Leadership transition Recent appointment of Cassandra Costello as CEO and executive director suggests potential strategic shifts and renewed focus on governance, fundraising, and partnerships—opportunities to engage on collaboration, sponsorships, and major gifts.

AZA accreditation value As an AZA-accredited institution, the Zoo prioritizes standards in animal care, conservation, and education. This creates openings for partnerships in conservation programs, grant collaborations, and donor-aligned initiatives.

Financial controls risk Audits revealed a $12 million spending issue without approval, signaling possible financial controls strengthening needs. This presents a chance to propose governance tech, financial compliance services, and cost-optimization consulting.

Digital engagement With a tech stack including Optimizely, AdRoll, AWS, WordPress, and Piwik PRO Core, the Zoo maintains a modern digital presence. Opportunities exist to expand digital fundraising, targeted marketing, and data-driven visitor experiences.

Education and partnerships Active educational programs and collaborations (historic attractions, community events) indicate readiness for partnerships with schools, cultural organizations, and experiential learning vendors, plus potential sponsorships tied to exhibitions and programs.