2025-10-16T09:54:28-05:00 2024-12-31 420714325 RSM US LLP 4650 EAST 53RD STREET DAVENPORT IA 528073479 990 2024-01-01 436048888 FRIENDS OF THE ZOO INC OF KANSAS CITY MISSOURI C/O LINDA FALK FRIE 8165951234 6800 ZOO DRIVE KANSAS CITY MO 64132 LINDA FALK CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER 8165951234 2025-10-08 1 0 JENIFER CHASE P01306883 5638884000 2025-10-08 2024 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z KANSAS CITY ZOO & AQUARIUM SEAN PUTNEY 6800 ZOO DRIVE KANSAS CITY MO 64132 57250715 0 X WWW.KANSASCITYZOO.ORG X 1959 MO THE KANSAS CITY ZOO & AQUARIUM, WITH ITS WORLD-CLASS ANIMAL HABITATS AND EXCEPTIONAL PROGRAMS, ATTRACTS VISITORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD AND FAMILIES FROM CLOSE TO HOME. 20 20 725 730 2004 821 37187794 21805379 21639175 26953950 1037780 1777405 2652941 3089744 62517690 53626478 235253 506223 0 0 17970405 20575724 30000 27500 866221 39242233 30362223 57477891 51471670 5039799 2154808 33032953 37145143 8317297 9449305 24715656 27695838 X THE KANSAS CITY ZOO & AQUARIUM CONNECTS ALL PEOPLE TO EACH OTHER AND THE NATURAL WORLD TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING, APPRECIATION, AND CONSERVATION. 0 0 30271853 506223 21854154 COLLECTION OF ANIMALS AS WELL AS CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH - SEE SCHEDULE O 13097811 0 7362985 MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMS - SEE SCHEDULE O 4519694 0 723724 EDUCATION AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS - SEE SCHEDULE O 47889358 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 122 0 725 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 X 20 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 X LINDA FALK 8165951234 6800 ZOO DRIVE KANSAS CITY MO 64132 WESLEY FIELDS BOARD MEMBER/PRESIDENT 2.00 X X 0 0 0 DAVE SANCHEZ BOARD MEMBER/TREASURER 2.00 X X 0 0 0 TONY REINHART BOARD MEMBER/CHAIR 2.00 X X 0 0 0 AL MAURO JR BOARD MEMBER/SECRETARY 2.00 X X 0 0 0 JAN FRANCIS THRU 102024 BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 JC ALONZO BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 JENNIFER BENNETT BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 DR YOLANDA CARGILE BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 CHRIS COTTEN BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 JEFF DILLON THRU 102024 BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 SANDRA GARCIA THRU 102024 BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 JULIUS LAI BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 KATE LAMBERT BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 KATIE MCDONALD BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 JANET MILES-BARTEE BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 ANA NUBIA DUIN BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 RYANA PARKS-SHAW BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 JOE PRENGER THRU 102024 BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 BRIAN PUNG BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 JOHN RUSS BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 TODD TRENT BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 MARK SWANSON BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 DR ELLEN CROWE BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 HAYLEY HANSON BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 SAL MONTALBANO BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 WILLARD B SNYDER BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 TOM WRIGHT BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 SEAN PUTNEY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO 40.00 X 355570 0 22841 LINDA FALK CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER 40.00 X 277168 0 23457 CHARLISA SHELLY CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER 40.00 X 218145 0 22161 CORA STORBECK DIR OF DEVELOPMENT & GOV A 40.00 X 156696 0 23462 DR KIRK SUEDMEYER DIRECTOR OF VETERINARY HEA 40.00 X 161149 0 23337 JULIE MEYER DIRECTOR OF FINANCE 40.00 X 145861 0 34221 FRANK WILBURN DIRECTOR OF GUEST SERVICES 40.00 X 144279 0 24562 KIM ROMARY DIRECTOR OF MARKETING 40.00 X 143313 0 31510 RANDY WISTHOFF FORMER CEO 0.00 X 250000 0 0 1852181 0 205551 14 1 1 0 CENTRIC PROJECTS 520 W PENNWAY ST SUITE 100 KANSAS CITY MO 64108 CONSTRUCTION 2249751 MUSSELMAN & HALL PO BOX 790379 ST LOUIS MO 63179 CONSTRUCTION 899000 LIPPERT MECHANCIAL 1215 W 12TH ST SUITE 225 KANSAS CITY MO 64101 HVAC CONSTRUCTION 441018 TESSERE 1525 E DOUGLAS WICHITA KS 67211 ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES 414941 CHANCE RIDES PO BOX 12328 WICHITA KS 67277 TRAIN/TRAM BUILDER 380713 10 734900 17633034 3437445 21805379 ZOO ADMISSIONS 713990 15961595 15961595 MEMBERSHIP DUES 713990 7361553 7361553 VISITOR SERVICE SALES 713990 3090304 3090304 ZOO EDUCATION 713990 477355 477355 OTHER PROGRAM REVENUE 713990 63143 63143 26953950 1366298 1366298 891815 480708 411107 411107 411107 339038 734900 378330 -39292 -39292 5564746 2765199 2799547 2799547 EVENT REVENUE 900099 169825 169825 REBATES & REIMBURSEMEN 900099 140119 140119 MISC INCOME 900099 19545 17541 2004 329489 53626478 29940863 2004 1878232 333193 333193 173030 173030 919341 919341 250000 250000 15533511 14305641 702718 525152 415597 399335 1603 14659 2221401 2052799 93245 75357 1235874 1120155 74599 41120 28237 28237 55146 55146 49996 49996 27500 27500 70297 70297 1783989 1453968 295116 34905 1113051 1092984 20067 812836 680777 41697 90362 179595 175847 3748 1829267 1829267 21905 18679 3001 225 172314 123103 49211 1123334 1099781 23553 BUILDING & EQUIPMENT 11700215 11700215 DISTRICT DISCOUNT 6095375 6095375 REPAIRS & MAINT 2737178 2737178 ANIMAL FOOD & MEDICAL S 2147929 2147929 441559 350102 54583 36874 51471670 47889358 2716091 866221 21016 23061 11350690 17171700 5000 2218154 6857411 455594 198981 219397 344551 365330 14110828 16519915 144476 171992 33032953 37145143 4661735 5902288 3511086 3375025 144476 171992 8317297 9449305 X 21251256 23384131 3464400 4311707 24715656 27695838 33032953 37145143 2154808 825374 0 X X 0 1 X 1 0 X 20709905 35304707 54495219 37187794 21805379 169503004 20709905 35304707 54495219 37187794 21805379 169503004 169503004 221838 373615 426054 1004670 1366298 3392475 2113 2358 1588 389 904 7352 326727 149465 200423 316967 327485 1321067 174223898 88387512 0.97290 0.97990 X SCHEDULE A, PART II, LINE 10, EXPLANATION OF OTHER INCOME: FACILITY EXP REIMB - 2020 AMOUNT: $ 147,388. 2021 AMOUNT: $ 1,578. CARES ACT REFUNDS - 2020 AMOUNT: $ 130,098. 2021 AMOUNT: $ 27,183. REBATES/REIMB - 2020 AMOUNT: $ 26,241. 2021 AMOUNT: $ 43,109. 2022 AMOUNT: $ 42,852. 2023 AMOUNT: $ 175,187. 2024 AMOUNT: $ 140,119. MISC INCOME - 2020 AMOUNT: $ 23,000. 2021 AMOUNT: $ 19,316. 2022 AMOUNT: $ 20,124. 2023 AMOUNT: $ 13,697. 2024 AMOUNT: $ 17,541. EVENT INCOME - 2021 AMOUNT: $ 58,279. 2022 AMOUNT: $ 137,447. 2023 AMOUNT: $ 128,083. 