San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

What it reported doing in 2024

Sdzwa categorizes all activities into one program: wildlife care and conservation. Sdzwa is an international organization with two front doors: the san diego zoo and the san diego zoo safari park. Sdzwa is committed to saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in wildlife care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for nature. Conservation is at the heart of everything sdzwa pursues and it starts with connecting people with wildlife through our zoological parks and education programs, inspiring and educating our guests everyday. Continued on schedule owildlife conservation parks: the san diego zoo and san diego zoo safari park serve as vital hubs for conservation and education, welcoming millions of visitors annually. The zoo cares for over 12,000 animals from 680 species, while the safari park houses more than 3,100 animals from 340 species. Both parks provide immersive experiences and educational programs, fostering a deeper connection to wildlife and conservation.global conservation initiatives: the organization operates eight conservation hubs worldwide, addressing biodiversity loss and promoting sustainable solutions. Key achievements include the reintroduction of endangered species like the mountain yellow-legged frogs and pacific pocket mice, as well as groundbreaking work in cryopreservation through the frozen zoo, which added 199 species bringing the organization to a total of 11,420 species in 2024. The return of giant pandas xin bao and yun chuan in 2024 marked a significant milestone in international conservation collaboration, with panda ridge opening to provide state-of-the-art habitats for this first new giant panda pair to enter the united states in two decades.community engagement and education: nearly 315,000 students visited the zoo and safari park, with over 33,000 participating in guided learning programs. The organization emphasizes community involvement in conservation, supporting local stewardship in regions like palau and africa's savannas. Additionally, innovative technologies, such as thermal drones, are used to monitor species like koalas and tigers, enhancing conservation efforts globally.financial support for conservation: as a large complex nonprofit organization, the san diego zoo wildlife alliance reported $445 million in revenue in 2024, with significant contributions from admissions and gifts. The organization reinvests revenue above expenses into conservation priorities and operational needs, ensuring sustainable support for its extensive global conservation efforts.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 84.2%; rating input score 84
• Program expense ratio: 85%; rating input score 85
• Fundraising efficiency: $9.73 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 41; 41st percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 89.5%; rating input score 89; 4th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 4 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 67
  • Compensation committee: Pass
  • Independent consultant: Pass
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Missing
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Pass
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: 4 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 50
  • Claims monitoring procedures: Pass
  • Requires narrative reports: Pass
  • Conducts field audits: Fail
  • May suspend future funding: Fail
  • Requires financial reports: Pass
  • Conducts site visits: Pass
  • Requires grant agreements: Fail
  • May require repayment: Fail
• Grant itemization coverage: 97.8%; rating input score 98; 33rd percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Yes; rating input score 100

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 76th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 9 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Pass
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 10.6%; rating input score 74; 74th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 2.67; rating input score 71; 71st percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.18; rating input score 71; 71st percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 2%; rating input score 55; 55th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 4.9% per year; rating input score 100; 40th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 4.9% per year; rating input score 100; 41st percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 7.5% per year; rating input score 100; 55th percentile among comparable filings