Tulsa Zoo Organizational Analysis and Governance Study

Established in 1927, the Tulsa Zoo has grown from 35 animals in 1928 to over 2,500 animals, including 400 different species, in 2010. The zoo is part of the City of Tulsa Parks & Recreation Department and is supported by the municipal budget, gate revenues, and private contributions. The zoo currently faces a backlog of deferred repairs and maintenance estimated between $11-12.5 million dollars, but does not have sufficient resources to address these needs. This study proposes a shift in governance from public to private management in order to better address the facility's needs.

Additional facts concerning zoos: Currently, nearly 70% of American Zoo Association accredited zoos are privately managed, with ownership and financial responsibility still being sourced publicly. Over 95% of not-for-profit AZA accredited organizations receive "public sector" operating support. The benchmark average of an institution's operating budget that comes from the public sector is about 33-35% of the total budget.