2024 AMOUNT: $ 169,825. RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 0 0 49996 0 49996 0 51838246 51888242 0 1000000 0 250000 0 0 0 1000000 1000000 1000000 1000000 4000000 6000000 55000 49996 49996 49996 204988 250000 250000 250000 250000 1000000 1500000 13893014 1050000 1596390 26285 16513119 11747431 600000 1569796 24213 13893014 13777556 -2015145 14980 11747431 12172629 50000 1556683 1756 13777556 10858424 20000 1299299 5094 12172629 0.78593 0.07679 0.13727 0 0 0 OPERATING LEASE OBLIGATIONS 171992 171992 X 51429709 825374 825374 50604335 70297 2951846 3022143 53626478 48449527 0 48449527 70297 2951846 3022143 51471670 PART V, LINE 4: THE FUNDS PROVIDE FOR STAFF DEVELOPMENT, EMERGENCY PURPOSES, AND TO ASSIST IN FUNDING FUTURE OPERATING EXPENSES. PART X, LINE 2: FOTZ IS EXEMPT FROM INCOME TAXES UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE (IRC) AND SIMILAR PROVISIONS OF STATE LAW. HOWEVER, FOTZ IS SUBJECT TO FEDERAL INCOME TAX ON ANY UNRELATED BUSINESS TAXABLE INCOME. UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS, IF ANY, ARE RECORDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASC TOPIC 740, INCOME TAXES. ASC 740 REQUIRES THE RECOGNITION OF A LIABILITY FOR TAX POSITIONS TAKEN THAT DO NOT MEET THE MORE LIKELY THAN NOT STANDARD THAT THE POSITION WILL BE SUSTAINED UPON EXAMINATION BY THE TAXING AUTHORIZES. THERE IS NO LIABILITY FOR UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS RECORDED AT DECEMBER 31, 2024 OR 2023. PART XI, LINE 4B - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: COGS - GIFT SHOP -2,765,199. DISTRICT DISCOUNTS 6,095,375. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES -378,330. PART XII, LINE 4B - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: COGS - GIFT SHOP -2,765,199. DISTRICT DISCOUNTS 6,095,375. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES -378,330. 1 SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA 0 0 GRANTMAKING 64000 EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC 0 0 GRANTMAKING 49030 SOUTH AMERICA 0 0 GRANTMAKING 30247 0 0 0 0 0 0 143277 0 143277 SOUTH AMERICA - ARGENTINA, BOLIVIA, BRAZIL, CHILE, COLUMBIA, ECUADOR, FRENC 22047 WIRE TRANSFER 0 SOUTH AMERICA - ARGENTINA, BOLIVIA, BRAZIL, CHILE, COLUMBIA, ECUADOR, FRENC 8200 WIRE TRANSFER 0 EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC - AUSTRALIA, BRUNEI, BURMA, CAMBODIA, CHINA (INCL 49030 WIRE TRANSFER 0 SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA - ANGOLA, BENIN, BOTSWANA, BURKINA FASO, BURUNDI, CAMERO 31000 WIRE TRANSFER 0 SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA - ANGOLA, BENIN, BOTSWANA, BURKINA FASO, BURUNDI, CAMERO 33000 WIRE TRANSFER 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 PART I, LINE 2: THE ZOO WORKS CLOSELY WITH GRANTEES AND FOR MANY PROJECTS THAT INCLUDES VISITS TO THE GRANT SITES. IN ADDITION, THERE IS A PARTNER AGREEMENT SIGNED BY ALL GRANTEES THAT DETAILS HOW GRANT FUNDS ARE TO BE UTILIZED AND AN ANNUAL REPORT IS REQUIRED WHICH INCLUDES AN EXPENSE REPORT. X X X X X X X 0 KINETIC PO BOX 410046 KANSAS CITY MO 64141 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN 0 0 27500 0 27500 MO JAZZOO 861445 628653 232792 114969 85828 18795 61225 BREW AT THE ZOO 212493 106247 106246 39039 35522 6590 16362 1073938 734900 339038 154008 121350 25385 77587 378330 -39292 1 MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM 886 CANNERY ROW MONTEREY CA 93940 942487469 501 C(3) 20000 0 CONSERVATION POLAR BEARS INTERNATIONAL PO BOX 3008 BOZEMAN MT 59772 770322706 501 C(3) 13100 0 CONSERVATION MARINE MAMMAL CENTER 2000 BUNKER ROAD SAUSALITO CA 94965 510144434 501 C(3) 22000 0 CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL CRANE FOUNDATION E 11376 SHADY LANE ROAD BARABOO WI 53913 391187711 501 C(3) 20000 0 CONSERVATION SAVE GIRAFFES NOW 8333 DOUGLAS AVE SUITE 300 DALLAS TX 75225 834423842 501 C(3) 7100 0 CONSERVATION REWILD 1135 W 6TH STREET SUITE 110 AUSTIN TX 78703 262887967 501 C(3) 10000 0 CONSERVATION MARINE MEGFAUNA FOUNDATION 115 