efile Public Visual Render
ObjectId: 201632879349300828 - Submission: 2016-10-13
TIN: 25-1418766
SCHEDULE D
(Form 990)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Financial Statements
Complete if the organization answered "Yes," on Form 990,
Part IV, line 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 12a, or 12b.
Attach to Form 990.
Information about Schedule D (Form 990) and its instructions is at
www.irs.gov/form990
.
OMB No. 1545-0047
20
15
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF PITTSBURGH
Employer identification number
25-1418766
Part I
Organizations Maintaining Donor Advised Funds or Other Similar Funds or Accounts.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 6.
(a)
Donor advised funds
(b)
Funds and other accounts
1
Total number at end of year
....
2
Aggregate value of contributions to (during year)
3
Aggregate value of grants from (during year)
4
Aggregate value at end of year
....
5
Did the organization inform all donors and donor advisors in writing that the assets held in donor advised
funds are the organization's property, subject to the organization's exclusive legal control?
...........
Yes
No
6
Did the organization inform all grantees, donors, and donor advisors in writing that grant funds can be
used only for charitable purposes and not for the benefit of the donor or donor advisor, or for any other purpose conferring impermissible private benefit?
............................
Yes
No
Part II
Conservation Easements.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 7.
1
Purpose(s) of conservation easements held by the organization (check all that apply).
Preservation of land for public use (e.g., recreation or education)
Preservation of an historically important land area
Protection of natural habitat
Preservation of a certified historic structure
Preservation of open space
2
Complete lines 2a through 2d if the organization held a qualified conservation contribution in the form of a conservation easement on the last day of the tax year.
Held at the End of the Year
a
Total number of conservation easements
......................
2a
1
b
Total acreage restricted by conservation easements
....................
2b
724.00
c
Number of conservation easements on a certified historic structure included in (a)
.....
2c
0
d
Number of conservation easements included in (c) acquired after 8/17/06, and not on a historic structure listed in the National Register
...
2d
0
3
Number of conservation easements modified, transferred, released, extinguished, or terminated by the organization during the
tax year
1
4
Number of states where property subject to conservation easement is located
1
5
Does the organization have a written policy regarding the periodic monitoring, inspection, handling of violations, and enforcement of the conservation easements it holds?
............
Yes
No
6
Staff and volunteer hours devoted to monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
200.00
7
Amount of expenses incurred in monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
$
10,300
8
Does each conservation easement reported on line 2(d) above satisfy the requirements of section 170(h)(4)(B)(i) and section 170(h)(4)(B)(ii)?
.............................
Yes
No
9
In Part XIII, describe how the organization reports conservation easements in its revenue and expense statement, and
balance sheet, and include, if applicable, the text of the footnote to the organization’s financial statements that describes
the organization’s accounting for conservation easements.
Part III
Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 8.
1a
If the organization elected, as permitted under SFAS 116 (ASC 958), not to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service, provide, in Part XIII, the text of the footnote to its financial statements that describes these items.
b
If the organization elected, as permitted under SFAS 116 (ASC 958), to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service, provide the following amounts relating to these items:
(i)
Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1
.........................
$
(ii)
Assets included in Form 990, Part X
...............................
$
2
If the organization received or held works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets for financial gain, provide the
following amounts required to be reported under SFAS 116 (ASC 958) relating to these items:
a
Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1
..........................
$
b
Assets included in Form 990, Part X
...............................
$
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 52283D
Schedule D (Form 990) 2015
Page 2
Schedule D (Form 990) 2015
Page
2
Part III
Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets
(continued)
3
Using the organization’s acquisition, accession, and other records, check any of the following that are a significant use of its collection items (check all that apply):
a
Public exhibition
d
Loan or exchange programs
b
Scholarly research
e
Other
CONSERVATION
c
Preservation for future generations
4
Provide a description of the organization’s collections and explain how they further the organization’s exempt purpose in
Part XIII.
5
During the year, did the organization solicit or receive donations of art, historical treasures or other similar
assets to be sold to raise funds rather than to be maintained as part of the organization’s collection?
...
Yes
No
Part IV
Escrow and Custodial Arrangements.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 9, or reported an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21.
1a
Is the organization an agent, trustee, custodian or other intermediary for contributions or other assets not
included on Form 990, Part X?
....................................
Yes
No
b
If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII and complete the following table:
Amount
c
Beginning balance
.............................
