Savvy readers saw through the press release on Sequoia Zoo Foundation but to get the real story people have to be willing to go on record

 

Savvy readers saw through the press release on Sequoia Zoo Foundation. Yes, there is a bigger story. Several people knew weeks ago about the Foundation's decisions weeks ago . To get the real story people have to be willing to go on record. They are not; for various reasons. 

Some anons are spinning different tales online. If any of the keyboard warriors have evidence of their claims, provide it to the community with your real name. Just throwing out information without proof anonymously so you can avoid consequences is typical Humboldt. There are a lot more pressing issues facing Eureka and other news to cover. Time will reveal the impact of dissolving the Foundation and whether the City of Eureka can continue the fundraising, membership and events.

The City of Eureka issued a statement on April 13 which has been added to this post.

April 12 Foundation press release:

The Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation (SPZF) is a 501(c)(3) established in 2004 and is the philanthropic, nonprofit partner that has proudly supported the City of Eureka’s Sequoia Park Zoo for over 20 years. In two decades SPZF cultivated over 26,000 donors and innovative partnerships, and inspired collaborative community engagement through fundraising, promotions and events. SPZF has raised nearly $15 million since its inception and has been successful in securing and organizing funding for many capital projects to enhance the zoo experience including:

2004: Barnyard and Contact Corral

2005: The Arkley Pavillion

2007: Bill’s Garden

2008: Hilfiker Aviary Renovation

2010: The Red Panda and Muntjak Habitat

2011: Flamingos, Cavies, and Screamers Habitats

2014: Watershed Heroes Project

2016: McClean Raptor Aviary

2017: Lamoree Learning Lab

2019: Vintage Snack Cart Renovation

2020: The Redwood Sky Walk

2022/23: The Bear and Coyote Habitat

It is with a heavy heart that the Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation announces the end of an era in its decision to dissolve the organization in the coming months.

Over the last several years, the Sequoia Park Zoo has grown and changed to become the premier community and tourist destination SPZF intended when the organization formed as the philanthropic partner to the City of Eureka. With the launch of world-class interpretive experiences such as the Watershed Heroes Project, the Redwood Sky Walk and the new Bear and Coyote Habitat, the zoo has seen —and continues to see— record attendance with visitors from all over the world. The City of Eureka reports over $2.6 million in zoo revenue in 2023 alone. It is this positive and successful growth and development of our neighborhood zoo nestled in the redwoods that has piqued interest from the City of Eureka to assume greater responsibility for ongoing fundraising, membership, promotions, marketing and events at the zoo. SPZF has decided to gracefully pass the baton.

Over the coming months, SPZF will map out the strategic sunsetting of the organization by drafting its plan for dissolution, articulating how remaining assets will be distributed and specifying how remaining liabilities will be addressed. SPZF is committed to ensuring that our community’s generous donations are directed toward the projects for which those funds were given. You may follow updates regarding the dissolution process at www.spzfoundation.org and in SPZF’s eChatter Newsletter.

The Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation’s impact at Sequoia Park Zoo was and continues to be the successful legacy of all of our esteemed stakeholders, community leaders, partners, donors, board members, patrons and volunteers. It has been a privilege to support the zoo in becoming the international attraction it is today, working alongside those devoting time, talent, and funds over two decades. Thank you for twenty years of your support.

April 13 statement by City of Eureka:

The City of Eureka acknowledges the Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation’s recent decision to dissolve their operations as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit fundraising organization and is very grateful to the Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation for their many years of philanthropic support.  

The City of Eureka and Sequoia Park Zoo wishes to reassure the community that the Foundation’s decision will not impact animal care, guest access, operations, or staffing.   

“We will continue to meet and exceed the highest standards of animal wellbeing while providing guests with experiences that create and deepen connections to wildlife and wild places,” says Jim Campbell-Spickler, Sequoia Park Zoo Director. “We have seen record-breaking growth over the past few years, and I am excited for what the future holds for our little zoo in the redwoods.” 

The City of Eureka has owned, operated, staffed and made all capital improvements to the Sequoia Park Zoo since it opened in 1907, and the Zoo has been proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for over 25 years.   “The City remains committed to preserving and promoting the unique history and mission of the Sequoia Park Zoo,” says Donna Wood, Director of Community Services for the City of Eureka. “We look forward to continuing to shepherd the success of the Zoo in collaboration with our community partners.” Anyone wishing to stay connected or learn more about the future of the Sequoia Park Zoo may visit www.redwoodzoo.org.