Birds, Beasts And Businesses Make Topeka Zoo A Top Venue

Photos by JOHN BURNS

You may already know about the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center’s engaging exhibits, lush landscape and commitment to wildlife preservation, but you might not be familiar with the business practices and partnerships that enable the treasured venue to flourish.

From contractors and caterers to corporations and companies of all sizes, local businesses contribute financial support, in-kind services and volunteer labor to ensure the zoo’s vitality and viability.

Cynthia McCarvel, director of development, said the zoo’s 85 business donors range from capital city stalwarts like Evergy, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Security Benefit, BNSF, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and Advisors Excel to a myriad of small companies and sole proprietors.

“Whatever size the company is, the employees take great pride in working on our projects,” she said.

Cynthia McCarvel, director of development, and Brendan Wiley, chief executive officer at the Topeka Zoo, continually work toward infrastructure improvements to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the grounds and exhibits

CREATING BEAUTIFUL SPACES

Brendan Wiley, chief executive officer, said Kay McFarland Japanese Garden and Venue, which opened in August 2020, is just one example of various businesses coming together to create a beautiful space for locals and tourists to explore.

“The Japanese garden master didn’t bring a crew and instead trained our contractors’ employees to do the work,” Wiley said. “When we had our grand opening, it was fun to see the wonder in the eyes of the local workers’ significant others as they took in the displays. We heard a lot of ‘you can do this?’”

Evergy’s Green Team, comprised of company volunteers, converted former utility poles into fencing and created wooden structures for the popular attraction.

“Our master gardener was elated to work with aged wood and relieved he wouldn’t have to worry about warping,” Wiley said.

Over the years the Green Team has helped build bear, butterfly and lorikeet exhibits, crafted a run for raptors and even transported a hippo to Kansas City to catch a flight.

CARING FOR THE ANIMALS

When a hippo became pregnant in 2010, the Topeka Zoo couldn’t accommodate three animals and had to arrange transportation for a male hippo to the San Francisco Zoo.

FedEx provided a plane, the Topeka Police Department contributed the scales to weigh the hippo and Evergy’s Green Team got him to the airport on time.

Logistical concerns are especially warranted and worrisome when a large animal needs an assist from high-tech equipment designed for people.

An orangutan experiencing severe gastrointestinal issues underwent a screening procedure at Stormont Vail.

“It’s a production whenever we take an animal offsite because we have to make sure we account for every possible thing that could happen between the zoo and the hospital,” Wiley said. “It requires multiple vehicles for staff and safety equipment. Then when we get to the hospital, we’re going in back doors and looking around corners because we don’t want to freak anyone out by our presence. Seeing a wild animal on a gurney could be confusing and cause alarm.”

GROWING COMMITMENT

McCarvel said many partners have provided an initial service and then become so intrigued by the zoo’s mission that they now make ongoing contributions as both contractors and donors.

“They often visit the zoo in their free time too and promote their discoveries on social media, which helps us make people aware of all that’s happening here,” she said.

“Our business partners really take ownership of our community zoo and become like an extended family,” Wiley said. “I’ve studied models around the country, and I don’t know of another zoo that gets the support we do.”

Such support was especially critical during the pandemic and resulted in Zoo Lights, a holiday lighting extravaganza with regional appeal.

INVESTING IN A WONDERLAND

Wiley said the zoo had been considering such an event since 2013 but “monumental start-up costs” stalled discussions. However, in 2019, a large private donor and Evergy pledged support and soon other business partners did too.

“We knew that having a festive, outdoor event where people could gather and still maintain social distancing protocols would work,” Wiley said. “Zoo Lights saved our year and we’ve made the event bigger and better ever since with the support of our business partners. The success of that event during a pandemic also helped convince a lot of people that privatization, through a private public partnership, was a good option for us to pursue.”

Each year the zoo partners with local businesses that design and build multiple displays and handle electrical, animation and other needs for Zoo Lights. McCarvel said corporate volunteers also help transform the complex into a winter wonderland.

“In the past, KBS Constructors Inc. has partnered with Washburn Tech students to help build our holiday village and gingerbread house,” she said. “This is a wonderful experience for the students and provides lasting structures for the event.”

GIVING IN UNIQUE WAYS

Since 2017, the Topeka Zoo has undertaken infrastructure projects totaling $22 million and pumped 18 million pounds of concrete into the complex to improve the aesthetics and functionality of the grounds and exhibits.

“Sometimes our business partners work with their subcontractors to get costs down for us too, which really helps,” Wiley said.

While some zoo projects require heavy equipment to implement, others rely on the ingenuity of partner loyalty programs.

Silver Lake Bank offers a debit card that provides funds back to the zoo. The Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant sponsors a tiger cam at the exhibit and a portion of the proceeds of every pint of Tiger Bite IPA sold goes to the zoo.

“Jay Ives, the owner, really wanted to do something to support Sumatran tigers so through our partnership we’ve sent funds to the Minnesota Zoo, which houses the Sumatran Tiger Species Survival Program,” Wiley said. “They forward the Blind Tiger funds to the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York, which operates a field office on the isle of Sumatra. Then those funds are used to employ a ranger who works daily to protect tigers in the wild.”