1c
d
Additions during the year
............................
1d
e
Distributions during the year
..........................
1e
f
Ending balance
................................
1f
2a
Did the organization include an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21, for escrow or custodial account liability?
Yes
No
b
If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII. Check here if the explanation has been provided in Part XIII
........
Part V
Endowment Funds.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 10.
(a)
Current year
(b)
Prior year
(c)
Two years back
(d)
Three years back
(e)
Four years back
1a
Beginning of year balance
....
54,490
54,490
54,490
50,000
50,000
b
Contributions
...
4,490
c
Net investment earnings, gains, and losses
d
Grants or scholarships
...
e
Other expenditures for facilities
and programs
...
f
Administrative expenses
....
g
End of year balance
......
54,490
54,490
54,490
54,490
50,000
2
Provide the estimated percentage of the current year end balance (line 1g, column (a)) held as:
a
Board designated or quasi-endowment
0 %
b
Permanent endowment
100.000 %
c
Temporarily restricted endowment
0 %
The percentages on lines 2a, 2b, and 2c should equal 100%.
3a
Are there endowment funds not in the possession of the organization that are held and administered for the
organization by:
Yes
No
(i)
unrelated organizations
.................
3a(i)
No
(ii)
related organizations
.................
3a(ii)
No
b
If "Yes" on 3a(ii), are the related organizations listed as required on Schedule R?
.........
3b
4
Describe in Part XIII the intended uses of the organization's endowment funds.
Part VI
Land, Buildings, and Equipment.
Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11a. See Form 990, Part X, line 10.
Description of property
(a)
Cost or other basis
(investment)
(b)
Cost or other basis (other)
(c)
Accumulated depreciation
(d)
Book value
1a
Land
...
1,898,743
1,898,743
b
Buildings
63,145,387
18,847,954
44,297,433
c
Leasehold improvements
d
Equipment
...
7,292,650
5,013,927
2,278,723
e
Other
...
10,749,007
2,441,682
8,307,325
Total.
Add lines 1a through 1e.
(Column (d) must equal Form 990, Part X, column (B), line 10(c).)
..
56,782,224
Schedule D (Form 990) 2015
Page 3
Schedule D (Form 990) 2015
Page
3
Part VII
InvestmentsOther Securities.
Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11b.
See Form 990, Part X, line 12.
(a)
Description of security or category
(including name of security)
(b)
Book value
(c)
Method of valuation:
Cost or end-of-year market value
(1)
Financial derivatives
(2)
Closely-held equity interests
(3)
Other
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
(F)
(G)
(H)
Total.
(Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col. (B) line 12.)
Part VIII
InvestmentsProgram Related.
Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11c.
See Form 990, Part X, line 13.
(a)
Description of investment
(b)
Book value
(c)
Method of valuation:
Cost or end-of-year market value
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total.
(Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 13.)
Part IX
Other Assets.
Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11d.
See Form 990, Part X, line 15.
(a)
Description
(b)
Book value
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total.
(Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 15.)
...........
Part X
Other Liabilities.
Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11e or 11f.
See Form 990, Part X, line 25.
1.
(a)
Description of liability
(b)
Book value
(1) Federal income taxes
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total.
(Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 25.)
2.
Liability for uncertain tax positions. In Part XIII, provide the text of the footnote to the organization's financial statements that reports the organization's liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740). Check here if the text of the footnote has been provided in Part XIII
Schedule D (Form 990) 2015
Page 4
Schedule D (Form 990) 2015
Page
4
Part XI
Reconciliation of Revenue per Audited Financial Statements With Revenue per Return
Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 12a.
1
Total revenue, gains, and other support per audited financial statements
.......
1
24,306,322
2
Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12:
a
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments
....
2a
b
Donated services and use of facilities
.........
2b
c
Recoveries of prior year grants
...........
2c
d
Other (Describe in Part XIII.)
............
2d
275,065
e
Add lines
2a
through
2d
.....................
2e
275,065
3
Subtract line
2e
from line
1
..................
3
24,031,257
4
Amounts included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, but not on line
1
:
a
Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b
.
4a
b
Other (Describe in Part XIII.)
...........
4b
c
Add lines
4a
and
4b
....................
4c
0
5
Total revenue. Add lines
3
and
4c.
(This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 12.)
......
5
24,031,257
Part XII
Reconciliation of Expenses per Audited Financial Statements With Expenses per Return.
Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 12a.
1
Total expenses and losses per audited financial statements
...........
1
18,719,804
2
Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part IX, line 25:
a
Donated services and use of facilities
.........
2a
b
Prior year adjustments
............
2b
c
Other losses
................
2c
d
Other (Describe in Part XIII.)
............
2d
275,065
e
Add lines
2a
through
2d
....................
2e
275,065
3
Subtract line
2e
from line
1
...................
3
18,444,739
4
Amounts included on Form 990, Part IX, line 25, but not on line
1:
a
Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b
..
4a
b
Other (Describe in Part XIII.)
............
4b
c
Add lines
4a
and
4b
.....................
4c
0
5
Total expenses. Add lines
3
and
4c.
(This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 18.)
......
5
18,444,739
Part XIII
Supplemental Information
Provide the descriptions required for Part II, lines 3, 5, and 9; Part III, lines 1a and 4; Part lV, lines 1b and 2b;
Part V, line 4; Part X, line 2; Part XI, lines 2d and 4b; and Part XII, lines 2d and 4b. Also complete this part to provide any additional information.
Return Reference
Explanation
PART II, LINE 5:
THE PITTSBURGH ZOO & PPG AQUARIUM CURRENTLY DOES NOT HAVE A WRITTEN POLICY REGARDING THE PERIODIC MONITORING, INSPECTION, VIOLATIONS, AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE CONSERVATION EASEMENTS IT HOLDS. ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS, THE ORGANIZATION DOES REVIEW ANY PROGRAM CHANGE OR DEVELOPMENT ON THE PROPERTY DIRECTLY AND IMMEDIATELY WITH THE HOLDER OF THE CONSERVATION EASEMENT. THE PROPERTY IS COMPLETELY ENCLOSED BY A PERIMETER FENCE AND IS USED EXCLUSIVELY BY THE ZOO TO CONDUCT CONSERVATION ORIENTED PROGRAMMING.
PART II, LINE 9:
THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF PITTSBURGH WITH AN ADDRESS AT ONE WILD PLACE, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15206-1178 WAS GRANTED A RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AGAINST THE PROPERTY (PARCEL OF LAND IN SOMERSET COUNTY) IN THE FORM OF A PERPETUAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT. THIS PROPERTY IS LOCATED IN SOMERSET COUNTY, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA AND CONTAINS APPROXIMATELY 724 ACRES. THERE IS ONLY ONE CONSERVATION EASEMENT WHICH WAS HELD AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR AND THERE WERE NO ADDITIONS DURING THE COURSE OF 2015. THERE WERE MINIMAL STAFF HOURS AND NO LEGAL EXPENSES DEVOTED TO MONITORING AND ENFORCING THE EXISTING EASEMENT DURING THE TAX YEAR. EXPENSES ARE CAPTURED UNDER ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. THE LAND THAT IS THE SUBJECT OF THE CONSERVATION EASEMENT IS RECORDED ON THE BALANCE SHEET OF THE ORGANIZATION'S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
PART III, LINE 1A:
