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Oshkosh zoo reports season gains, expanded programs and volunteer needs for Zulul'u'en
Summary
Zoo staff reported season attendance at about 95,870 through Sept. 29 (up from ~90,457 last year), expansion of programming (277 programs vs. 192) and increased program attendance; staff noted donations are lower so far versus last year and requested volunteers for upcoming weekend events.
Zoo staff updated the Parks Board on Oct. 14 about seasonal operations and outreach activities. Through Sept. 29 the zoo recorded 95,870 visits for the season, up from 90,457 the prior year, and offered 277 programs (versus 192 last year) that drew 6,833 participants compared with 4,780 the previous year.
Staff highlighted a new volunteer management software that improved tracking (74 volunteer hours recorded this year, equating to a reported dollar value of $6,292.30 for volunteer time) and said corporate volunteer groups contributed to preparation for upcoming winter events. Donations reported so far for the season totaled $9,522.40 versus $73,058.66 last year (staff said a larger donation had not yet posted and will be reported later).
Upcoming events include Brewton in the Zoo (Friday night) and Zulul'u'en (Saturday), with staff requesting volunteers (about a dozen still needed for Saturday shifts). Zoo staff also discussed outreach programs, school and day‑care visits and new weekly story time programming introduced this year.
Next steps: staff will continue seasonal programming and post final year numbers after year‑end; they also asked board members and community groups to promote volunteer opportunities for weekend events.
