News & Media

THE PHOENIX ZOO SUPPORTS REGIONAL AND NATIONAL ECONOMY

Phoenix, July 6, 2011 – The Phoenix Zoo generates significant economic benefits locally, regionally and nationally, according to a new analysis conducted on behalf of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

"The Phoenix Zoo supports the community in more ways than one, " said Jim Maddy, President and CEO of AZA. "Not only does the Phoenix Zoo have a deep commitment to science education and wildlife conservation, but it also generates valuable economic benefits to the region."

AZA has commissioned a state-by-state economic impact analysis conducted by nationally recognized economist, Dr. Stephen Fuller.  AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums generated the following impacts for the state of Arizona:

• $64 million in economic activity (contribution to national GDP);
• $23.6 million in personal earnings (salaries and wages); and
• 709 jobs. 

"The Phoenix Zoo plays a significant role in the economy of Arizona, " added Maddy.

The Phoenix Zoo is a valuable community resource, including visits by 160, 000 school children every year, and a vital role in wildlife conservation. Beyond these important community benefits, the Phoenix Zoo has the following economic impact:

• Employs 316 people;
• Spends $ 20 million each year on goods and services;
• Serves more than 1.5 million visitors each year.

"The Phoenix Zoo is a valuable contributor to the quality of life for residents, guests and businesses in the Phoenix area, " says Bert Castro, CEO and President of the Arizona Zoological Society. "We are unceasingly working to improve our grounds, exhibits and collection of animals, therefore, making a huge impact on business in this region and giving our guests an amazing experience every time they visit the Zoo."

Dr. Fuller writes in his report:

"Annual spending by zoos and aquariums for operations and capital projects generate significant economic benefits for their host jurisdictions. These benefits build from the initial outlays, as they are re-spent across the breadth of the economy.  These benefits accumulate and expand the economy's total output as measured by their contributions to Gross Domestic Product and respective Gross State Products.  These benefits also generate new personal earnings to the benefit of workers residing in the host jurisdictions and support job growth locally, regionally ands nationally."

The cumulative economic impact of 212 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums as they serve more than 179 million annual visitors is as follows:

• $16.0 billion in economic activity (contribution to national GDP);
• $ 4.7 billion in personal earnings (salaries and wages);
• 142, 000 jobs.

A copy of the report can be found at http://www.aza.org/PressRoom/NationalEconomicImpact/

The Phoenix Zoo is a non-profit zoological park that serves 1.5 million guests annually. Home to more than 1, 300 animals and many endangered and threatened species, the Zoo is dedicated to providing experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world. For more information about the Zoo and upcoming events visit phoenixzoo.org.

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, please visit www.aza.org.