ANIMAL AND HORTICULTURAL COLLECTION - COLLECTIONS ARE OWNED BY THE SOCIETY AND ARE NOT CAPITALIZED. COSTS OF PURCHASING COLLECTION ITEMS AND PROCEEDS FROM SALES ARE RECOGNIZED IN THE YEAR OF ACQUISITION OR SALE. PART III, LINE 4: THE PITTSBURGH ZOO AND PPG AQUARIUM IS A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION COMMITTED TO PUBLIC SERVICE. WE ADVANCE THIS COMMITMENT THROUGH THE ADVANCEMENT OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE, AND ALSO BY LESSENING THE BURDENS OF GOVERNMENT THROUGH OUR EFFORTS IN THE AREAS OF THE CONSERVATION OF ANIMALS AND WILDLIFE, HISTORIC PRESERVATION, AND THE PROVISION OF OPEN SPACE FOR PUBLIC RECREATION. WE DONATE A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF OUR SERVICES TO BENEFIT OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY, THE REGIONAL COMMUNITY, AND BEYOND, AND OPERATE ENTIRELY FREE FROM PROFIT MOTIVE. TODAY THE ZOO IS HOME TO MORE THAN 900 SPECIES AND 8,000 ANIMALS, MANY THREATENED OR ENDANGERED. EACH OF OUR EXCEPTIONAL RESIDENTS ACTS AS AN AMBASSADOR OF ITS SPECIES TO ALL WHO PASS THROUGH OUR GATES. EVERY SPECIES HAS A STORY TO TELL AND OUR ANIMAL AMBASSADORS DO A GREAT JOB OF WELCOMING, EDUCATING, AND CONNECTING WITH EVERY VISITOR. OUR PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES FOLLOW THE FOUR PRONGS OF OUR MISSION STATEMENT: CONSERVATION EDUCATION, CONSERVATION, RESEARCH, AND FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT. TO FURTHER OUR MISSION, WE MAKE ACCESSIBILITY A TOP PRIORITY. THE ZOO IS OPEN EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR EXCEPT CHRISTMAS DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, AND NEW YEAR'S DAY. WE PROACTIVELY ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY AND THE REGION THROUGH TARGETED SPECIAL EVENTS AND PROMOTIONS. TO MAXIMIZE INVOLVEMENT AND INTEREST, WE CONSIDER THE GENERAL PUBLIC, FAMILIES, SPECIAL NEEDS GROUPS, AND ZOO MEMBERS WHEN CRAFTING OUR SCHEDULE. WE ARE ADA ACCESSIBLE AS WELL. WE PLAN SPECIAL PROMOTIONS AND EVENTS TO HIGHLIGHT OUR PURPOSES OF CONSERVATION EDUCATION, CONSERVATION, RESEARCH, AND FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT IN VERY DIFFERENT WAYS, AND WE DO THIS TO APPEAL TO THE BROADEST SPECTRUM OF VISITORS POSSIBLE. FROM A 5K RACE TO A NEW BABY CELEBRATION, FROM ZOO CAMP TO ELEPHANT DAY, THE VARIETY OF WAYS WE INSPIRE AND ATTRACT IS BOUNDLESS. CONSERVATION EDUCATION: ANNUALLY, NEARLY 300,000 STUDENTS OF ALL AGES ENJOY OUR POPULAR EDUCATION PROGRAMS, CLASSES, AND TEACHER WORKSHOPS. THESE PROGRAMS ALLOW PARTICIPANTS TO IDENTIFY CLOSER WITH WILDLIFE, PLANTS, AND THEIR HABITATS TO PROVIDE A FIRM UNDERSTANDING OF THE INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF ALL LIVING THINGS. LEARNING ADVENTURES BRINGS IN STUDENT GROUPS OR SENDS A ZOOMOBILE TO SCHOOLS. CLASS PRESENTATIONS ARE DESIGNED TO SPEAK TO EACH AGE LEVEL THROUGH COLLEGE. FOR TWO YEAR OLDS THE CLASSES ARE AS BASIC AS MEETING SMALL LIVE ANIMALS. COLLEGE STUDENTS MAY DISCUSS ADVANCED TOPICS LIKE PRIMATES AS AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL SUBJECT. ZOOMOBILES MAKE NUMEROUS APPEARANCES AT COMMUNITY FAIRS, MALLS, AND OUTLETS TO PROMOTE THE ZOO'S MANY CONSERVATION-EDUCATION PROGRAMS. MANY OF THESE PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE. OUR ZOO CAMP SUMMER PROGRAM CONTINUES TO SET RECORD BREAKING ATTENDANCE LEVELS. WE ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR THE CONTINUED GROWTH OF THIS PROGRAM. THE KIDSCIENCE PROJECT PROVIDES PITTSBURGH AREA MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH ENRICHING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES. THE YEAR-LONG PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO INTRODUCE STUDENTS TO METHODS AND PRINCIPLES RELATED TO CONSERVATION BIOLOGY. STUDENTS WORK WITH OUR STAFF