A Message from the Executive Director

“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.”
– Winston Churchill

April 23rd-29th is National Volunteer Week - a time to express gratitude and appreciation for all who dedicate their time and service to others without asking for anything in return.  I am fortunate to see first-hand the impact that volunteers have on an organization that we all care deeply about: your zoo.

We are lucky to have a crew of volunteers - folks who give their time in the ticket booth and gift shop, interacting with guests and members.  Those who work behind the scenes, caring for animals, shoveling stalls, preparing enrichment activities, and performing sometimes unpleasant tasks with enthusiasm and dedication.  They do it for the love of the animals and for the impact that The Zoo has on the children and families who visit.  In truth, we would not exist without our volunteers.  For those Zoo volunteers reading this, I can never thank you enough for the work that you do - rain or shine, never complaining and always eager to get to work.  Your dedication inspires us every day and pushes us to work harder for this amazing community resource.

Last year was particularly difficult for The Zoo.  Revenue was down, expenses were up, and resources were becoming scarce quickly.  To survive, our focus needed to change.  The Zoo is an independent, non-profit organization and has been for over 50 years; we exist to serve you.  We rely on the generosity of individuals, companies, and foundations for donations; and a committed membership base and strong admissions sales to continue operating.  We receive little support from the city and no state funding.  Your patronage and support is what keeps us going.  Without you, there is no zoo.  Thank you for continuing to visit and spreading the word about the great things happening here.  I am eager to share with you some new exhibits we have in the works... more information on that will follow in May.

Personally, family, friends, and social connections ask why I volunteer here.  That's a difficult question for me to answer. The Zoo has had a larger impact than most people know, and more than I tend to share publicly.  When I began in this role last Fall, I was coping with the sudden absence of my partner and better half.  His favorite animals, the Muntjac Deer, are fan favorites of many who walk the grounds.  I know that Chris would be upset to learn that The Zoo was in trouble; moreso if I stood by and did nothing to help.  So, here I am.  Spending weekends learning how to run a zoo and, along the way, searching for answers and healing.  Gratitude to my team - Nick, Amanda, Ben, Emily, Kate, Rachel, John, and all - for their patience with my occasional crazy idea, and for working tirelessly throughout the hardest winter The Zoo has experienced to date. Special thanks to Nunzio Bruno, our board president, for providing support and #amusement to me during the hardest days.

I used to think that I understood the importance of volunteering on the outside; how transformative the extra hands, ideas, and help can be to an organization.  I never stopped to consider the impact it would have on the volunteer.  If you're reading this and you find yourself a little lost or maybe without purpose - consider volunteering.  Even if not at The Zoo, your talents, skills, and energy can be put to good work for an organization.  During this, National Volunteer Week, where will you consider volunteering your time?

For all of the challenges that this winter brought to The Zoo, I'm happy to say that we are open for the season.  I look forward to spending this summer with you; listening to the sounds of happy families adventuring through our zoo, hearing memories being made, and knowing the impact that an animal can have, often when someone needs it the most.

Thank you for giving us this opportunity to serve you,
-Nathan.

Have a question or suggestion?  I want to hear it!
Mail:
Attn: Nathan D. Bazinet, Interim Executive Director
The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center
PO Box 80295
Springfield, MA  01138-0295
Email:  executivedirector@forestparkzoo.com
Phone:  (413) 733-2251, ext. 302

Volunteer Spotlight: Springfield College

16 students from Springfield College donated their time on April 9th to assist with our spring cleanup.  They helped remove brush, cleared leaves, raked gardens, and picked up trash around The Zoo.  The students donated a combined total of 48 volunteer hours.  Thank you, Project Sustainability, for your generous gift of time and effort!

2017 Season Zoo Membership

Since January 1st, The Zoo has welcomed 224 members for the 2017 season.  A warm welcome to the 68 new members who have joined our family.  And an equally warm 'welcome back' to the 156 members who have renewed their membership for this season.  If you have yet to join or renew, please reach out to Nick Kinsman at nick@forestparkzoo.com or (413) 733-2551, ext. 304.  Nick would be happy to discuss membership options with you.  You can also join today by following the link below:

Join Now

Save the Date: Brew @ The Zoo

There's something brewing at The Zoo!  Mark your calendars for the evening of Thursday, July 6, 2017. Featuring many local craft breweries, live music, and (of course) our furry, scaly, and feathered friends, we hope you will consider joining us for this one-of-a-kind event.  More details to follow soon...