Located in Tyler, Texas, The Caldwell Zoo strives to connect people with the wonders of wildlife to cultivate an appreciation for the natural world. For over seven decades, the zoo has invited residents of East Texas to witness the spectacular diversity of animals from all around the globe. The zoo does all it can to share the magnificence of nature through unforgettable experiences and educational programs to inspire others to take action to ensure the vitality of the animal kingdom for generations to come. The Caldwell Foundation, as trustee of its physical and financial assets, works as a key partner institution. After years of study and deliberation, the Foundation Board of Trustees has launched an initiative to set The Caldwell Zoo up as a fully independent nonprofit with refined strategic and operational plans.
History of the Zoo & Foundation
D.K. Caldwell crossed a threshold in 1937 when his interest in community projects and the satisfaction derived from advancing the public good focused his attention on an area where he felt much could be accomplished with limited expenditures - the children of Tyler, Texas, and Scottsboro, Alabama. Consequently, he established The Caldwell Foundation. Four years later he crossed another threshold when his interest in early childhood development motivated him to start a petting zoo in his backyard that would eventually become the Caldwell Zoo and a cornerstone of Tyler, Smith County, and East Texas.
In 1953, the decision was made to move the Petting Zoo to 125 acres owned by The Caldwell Foundation and develop eight acres into the Children's Zoo. That year, Lottie and D.K. Caldwell opened the Zoo as a gift to their community. They believed in the positive power of "Learning Through Fun" and the benefits of connecting people with wildlife. Since that time, The Caldwell Foundation has continually supported zoo operations and the mission to share the wonders of the natural world. The Children's Zoo continued to expand the number of species (87) and animals (500), showcased in several exhibits.
In 1971 the arrival of Kimbo, a baby Asian Elephant, served as another tipping point for change, as Kimbo quickly outgrew her house. In 1974, Hayes Caldwell, who had been working for the Zoo since 1963, attended an Association of Zoos & Aquariums conference and learned about the importance of a Zoo Master Plan. Following best practices, a Master Plan to transform the Children's Zoo into the Caldwell Zoo was commissioned. Hayes Caldwell was named Director of Caldwell Zoo and D.K. Caldwell approved the Master Plan, authorizing the expenditure of $3,619,000 for renovations.
D.K. Caldwell passed away in 1977. His legacy (Learning Through Fun) and The Caldwell Foundation's financial support have allowed the Caldwell Zoo to transition into a top-rated zoo hosting 300,000 visitors a year, becoming one of the cornerstones of Tyler, Smith County, and East Texas. In 1999, an updated Master Plan was prepared and approved by the Board of Trustees of The Caldwell Foundation authorizing $6.5 million for new facilities and refreshing the Caldwell Zoo. Today, the zoo includes 85 developed acres and over 3,000 animals. Further, millions have been invested by the foundation in the zoo's amenities, enhancing animal habitats and the visitor experience.
Over seven decades, the Zoo has become a cherished cornerstone of East Texas, a center of educational programming, and a leader in the conservation of native Texas wildlife and threatened and endangered animals from across the planet. Now, changes are taking place to make sure this revered institution will continue to thrive for generations to come. One obvious change is the $17 million development of the Amazon River's Edge, which will open by the end of 2024. This major construction project incorporates almost one-third of the Zoo and focuses on the fascinating wildlife of South America. The Caldwell Zoo is blessed with a committed staff of nearly 100, highlighted by numerous individuals with more than 20 or even 30 years of service. Leadership's consistent investment in employees has resulted in a transparent, laid-back, and fun environment highlighted by mutual respect and support at all levels of the institution.
2023 Caldwell Foundation Master Plan
Beyond managing the evolving physical infrastructure and daily operation of the Caldwell Zoo on an ongoing basis, The Caldwell Foundation has launched a transformational chapter to establish the Zoo as a public charity. As outlined in the 2023 Caldwell Foundation Master Plan, the multi-year process of transferring all assets from The Caldwell Foundation to Caldwell Zoo, Inc. (CZI) will position the Zoo for financial and capital success while gradually sunsetting the Foundation. With Caldwell Zoo, Inc. becoming operational on January 1, 2025, a three-year transition plan will go into effect during which all physical assets of the Foundation will be transitioned to the Zoo while it continues to receive financial support from the Foundation. With its new structure, the executive leadership will report to the President/CEO of Caldwell Zoo, Inc. At the appropriate time, Caldwell Zoo, Inc. will be the sole beneficiary of assets managed by the D.K. & Lottie Caldwell Irrevocable Trust. Furthermore, the Zoo will begin supplementing its existing revenue streams with private support from individual and institutional donors.
Budget & Governance
With an annual budget of around $8 million, Caldwell Zoo benefits from stable revenue streams that include earned revenue (approximately 50%), and Caldwell Foundation contributions (approximately 50%). In advance of establishing the irrevocable trust, Zoo leadership will develop additional revenue streams such as events and private support. The Foundation is currently governed by a seven-member board, two of whom have joined the board of Caldwell Zoo, Inc. along with three additional community members. Over time, the board will grow to no more than 15 members.
The Opportunity
As a highly regarded and well-loved cultural attraction in Tyler, Texas, Caldwell Zoo is seeking a Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to bring experience in advancement practices to initiate a brand-new fundraising program. After decades of service, the leadership of The Caldwell Foundation has launched a deliberate transition plan to preserve its assets while setting the Zoo up for perpetual success. With the launch of Caldwell Zoo, Inc. in January 2025 as a public charity, the CAO will build a culture of philanthropy and capitalize on its upcoming 75th anniversary. Anticipated milestones for the advancement program are as follows:
Design and implement an upper-level membership program
Plan and develop strategies for other advancement programs including donations, planned giving, sponsorships, grants, and capital campaigns;
Begin implementation of other advancement programs;
Implement the first capital campaign in 2027 in conjunction with the 75th Anniversary of Caldwell Zoo.
Reporting to the President & CEO of CZI, the CAO will craft a new Advancement Program to broaden the zoo's philanthropic support base, starting with the creation of an upper-level giving membership program. The successful executive will plan, grow, and maintain the program with creative marketing strategies and implement other advancement programs such as annual giving, planned giving, sponsorships, grant writing, fundraising events, and capital campaigns. Specifically, the CAO will:
Develop a strategic funding plan to attract philanthropic support for CZI.
Identify, support, and secure gifts from a portfolio of major gift donors focusing on foundations, individuals, corporations, and members.
Establish annual revenue targets and generate and monitor the development department budget for progress against goals, providing regular reports to the CEO, senior team, and Board of Directors.
Develop and manage the overall department budget with staff.
Oversee the development and implementation of policies, systems, and procedures that support fundraising stability and growth.
Provide leadership for the development of day-to-day operations, including, but not limited to, records management, Development goals and metrics for the department
Develop, implement, and manage strategies for engaging with promising individuals and philanthropic organizations who align with CZI's values to establish relationships, secure commitments for support, and find prospects to continue expanding the mission.
Lead the creation of high-priority and high-quality fundraising materials, including crafting key narratives.
Lead a team of professionals by setting annual individual and team performance goals, conducting regular reviews to evaluate progress, and providing professional development opportunities that continually elevate the department's effectiveness and efficiency.