The Blind Tiger Brewery also features a locally sourced bison burger, The Kansan, on its menu.“They donate edible byproducts from their brewing operations for the bison to eat and then after the meat is processed, the bones come back to the zoo for the tigers,” he said.

Happy Basset Brewing Company features an African Painted Dog Lager and a portion of the proceeds for that beverage support the zoo’s African painted dog exhibit.

The zoo’s conservation efforts also include working with Waste Management® and its recycling efforts in Shawnee County.

“We make people aware of how working together to care for the environment makes things better for the animals and all of us too,” he said.

McCarvel said the zoo’s commitment to preservation and sustainability is compelling for many business partners, who help fund education programs, including free monarch butterfly citizen science classes and an environmental club for middle and high school students. Business partners also fund an Education Scholarship Fund, which ensures children have equitable access to enrichment opportunities.

“The zoo’s goal is to connect Topeka to the wildlife and wild places we share with the planet,” she said. “These hands-on programs and camps provide a unique opportunity for children to learn about animals and conservation and the role zoos play in protecting endangered species while also encouraging an interest in science and the natural world.”

In addition to providing funds and/or paid labor to support zoo projects, business partners often allow their employees to assist staff with various needs like spreading mulch, painting and creating event displays. Many employees volunteer through the annual United Way of Kaw Valley’s Nancy Perry Day of Caring event each September in addition to other times during the year.

“All of our business partners’ contributions are important to us and we value every single one,” McCarvel said. “We host a lot of events throughout the year to recognize them.”

Likewise, McCarvel said a lot of businesses host employee appreciation outings at the zoo or provide special event or general admission tickets for their use.

“We provide year-round opportunities for escape and entertainment for everyone in our community, as well as visitors,” she said. “We couldn’t do it without our business partners.”

TAKING OWNERSHIP IN THE ZOO’S FUTURE

Linda and Keith Sowards, owners of Sowards Glass Inc. and Topeka natives, have had a lifelong affinity for the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center, often bringing their two daughters and now grandchildren to the complex to enjoy nature. The couple’s company has provided glasswork for the Kay McFarland Japanese Garden and Venue, Camp Cowabunga and the Giraffe & Friends exhibit that opened this spring. They are currently working on a new Golden Lion Tamarin exhibit.

In business for 31 years, Linda said, “We have ownership in the zoo and believe it’s important to have a great place for families to visit. I’m a proud Topekan and I like being involved in the changes that our community is making that will affect future generations. We give to many causes in town, but the zoo is special because it’s a place for locals and out-of-towners to just go and enjoy themselves and make memories.”

Though not yet ready to retire, Linda said that when she does, she would like to volunteer at the zoo.

“I love animals and kids so it would be perfect.”

SPOTLIGHTING POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS

Kaw Valley Bank, a business partner for five years, sponsors a couple of the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center’s premier entertainment events, the Roar & Pour wine festival and Brew at the Zoo, a showcase for local beers and live music.

Craig Heideman, chief executive officer, said, “Our community is making great things happen and we wanted to help spotlight positive developments in town with our sponsorships. We try to appeal to a cross-section of people, and sponsoring zoo events makes sense for us. We especially value the opportunity to collaborate with other sponsors and vendors to showcase local restaurants and bands and let people know what our community has to offer.”

Debbie Schwartz, vice president of marketing, said the bank’s zoo sponsorship exposure often extends beyond the events themselves. As a component of Roar & Pour, animals were paired with a local artist to create one-of-a-kind pieces available for auction the night of the event. The artwork was previewed during a First Friday NOTO event at Redbud Park.

“We believe in what the zoo is doing with their animal care and conservation efforts,” she said. “Our employees and customers love our involvement and enjoy attending the various zoo events.”Heideman and Schwartz often visited the zoo while raising their respective families.

“There were a number of years after my kids got older that I didn’t go to the zoo much,” Heideman said. “When I did go back, I saw how well-maintained the space is and heard about the awesome ideas the team has come up with to enhance it even more. We’re glad to be part of it.”

PARTNERING TO PROMOTE

Jarred White, an insurance agent with Farmers Insurance, has been a Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center donor since 2017. White and his family often visited other zoos while on vacation, taking advantage of behind-the-scenes encounters when they could.

“The sizable number of people visiting the zoo from Topeka and Shawnee County who see my logo at the entrance, on the website and in the Zooreka! publication with a link to my website make this a cost-effective way to promote my business,” he said. “I’m very pleased with our partnership.”

White’s involvement has expanded to include underwriting lorikeet feedings, supporting educational programs, and providing ice cream treats to zoo staff one day each summer. He and his wife, Beth, also visit the zoo every Sunday morning and post a picture of whatever strikes them in the moment on social media.

“The more you go, the more you see,” he said. “Things change all the time. My favorites right now are the hippo and Golden Lion Tamarin exhibits.

TK