Community Foundation will match all gifts to fund, dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000
WATERTOWN — Zoo New York and the Northern New York Community Foundation are partnering to establish a new charitable fund to provide animal care and habitat revitalization at the zoo.
The Zoo New York Animal Wellness Fund has been created at the Northern New York Community Foundation. The fund is designed to help support medical care costs for zoo animals and enhance animal habitats. The Community Foundation recently awarded a $25,000 matching commitment to encourage charitable gifts from the community toward this meaningful fund.
“Zoo New York is committed to the highest quality veterinary care and overall wellness of the animals in our care” said Larry Sorel, Zoo New York executive director. “This new partnership with the Northern New York Community Foundation will ensure our ability to continue to do just that into the future. The Community Foundation’s support of the Zoo over the years has been significant. This is just one more example of how the Foundation makes Northern New York a great place to live and raise a family.”
The Zoo New York Animal Wellness Fund was developed after one zoo animal developed complications from a preexisting injury. Beaker, the great gray owl, came to Zoo New York after being hit by a truck in Alaska. After the accident, Beaker suffered a lost wing and some damage to his eye. The eye injury came to a head in the summer of 2020.
Zoo New York staff and the community quickly collaborated to ensure that costs were covered for the owl’s procedure. With animal care embedded in its mission and vision, Zoo New York engaged the Community Foundation to create a charitable fund that supports future costs to help animals and their habitats at the zoo. The creation of the Zoo New York Animal Wellness Fund is an extension of the organization’s long-standing partnership with the Community Foundation. The Foundation will match any gift made directly to the fund, dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000.
“The Zoo has a long history of public-private partnerships and we have been a part of protecting that investment over the years,” said Rande Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. “This initiative allows us to help increase the impact of donors who want to help sustain the Zoo’s work and support the health and welfare of animals under their care. We appreciate being asked to work alongside them in the overall stewardship of this new endeavor and continue to be supportive when there is a desire on the part of citizens to keep their mission alive.”
To support this initiative and charitable fund, please a make gift directly to: Northern New York Community Foundation, 131 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601. Please place Zoo New York Animal Wellness Fund in the memo line. You may also make a secure gift online at nnycf.org.
Visit zoonewyork.org, or call 315-782-6180, to learn more about Zoo New York or its animal wellness fund.
About Zoo New York
Zoo New York, by example and action, provides knowledge and motivation to conserve nature in New York State through science based natural and cultural experiences. The 32-acre zoo is home to abundant threatened or endangered animals, including wolverines, bears, eagles, mountain lions and more. The zoo attracts nearly 50,000 visitors per year, is supported by more than 600 member households, and reaches more than 30,000 people through education programs. Zoo New York continues to move forward inspiring conservation, education, and family-oriented programs. Call 315-782-6180, visit zoonewyork.org, or e-mail info@zoonewyork.org to learn more.
About the Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors, and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.