ON PROJECTS THAT EMPOWER THEM TO GO INTO THEIR SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES AND LEAD CONSERVATION EFFORTS. KIDSCIENCE STUDENTS HAVE HAD A REAL AND MEANINGFUL IMPACT ON MANY OF THE ZOO'S RESEARCH PROJECTS, INCLUDING WORK THAT LED TO THE BIRTHS OF OUR ELEPHANT CALVES. FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS DO NOT IMPACT PARTICIPATION; WE HAVE AWARDED OVER 215 NEEDS-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS TO QUALIFIED STUDENTS SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1999. THE ZOO OFFERS INTERNSHIPS IN ALL AREAS OF THE FACILITY, INCLUDING THE MARKETING, ANIMAL, EDUCATION, VETERINARY, AQUARIUM, AND HORTICULTURE DEPARTMENTS. THROUGH VETERINARY EXTERNSHIPS, VETERINARY TECHNICIAN INTERNSHIPS, AND A NEW UNDERGRADUATE ANIMAL HEALTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM, THE ZOO PROVIDED MORE THAN 3,000 HOURS OF TRAINING FOR SEVEN AMERICAN AND THREE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS. AS IT HAS FOR MANY DECADES, OUR ZOO TEEN PROGRAM PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEENS AGED 14 TO 17 TO WORK AT THE ZOO DURING THE SUMMER. WE CONTINUE TO WORK WITH A HOST OF COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND LOCAL SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE AT-RISK YOUTH AN OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN FIRSTHAND KNOWLEDGE AND ON-THE-JOB LEARNING IN VIABLE POSITIONS AT THE ZOO. WE CONTINUE TO BE ONE OF THE LARGEST YOUTH EMPLOYERS IN THE REGION. COMMUNITY EDUCATION IS NOT LIMITED TO CLASSROOMS AND THE WORKPLACE. IN OUR ADMISSIONS AREA, WE HAVE INSTALLED AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION FOR GUEST USE, AS WELL AS COST SAVING SOLAR LIGHT POLES, SOLAR PANELS AND A WINDSPIRE VERTICAL WIND TURBINE. THESE PROJECTS SERVE FUNCTIONALLY, BUT ALSO OFFER INCREASED PUBLIC AWARENESS OF SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES TO TRADITIONAL ENERGY SOURCES. WE ARE COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION AND THE CREATIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF GREEN IDEAS. ANOTHER WAY WE ENGAGE THE LARGER COMMUNITY IS THROUGH OUR PARTICIPATION IN THE MYACTIONS PROGRAM. THE PROGRAM ENCOURAGES CITIZENS TO PERFORM AND REPORT ON THE DAILY, SUSTAINABLE ACTIONS THEY COMPLETE, SUCH AS USING REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS AND COMPOSTING THEIR WASTE. REPORTING ON THEIR ACTIONS EARNS POINTS THAT GENERATE DONATIONS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSE OF THEIR CHOICE. MYACTIONS IS A SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE WAY WE SEEK TO REINFORCE POSITIVE DAILY BEHAVIORS IN EVERYDAY LIFE. CONSERVATION & RESEARCH: WE LEAD THE WAY IN IMPROVING THE BREEDING POTENTIAL OF THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT POPULATION IN US ACCREDITED ZOOS BY ACQUIRING NEW BLOODLINES THROUGH IMPORTATIONS FROM ABROAD. IN 2012, THREE FEMALE AFRICAN ELEPHANTS FROM BOTSWANA ARRIVED AT OUR INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION CENTER IN SOMERSET, AS WELL AS A NEW MALE FROM GERMANY. ADDING THESE ELEPHANTS TO EXISTING HERDS ENHANCES FUTURE BREEDING POTENTIAL. INFUSION OF NEW GENETICS INTO THE US POPULATION, ALONG WITH ACCOMPANYING RESEARCH, CONSERVATION, AND EDUCATION, IS INTEGRAL TO OUR LEADERSHIP IN AFRICAN ELEPHANT