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I

ROARING

INTO OUR FUTURE!

Naples Zoo Announces $25 Million Capital Campaign and $5 Million Endowment Drive

I n November of 2016, Naples Zoo publicly announced any way reflect the beauty and expansiveness of the Zoo
and botanical garden experience inside.
plans to roar into the future with the launch of a $25
Million Capital Campaign and $5 Million Endowment
The Southwest Florida community is one of the fastest
Drive. As the only nationally accredited zoo serving growing areas in the nation, according to the U.S. Census
Southwest Florida, the Zoo recognizes that it must expand Bureau’s most recent population estimates. In response to
its offerings, continue local wildlife conservation efforts and this growth and anticipated future growth, Naples Zoo has
increase its capacity as the region’s population grows. been hard at work developing a forward-thinking master
plan designed to meet the needs of our Southwest Florida
THE CHALLENGE community and visitors to our area for generations to
Naples Zoo’s current entrance and gift shop was built come. With the ever-increasing pace of modern society, it
in the 1970’s when Zoo attendance was less than 100,000 is becoming more difficult to find opportunities for quality
visitors annually. Attendance has grown to nearly 400,000 family time. Naples Zoo is a place in the community where
and the building simply can’t handle the volume of visitors families can share moments of togetherness and enjoy
that the Zoo is now attracting. Long lines greet visitors time with each other while learning and being inspired by
many days of the year, particularly during the Zoo’s busiest animals and nature.
season. Most importantly, the 1970’s structure does not in
28 Life in Naples | March 2017