N PALMWAY APT 2 LAKE WORTH FL 33460 460645082 501 C(3) 20000 0 CONSERVATION 7 0 PART I, LINE 2: GRANTS ARE MADE TO OTHER TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE WELL KNOWN THROUGH THE ZOO COMMUNITY AND THROUGH THE ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS IN SUPPORT OF THEIR CONSERVATION EFFORTS. THE ZOO WORKS CLOSELY WITH GRANTEES AND FOR MANY PROJECTS THAT INCLUDES VISITS TO THE GRANT SITES. IN ADDITION, THERE IS A PARTNER AGREEMENT SIGNED BY GRANTEES THAT DETAILS HOW GRANT FUNDS ARE TO BE UTILIZED. X 1 1 X X X X 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 SEAN PUTNEY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO 304337 0 50000 0 1233 0 13800 0 9041 0 378411 0 0 0 LINDA FALK CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER 249988 0 25000 0 2180 0 11192 0 12264 0 300624 0 0 0 RANDY WISTHOFF FORMER CEO 0 0 250000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 250000 0 0 0 CHARLISA SHELLY CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER 197325 0 19148 0 1672 0 0 0 22161 0 240306 0 0 0 DR KIRK SUEDMEYER DIRECTOR OF VETERINARY HEA 146768 0 13273 0 1108 0 6492 0 16846 0 184487 0 0 0 CORA STORBECK DIR OF DEVELOPMENT & GOV A 142583 0 13299 0 814 0 6374 0 17088 0 180158 0 0 0 JULIE MEYER DIRECTOR OF FINANCE 132781 0 12617 0 463 0 6047 0 28174 0 180082 0 0 0 KIM ROMARY DIRECTOR OF MARKETING 130033 0 12759 0 521 0 5835 0 25675 0 174823 0 0 0 FRANK WILBURN DIRECTOR OF GUEST SERVICES 131225 0 12319 0 735 0 5904 0 18658 0 168841 0 0 0 PART I, LINE 1A THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES COMPANION TRAVEL TO SEAN PUTNEY DURING 2024. THIS BENEFIT IS INCLUDED IN HIS REPORTABLE COMPENSATION FORM 990 PART VII COLUMN D AND SCHEDULE J COLUMN (B)(I). FORM 990, PART I, ITEM C DBA: KANSAS CITY ZOO & AQUARIUM FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A, PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: COLLECTION OF ANIMALS AS WELL AS CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH- MODERN ZOOS, INCLUDING THE KANSAS CITY ZOO & AQUARIUM, PROVIDE A MULTITUDE OF SERVICES AND ARE INSTRUMENTAL IN CONSERVATION AND REINTEGRATION EFFORTS, AND IN SOME CASES, REMAIN THE LAST REFUGE FOR SOME OF THE WORLD'S MOST ENDANGERED SPECIES. THE ANIMAL HEALTH CENTER PROVIDES DIGITAL RADIOLOGY, ULTRASOUND, SURGERY, THERMOGRAPHY, NOMAD DENTAL RADIOLOGY, LASER THERAPY, AND ANIMAL CARE FACILITIES THAT CAN HOUSE SMALL AND LARGE ANIMALS DURING QUARANTINE OR CONVALESCENCE. SPECIALIZED ANIMAL CARE STAFF IS ON-SITE 7 DAYS A WEEK. EDUCATION PROGRAMS PROVIDE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING FROM THE VETERINARY TECHNICIAN, VETERINARY STUDENT AND DENTAL HYGIENE ASPECTS OF ZOOLOGICAL MEDICINE AND CARE. ALL ANIMALS, FROM INVERTEBRATES TO ELEPHANTS, RECEIVE THE BEST PREVENTATIVE AND MEDICAL CARE POSSIBLE. FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4B, PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMS - THE FRIENDS OF THE ZOO (FOTZ) MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM SUPPORTS THE ZOO'S MISSION BY GAINING AND SUSTAINING SUPPORTERS AND PROVIDING THEM EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITIES. THE KANSAS CITY ZOO AND AQUARIUM PROVIDES FUN AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL TYPES OF FAMILIES. FOTZ MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM PROVIDES A PASS TO ANIMAL EXPLORATION, GREAT DISCOUNTS ON DAILY AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ONE-ON-ONE LEARNING. FOTZ MEMBERS ALSO SUPPORT THE FUTURE OF WILDLIFE BY PARTICIPATING IN CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS. FOTZ MEMBERS BECOME PART OF