CONSERVATION AND CAPTIVE BIRTHS. WE ARE PLEASED TO PARTICIPATE IN PROJECT SECORE (SEXUAL CORAL REPRODUCTION). SECORE IS THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE LEADING WORLD CORAL SCIENTISTS AND PUBLIC AQUARIUM PROFESSIONALS, WHOSE GOAL IS TO RESTORE ENDANGERED CORAL REEFS AND TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON THEIR IMPORTANCE TO THE WORLD'S OCEAN ECOSYSTEMS. IN 2015, THE ZOO HOSTED THE 25TH ANNUAL FELID TAXON ADVISORY GROUP CONFERENCE. CAT CONSERVATION PROFESSIONALS FROM AROUND THE WORLD ATTENDED TO LEARN THE LATEST ADVANCES AND UPDATES IN FELID HUSBANDRY, RESEARCH, AND CONSERVATION, AND EXCHANGE IDEAS WITH COLLEAGUES. THE ZOO PLANTED A GREEN ROOF ATOP THE WATER'S EDGE BUILDING, AND CONDUCTED A STUDY OF WHICH PLANTS WILL THRIVE AND WHICH WILL NOT UNDER ROOF TOP CONDITIONS. THE DATA COLLECTED HELPS THE REGION'S ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS, AND HORTICULTURALISTS DECIDE WHAT TO PLANT ON THEIR GREEN ROOFS. GREEN ROOFS CONSERVE ENERGY AND UTILIZE STORM WATER RUNOFF. AS SOCIETY INCREASES ITS EFFORTS TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABILITY, GREEN ROOFS WILL DOMINATE THE LANDSCAPE. OUR RESEARCH WILL HELP ELIMINATE THE TRIAL-AND-ERROR PROCESS IN DETERMINING THE BEST PALETTE OF VEGETATION. OUR RAIN CATCH BASIN GARDEN IS ANOTHER GREEN PLANTING INNOVATION. INDIGENOUS PLANTS THRIVE IN THIS GARDEN, DESIGNED TO MAXIMIZE STORMWATER USE AND MINIMIZE THE NEED FOR WATERING. THE SYSTEM ALSO DIMINISHES EROSION BY ENCOURAGING WATER TO SATURATE THE GROUND INSTEAD OF POOLING AND CREATING POLLUTED RUNOFF. A SUSTAINABILITY AUDIT OF THE ZOO WAS COMPLETED AND THE RESULTING REPORTS GIVE SPECIFIC ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS WITH EXPECTED COSTS AND BENEFITS, AND FOCUS BOTH ON ACTIONS WE CAN TAKE IMMEDIATELY AND IN THE FUTURE TO SAVE MONEY, INCREASE EFFICIENCIES, AND BECOME BETTER STEWARDS OF OUR PLANET. SIMPLE CHANGES LIKE UPGRADING LIGHT FIXTURES AND REPLACING WORN DOOR GASKETS YIELD FINANCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RETURNS. MAJOR PROJECTS SUCH AS HVAC UPGRADES, UTILITY USE ASSESSMENTS, AND SUSTAINABLE ROOFING SOLUTIONS WILL YIELD EVEN GREATER BENEFITS.
PART III, LINE 4:
(CONTINUED) FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT: THE ZOO IS THE MOST VISITED CULTURAL ATTRACTION IN THE SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA REGION. ATTENDANCE IN 2015 WAS A STRONG 929,365. SUSTAINED ATTENDANCE GROWTH IN RECENT YEARS IS THANKS IN LARGE PART TO THE SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF OUR WATER'S EDGE EXHIBIT IN 2006. ANNUAL ATTENDANCE EXCEEDED THE ONE MILLION MARK FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE YEARS AFTER THIS EXHIBIT OPENED. OUR RECORD ATTENDANCE YEAR WAS IN 2009, AT 1,033,535 VISITORS. WHILE MULTIPLE FACTORS CONTRIBUTE TO OUR HEALTHY ATTENDANCE, INCLUDING A VERY STRONG CONSERVATION EDUCATION PROGRAM, OUR GUESTS ARE PRIMARILY DRAWN BY OUR TREMENDOUS COLLECTION OF RARE ANIMALS AND IMPRESSIVE EXHIBITS. OUR LARGEST ANCHOR EXHIBIT, WATER'S EDGE, HOUSES AND SHOWCASES POLAR BEARS, SEA OTTERS, AND SAND TIGER SHARKS IN A SETTING THAT REPLICATES AN ALASKAN COASTAL FISHING VILLAGE. WE PROVIDE VISITORS WITH COUNTLESS OUTSTANDING VIEWS OF THE ANIMALS THROUGH 14 LARGE WINDOWS, BUT THE MOST SPECTACULAR DISPLAY IS FROM BELOW. WATER'S EDGE