How is the Zoo governed?
The Saint Louis Zoo is legally classified as a tax-supported political sub-district of the State of Missouri. Essentially, the Zoo is a government agency and has restrictions on how it raises and spends money. The Zoo has created nonprofit partners to allow it to accomplish certain tasks and activities that will help to ensure the Zoo remains successful. Thus, the Zoo is governed and supported by three organizations:
The Zoo Commission. The Missouri State Legislature established the Zoo sub-district Commission as the Zoo's governing authority. Five members of the Commission reside in the City and five members reside in the County. The Commission has the fiduciary responsibility for the well-being of the Zoo. In addition, two independent nonprofit organizations support the Zoo and are governed by volunteer boards.
The Saint Louis Zoo Association is a private nonprofit organization made up of business and community leaders. It works with the Zoo to provide leadership for fundraising, conservation education, programming, facilities, government relations and special events.
The Zoo Endowment Trust was created in 2004. Members of the Zoo Association Board serve on the Endowment Trust Board to oversee investment policies and review fiscal matters related to the Trust. The Trust holds and manages financial assets, both donor restricted and board designated, for the advancement of the Zoo.
Members of the Zoo Commission and the Zoo Association Board serve on joint committees of the Zoo, including Government Relations, Animal Care Advocacy, Education, Audit and others. One of these committees, the Finance Committee, is made up of legal, accounting and investment experts from the community. The Committee sets policy, reviews the Zoo's financial statements and budgets and reports regularly to the Commission and Zoo Association on financial activity.
|
