Friends of the Alexandria Zoo
FOTAZ's Mission
FOTAZ is dedicated to the support, promotion and improvement of the Alexandria Zoo.
FOTAZ'S Role in the Zoo
Friends of the Alexandria Zoo, better known as FOTAZ, is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to help promote Alexandria Zoological Park, its programs and activities, as well as aid in its continued development. Formed in 1971 by a group of concerned citizens, FOTAZ evolved from a Zoo committee appointed by City Commissioner O'Hearn Mathews in 1970 when the USDA threatened the Zoo with closure.
Today, with the assistance of FOTAZ and the City of Alexandria, the Alexandria Zoo, which was founded in 1926, is one of three zoos in Louisiana accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and one of Central Louisiana's most beloved and important institutions.
FOTAZ is an integral part of the Alexandria Zoo. One of its primary functions is to supplement the Zoo's budget, providing funding for the zoo's on going projects involving animals, construction, staff, education, conservation, and public services. Through their efforts, FOTAZ helps ensure the continued progress of the Alexandria Zoo according to the adopted Master Plan. FOTAZ gets is operational funding by promoting events, selling annual zoo memberships, operating the zoo gift shop, selling train tickets, renting strollers and wagons on site, and selling fish food. Personal and corporate contributions also aid FOTAZ's budget.
Events and Programs
The following are some events and activities that FOTAZ helps sponsor and support: Zoo Boo, FOTAZ Family Nite, Wild Side of the Arts, Party For The Planet (Cenla Earth Fair), Les Fest, Holiday Light Safari, Summer Safari, and other education programs, openings for exhibits, and volunteer workdays.
Board Members
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Gerrie Phillips, Vice President Renie Saucier, Secretary Joan Hare, Treasurer Anne Jones, Membership Judy Task, Gift Shop Becky Beck Ruth Anne Bindursky |
Greg Gormanous Amy Katz Madeline Lee Andrea Mattison Debbie Meginley Floyd Morgan |
Christof Stumpf Daphne Robinson Babs Zimmerman Steve Ayres, Emeritus Dr. David McGraw, Emeritus John Transier, Emeritus |
