Thanks to the research and breeding efforts of the Cincinnati Zoo, such magnificent endangered species as the Giant Panda, South China Tiger, Black Rhinoceros and African Bongo Antelope may not be lost to the world after all. With a state-of-the-art facility to house its Center for Reproduction of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), the Cincinnati Zoo continues to provide leadership in the worldwide effort to preserve and protect the many unique wildlife resources threatened with extinction. The Zoo has also replaced outmoded cages with natural habitat settings so that the animals can establish family groups, which are essential to their emotional and physical well-being. What's more, hundreds of thousands of children and adults visit the Cincinnati Zoo each year to learn about animal behavior and wildlife conservation in an atmosphere of family fun.

What Made It Happen?

When Skystone Ryan first began assisting with planning the Zoo's capital campaign, the work of the Center for Reproduction of Endangered Wildlife was limited by its location in borrowed laboratory space at the University of Cincinnati Medical School and other organizations throughout the city. By conducting a pre-campaign study, Skystone Ryan discovered great community enthusiasm for the proposed projects, including moving CREW on-site. A $13.5 million goal was set for The Zoo Challenge Fund.

As Skystone Ryan helped recruit campaign leadership from the city's top corporate executives, the firm identified two prospects who had not previously shown interest in the Zoo. These two philanthropists each subsequently gave over $1 million in the early phases of the campaign. Once under way, the campaign moved ahead with great momentum. The beautiful zoo setting enhanced the production of campaign materials and a video. Toward the end of the campaign, The Kresge Foundation awarded the Zoo the largest challenge grant it had ever given in Cincinnati. And the final phase of the fundraising effort featured a mail & telephone solicitation of nearly 40,000 zoo members. Within two years, $14.6 million had been pledged and construction had begun on the CREW building as well as a breeding farm, jungle trails exhibit and renovated bird house.