to maintain your interest in the zoo through membership and attendance at this wonderful facility. Thank you for your support.

July 2005 Message

The Zoo Society has taken on new responsibilities that we are hopeful will lead both the Society and the Zoo to significant future accomplishments. First, many of you are probably aware that the Zoo Society has recently taken over responsibility for constructing the enclosure for Rusti the Orangutan. The Orangutan Foundation (OFI) determined, in consultation with Society officers, that it would be best for responsibility for the enclosure’s construction to reside locally. OFI has contributed $200,000 of its funds for the overall construction, and we, along with other donors, have contributed substantial sums as well. This is a significant step for the Zoo Society and is in keeping with our desire to work cooperatively with the City and the Zoo employees to gradually move toward a more active role in the actual management of the Zoo itself.

 I have commented in an earlier column that most of the major zoos in the United States have formed public-private partnerships. Under the direction of Mayor Mufi Hannemann and Mr. Sidney Quintal, the Director of the Department of Business Enterprises, the City has organized a forum to consider whether this would be an appropriate step for the City to take. An answer on this issue should be forthcoming within the next two months, and we will keep you advised through e mail and through the Zoo View.

While we are a small organization, the contribution of the Zoo Society to the welfare of the Zoo has been substantial. It has taken many forms, from working closely with City Council members to support capital improvement projects for the Zoo, to raising substantial capital funds for these projects. We educate thousands upon thousands of the community’s children, co produce The Wildest Show in Town, and conduct many other such activities that help to enrich the Zoo. To our continuing members, and to our volunteers, we are deeply indebted and very gratified for your support.

Speaking of The Wildest Show in Town, after many years of support from AT&T, we have had to find a new sponsor for the program. Thankfully, Starbucks Company has stepped in at the last moment to rescue this very popular summer spectacle. We are thankful to Roy Sakuma who has been the coordinator of this project for many years along with Barb Thacker of the Zoo Society for bringing in Starbucks as the sponsor. Finally, the Zoo Society worked very closely with the City to support the Mayor’s Military Appreciation Day at the Zoo. More than 6,000 members of our military community visited the Zoo on June 4, 2005. The event was a spectacular success. Zoo Society people, employees, officers and members volunteered their time to support this event.

While the Zoo is undergoing much improvement, please remember to use your membership. The Zoo is a wonderful place for your families, and it presents for your enjoyment an enriching and inspiring experience. Again, thank you for your faithful support.

February 2005

Over a long period of time, hundreds of volunteers who care deeply about the welfare of animals have supported the Honolulu Zoo and the Honolulu Zoo Society (“HZS”). They have helped to bring the Society and the Zoo to the edge of a very significant step that will secure the future of the Zoo as a significant institution in Honolulu. That step is to enter into a Public Private Partnership (“PPP)”) with the City. The PPP will enable the Society to take a much larger role in the management of the Zoo and bring advantages to the running of the Zoo that the government is not in a position to utilize. This will be a major change for both the Zoo and the Society but it is a role that is supported by many years of planning and preparation . The PPP is the major form of governance for American zoos today. San Diego’s world famous Zoo and Seattle’s Woodland park Zoo are just two of many such successful ventures.

To assist the HZS to reach this goal, we have been fortunate to see a number of community leaders recently become major supporters of the HZS. They have joined the effort because of their belief in the importance and future of the zoo and the Society. Their view of the role the zoo can play in the community is what has inspired them to volunteer their time. They came to the aid of the HZS in its campaign to raise money for capital improvements and a number of these projects are already under way. If you have not been to the zoo recently, seeing the start of projects like the long-needed veterinary clinic is inspiring and encouraging. Now they and others have agreed to go further and join the board of directors of the HZS to prepare us to work with the new mayoral administration to achieve the PPP. For those of us who have joined the effort recently as well as the steadfast supporters, the response of the community to the fundraising efforts and the dedication of the volunteers have been heartening. A great deal of work will be needed to get us the rest of the way but the experience of other zoos indicates that the effort will have been worth it.

As the new president, I see a board, a staff and members and volunteers who are intent on making the zoo an even better place and in a way that will benefit everyone whose lives are tied to this critical institution.

Recent fundraising efforts have discussed the formation of a PPP as a cornerstone of the overall effort to achieve the Zoo’s potential as a place to teach the importance of animals in our lives as well as a place that can enrich the experience of tourists. Clearly, recent donations have seen the coming of a PPP as a major basis for their gifts. The Board has a commitment to complete this task and to see it done soon.

Recently I met with the administration of Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo. Though larger than our Zoo, Woodland Park faced many of the same challenges we are facing. Their success is a blueprint for us to observe and an example of what we can accomplish. They have successfully moved from where we are to a fully realized Public Private Partnership. Our previous boards and volunteers have created a foundation for the future. The present Board’s mission to reach the end of this path is foremost in every activity we now undertake, But we are also committed to working openly and cooperatively with everyone whose lives are tied to the Zoo so as to make not only the Zoo the success it needs to be but to make the process of getting there a success as well. In the coming months we will keep you informed of our progress. We thank you all for your past support and encourage you to stay with us as we move forward over the coming months.