CONTAINS TWO UNDERWATER TUNNELS - ONE THROUGH THE POLAR BEAR POOL AND ONE THROUGH THE SAND TIGER SHARK POOL - THAT PROVIDE REMARKABLE AND UNCOMMON PERSPECTIVES THROUGH A SEAMLESS ACRYLIC WINDOW SURROUNDING OBSERVERS ON THREE SIDES. WATER'S EDGE ALSO FEATURES A FLOOR-TO-CEILING WINDOW WHERE ONE CAN SEE THE BELOW-THE-SURFACE AREA OF SEA OTTER COVE. HERE, OTTERS ARE OBSERVED GLIDING EFFORTLESSLY THROUGH THEIR POOL IN A MAJESTIC WATER BALLET. LATE 2013 SAW THE ARRIVAL OF FOUR ENDANGERED CHEETAHS. THEY ARE IMPORTANT BECAUSE GENETICALLY THEY ARE DIFFERENT FROM THE EXISTING NORTH AMERICAN POPULATION. THEIR INTRODUCTION IS IMPORTANT TO THE OVERALL STRENGTH OF THE EXISTING GENE POOL AND WILL IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND VIABILITY OF ANY NEW PROGENY. SUCCESSFUL BREEDING IS A TOP CONSERVATION GOAL. OUR BABY WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLA, WHO NOW IS THREE, IS A TREMENDOUS CONSERVATION SUCCESS STORY FOR THIS ENDANGERED SPECIES. THE ZOO'S RECENT ENDEAVOR, A SERIES OF NEW EXHIBITS CALLED TOP OF THE WORLD, WILL SEE A MAJOR EXPANSION OF THE EXISTING ZOO. IT WILL INCORPORATE APPROXIMATELY 15 NEW OUTDOOR EXHIBITS AND MULTIPLE INDOOR EXHIBITS THAT FOCUS ON AND EMPHASIZE ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES, MANY OF WHICH HAVE NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE AT THE PITTSBURGH ZOO. THE FIRST PHASE OR TOP OF THE WORLD OPENED IN 2015. CALLED THE ISLANDS, THE AREA OFFERS AN IMMERSIVE TROPICAL ATMOSPHERE WITH LUSH FLORA, CASCADING WATERFALLS, AND THE UNIQUE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF CRITICALLY ENDANGERED ISLAND SPECIES. THE CALLS OF THE SIAMANG, A PRIMATE SPECIES WELL KNOWN FOR ITS INCREDIBLE VOCALIZATIONS, CARRY THROUGHOUT THE ZOO. MEANWHILE, THE DISTINCTIVE MOHAWK-LIKE FUR OF THE VISAYAN WARTY PIGS, THE PLAYFUL ANTICS OF CLOUDED LEOPARDS, AND THE WATCHFUL EYES OF PHILIPPINE CROCODILES, ONE OF THE MOST ENDANGERED REPTILE SPECIES ON EARTH, CONTINUE TO ENTHRALL VISITORS OF ALL AGES. A YEARLING NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL NAMED COOLIO WAS RESCUED IN 2014. HE WAS FOUND SEVERELY MALNOURISHED ON A BEACH IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WITH INJURIES TO HIS EYES AND FACE. WITH PATIENCE AND TIME THIS AWESOME ELEPHANT SEAL HAS MADE LEAPS AND BOUNDS. COOLIO HAS BECOME PLAYFUL, RETRIEVING TOYS FROM HIS POOL AND PARTICIPATING IN OTHER COOPERATIVE BEHAVIORS WITH OUR TEAM. SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE PROGRAM IN 2009, THE SEA TURTLE SECOND CHANCE PROGRAM ALSO CONTINUES HELPING SEA TURTLES. THE ZOO PARTICIPATED IN THE BIGGEST ONSITE RESCUE EFFORT TO DATE. FOURTEEN COLD, STUNNED KEMP'S RIDLEY'S SEA TURTLES FROM THE NORTHEAST COAST WERE NURSED BACK TO HEALTH. THE PROGRAM HAS SEEN LOGGERHEAD, KEMP'S RIDLEY, AND GREEN SEA TURTLES RELEASED BACK INTO THE WILD. OUR COMMITMENT TO EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ON THE IMPORTANCE OF WILDLIFE AND WILD PLACES IS EVIDENT IN THE COMPASSIONATE MANNER IN WHICH OUR PRECIOUS RESIDENTS ARE NURTURED. WE REALIZE SOME OF OUR GUESTS WOULD LIKE MORE THAN JUST A LOOK AT THE ANIMALS, SO OUR EXHIBITS HAVE GRAPHICS AND INTERPRETIVES TELLING ABOUT AN ANIMAL'S LIFE CYCLE, PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND, WHERE APPROPRIATE, THREATS IN THE WILD. OUR DEDICATED STAFF STRIVES