IndIanapolIs Zoo annual RepoRt 2011

deaR FRIends
Like many others, the Indianapolis Zoological Society
recognizes the profound challenge of sustaining the
wonders of our planet for future generations. Fortunately,
thanks to the generosity and support of our leaders and
friends (and the talent and experience of our staff and
volunteer team), we have become an organization capable
of making a real difference for the future, while we contribute
today toward the quality of life in our community.
Today, we share an opportunity to help save the most
endangered great ape species––the orangutans––while
creating a stronger, more capable future for both the
Indianapolis Zoo and the many animal species we are
working to preserve.
The Indianapolis Zoo Campaign for Conservation and
Community Phase II––Saving the Orangutans, represents
far more than a fundraising campaign for a new exhibit.
It also stands for, in many ways, the Indianapolis Zoo’s
coming of age, as it defines us not only as a truly worldclass
zoo but also as a global conservation organization.
It will certainly establish the world’s best zoo exhibit in
our community, and it will also help save orangutans in
the wild. It will elevate understanding, education, and
economic development here at home and will advance
Indianapolis’ leadership image around the world.
The $30 million Campaign for Conservation and
Community is an ambitious undertaking and includes 2011’s
Tiger Forest; the 2012 renovation of the Zoo’s front plaza;
Flights of Fancy: A Brilliance of Birds presented by Citizens
Energy Group opening in May 2012; an exciting (yes, we
said exciting!) new addition to White River Gardens for
2013; and, finally the International Orangutan Center.
All of the projects are steps forward in the advancement
of our Mission: empowering people and communities,
both locally and globally, to advance animal conservation.
To learn more, please visit the Campaign website:
indianapoliszoofuture.com.
In 2011, our intent was to re-imagine our existing Amur
tiger exhibit into something really special, which we called
Tiger Forest. In the planning stages, we all told ourselves
that we knew what it would be like to look at a tiger
eye-to-eye. But even zoo veterans were astonished at the
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