A NETWORK OF OTHER ZOO ENTHUSIASTS WHO RECEIVE BENEFITS AT OVER 150 ACCREDITED ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS THROUGH THE UNITED STATES. FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4C, PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: EDUCATION AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS - EDUCATION AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS INTERPRET LIVING COLLECTIONS TO ATTRACT, INSPIRE AND ENABLE INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES AND GROUPS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE TO ACT AND RESPOND POSITIVELY TO CONSERVATION AND OUR ENVIRONMENT. FROM DELIVERING FORMAL SCRIPTED PROGRAMMING AT THE ZOO TO ENTICING A VISITOR TO LEARN ABOUT ANIMALS THROUGH SELF-DIRECTED SIGNAGE, INTERACTIVE AND GRAPHICS, CONSERVATION EDUCATION IS THE KEY TO INSTILLING A SUSTAINED RESPECT FOR NATURE. CONSTANTLY CHANGING CURRICULUM HELPS ENSURE CURRENT CONSERVATION MESSAGES AND PRACTICES STAY TIMELY AND ACCURATE. WITH THE CREATION OF OUR ZOO LEARNING CENTER, LOCATED IN THE DERAMUS EDUCATION PAVILION, CONNECTING STUDENTS AND TEACHERS TO THE SCIENCE OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION HAS BECOME MORE ACCESSIBLE AND RELEVANT. ENRICHING STUDENTS THROUGH NEW TECHNOLOGY AND HANDS-ON INTERACTION ALLOWS NEW LEVELS OF CONSERVATION LITERACY, AND CREATIVELY SHOWCASES OUR PROGRAMS AND APPROACHES. WE ALSO ENCOURAGE INFORMAL LEARNING AMONG STUDENTS OF ALL AGES, AS WELL AS HIGHLIGHTING FOR TEACHERS INNOVATIVE WAYS IN WHICH CONSERVATION APPROACHES CAN BE USED TO MEET FORMAL SCIENCE EDUCATION STANDARDS. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE GATHERS INFORMATION TO PREPARE THE FORM 990 TAX RETURN. THIS INFORMATION IS THEN GIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTING FIRM WHO PREPARES AND REVIEWS THE FORM 990. THE INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTING FIRM THEN PROVIDES THE ORGANIZATION'S COO AND DIRECTOR OF FINANCE A DRAFT OF THE FORM 990 FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. ONCE THE COO, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE, AND THE CPA FIRM APPROVE THE FORM 990, THE 990 IS THEN PRESENTED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR ADDITIONAL COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. PRIOR TO FILING THE FORM 990, ALL GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS RECEIVE A COPY OF THE 990 ALONG WITH A RESPONSE TIME FOR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS. ALL ISSUES ARE RESOLVED AND THE FORM 990 IS FILED. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C ALL BOARD MEMBERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES COMPLETE AN ANNUAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST QUESTIONNAIRE. EACH INDIVIDUAL IS ASKED TO FULLY DISCLOSE ANY AND ALL ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. THE ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONNAIRE ARE COMPILED AND REVIEWED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD. ANY CONCERNS ARE REPORTED TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ANY APPROPRIATE ACTION WOULD BE DETERMINED BY THE BOARD. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 FRIENDS OF THE ZOO, INC. MAKES ITS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC DURING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETINGS. THE ORGANIZATION'S GOVERNING DOCUMENTS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY ARE MADE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. FORM 990, PART XII, LINE 2C: THE OVERSIGHT AND SELECTION PROCESS HAS NOT CHANGED SINCE THE PRIOR TAX YEAR.