TO IMPROVE THE LIFE EXPERIENCES OF ANIMALS AND TO PROMOTE NATURAL BEHAVIORS WITH SPECIALIZED ACTIVITIES. OUR KEEPERS ARE AVAILABLE AT POSTED TIMES TO TEACH ABOUT THEIR CHARGES. AT TIMES, THEY ALSO SHOWCASE THE ANIMALS' BEHAVIORS WITH ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES. SOMETIMES THE FOCUS IS SIMPLY ON FUN. EVENTS LIKE ZOO BOO, SUMMER SAFARI, AND THE NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY AT NOON ARE INCREDIBLY POPULAR. SOMETIMES THOUGH, THE FOCUS IS ON ENSURING EVERYONE GETS TO JOIN IN ON THE FUN. SINCE 2006, DREAM NIGHT, A SUCCESSFUL AND VERY SPECIAL EVENT, HAS THE ZOO PARTNERING WITH MULTIPLE CHILD-FOCUSED ORGANIZATIONS AND ADVOCATES. KIDS WITH DISABILITIES ARE INVITED TO A COMPLIMENTARY PRIVATE ZOO VISIT. IN ORDER TO ENSURE ACCESSIBILITY FOR EVERYONE REGARDLESS OF FINANCIAL MEANS, THE ZOO DESIGNATES FREE DAYS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. THERE ARE VARIOUS SPECIAL PROMOTIONS DURING THE YEAR OFFERING DISCOUNTED ADMISSION AS WELL. PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY, OR EMOTIONALLY CHALLENGED PERSONS ARE GRANTED FREE ADMISSION ANY TIME THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. GROUPS SERVING THE DISADVANTAGED ARE OFFERED FREE ADMISSION TO THE ZOO THROUGH OUR SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM, OPERATING FOR OVER TWO DECADES. SINCE 1898, THE PITTSBURGH ZOO & PPG AQUARIUM HAS BEEN INCREASINGLY SUCCESSFUL AT PROVIDING THIS REGION WITH UNIQUE, CUTTING-EDGE OPPORTUNITIES TO DISCOVER AND APPRECIATE WILDLIFE. WE CONSIDER THIS PUBLIC SERVICE BOTH INVALUABLE AND IMPERATIVE. THE WORK WE DO NOT ONLY BENEFITS CONSERVATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT, BUT ALSO IMPROVES OUR COMMUNITY AND OVERALL CULTURE. WE EXPECT TO CONTINUE AND GROW OUR PROGRAMS IN COMING YEARS, ADDING INCREASED VALUE TO THE PUBLIC EXPERIENCE FOR YEARS TO COME, AND ENSURING THE ZOO IS A PREMIERE DESTINATION FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS TO LEARN, CONNECT WITH NATURE, AND GROW AS INDIVIDUALS AND AS WORLD CITIZENS.
PART V, LINE 4:
THE $50,000 PERMANENTLY RESTRICTED GRANT CAME FROM A DONOR IN MARCH OF 2005 AS A START UP GRANT TO FUND AN ENDOWMENT TO SUPPORT GENERAL OPERATIONS SPENDING.
PART X, LINE 2:
THE SOCIETY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE RELATIVE TO UNCERTAINTY IN INCOME TAXES, WHICH PRESCRIBES A MINIMUM RECOGNITION THRESHOLD AND MEASUREMENT METHODOLOGY THAT A TAX POSITION TAKEN OR EXPECTED TO BE TAKEN IN A TAX RETURN IS REQUIRED TO MEET BEFORE BEING RECOGNIZED IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. THE ADOPTION OF THE ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE DID NOT HAVE A MATERIAL IMPACT ON THE SOCIETY'S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. THE SOCIETY IS NO LONGER SUBJECT TO EXAMINATIONS BY TAXING AUTHORITIES FOR YEARS BEFORE 2012.
PART XI, LINE 2D - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS:
EXPENSES RELATED TO SPECIAL EVENTS 275,065.
PART XII, LINE 2D - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS:
EXPENSES RELATED TO SPECIAL EVENTS 275,065.
PART VI, LINE 1E:
OTHER PROPERTY: EXHIBITS AND IMPROVEMENTS 8,509,930. CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS 2,239,077. TOTAL OTHER 10,749,007.
Schedule D (Form 990) 2015
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