Houston Zoo Revenue: A Comprehensive Analysis for Zoo Touring Enthusiasts

Zoo Core Editors Desk

Houston Zoo Revenue: A Comprehensive Analysis for Zoo Touring Enthusiasts

by

The Houston Zoo is a renowned attraction that generates a significant portion of its revenue from various sources, including admission fees, membership fees, city management fees, guest program fees, concession contract income, and education program fees. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll delve into the details of the Houston Zoo’s revenue streams, financial performance, and industry comparisons to provide a thorough understanding for zoo touring enthusiasts.

Houston Zoo’s Revenue Streams

  1. Admission Fees: The Houston Zoo earns a substantial portion of its revenue from admission fees, which accounted for $15,322,836 in 2019.

  2. Membership Fees: Membership fees are another significant source of revenue for the zoo, generating $7,538,100 in 2019.

  3. City Management Fee: The City of Houston provides a management fee to the zoo, which contributed $10,127,489 in 2019.

  4. Guest Program Fees: Fees from guest programs, such as educational activities and events, generated $9,252,639 in 2019.

  5. Concession Contract Income: The zoo earns revenue from concession contracts, which accounted for $3,956,216 in 2019.

  6. Education Program Fees: Fees from educational programs, such as camps and classes, contributed $1,201,400 to the zoo’s revenue in 2019.

Annual Revenue Trends

Houston Zoo Revenue

The Houston Zoo’s annual revenue has fluctuated over the years, with the following key data points:

  • 2020: $55,699,647
  • 2019: $47,631,643
  • 2016: $56.2 million

Competitors and Industry Comparison

When comparing the Houston Zoo’s revenue to other major zoos, we can see the following:

  • San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a major competitor, earned an annual revenue of $342.3 million.
  • Saint Louis Zoo: The Saint Louis Zoo, a smaller competitor, earned an annual revenue of $770,000.

Employee and Financial Data

  • Employee Size: The Houston Zoo has between 201 and 500 employees.
  • Average Salary: The average salary at the Houston Zoo is not explicitly stated, but can be estimated based on the average salary of $29,361 at the Woodland Park Zoo, a similar competitor.

Financial Statements and Reports

The Houston Zoo’s financial information is publicly available through its Form 990 reports, which provide detailed data on revenue, expenses, and assets.

Mission and Vision

The Houston Zoo’s mission is to “connect communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife,” while its vision is to “be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.”

Operations and Collections

  • Animal and Horticultural Collections: The zoo does not capitalize its animal and horticultural collections, instead reporting acquisitions as expenditures in the period of acquisition.
  • Conservation Efforts: The Houston Zoo exchanges animals with other organizations to enhance worldwide reproduction and conservation of animals, without recording any liability for these exchange arrangements.

Financial Management

  • Endowment Net Assets: The zoo’s endowment net assets were $15,227,888 in 2019.
  • Cash Management: The zoo’s cash management includes bank deposits that exceed the federally insured limit per depositor per institution.

Governance and Leadership

  • Board of Directors: The zoo is governed by a Board of Directors, which includes members such as Marty Goossen, Robert Graham, and others.
  • Executive Compensation: The compensation of key employees, such as the President and CEO, is reported in the Form 990.

Public Information and Transparency

The Houston Zoo’s financial reports, including the Form 990, are available for public inspection, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Industry Trends and Challenges

The Houston Zoo, like other zoos, faces challenges in balancing its conservation efforts with educational programs and recreational activities, as well as ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

By understanding the Houston Zoo’s revenue streams, financial performance, and industry context, zoo touring enthusiasts can gain valuable insights into the operations and management of this renowned attraction. This information can help inform their decisions and enhance their appreciation for the zoo’s role in wildlife conservation and community engagement.

References

Leave a Comment