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HOUSTON ZOO GENERATES $135 MILLION IN IMPACT
FOR THE HOUSTON ECONOMY Zoo’s Economic Impact Extends Regionally and Nationally

(08/12/2011)


(HOUSTON) August 12, 2011 … A recent study conducted by nationally recognized economist Dr. Stephen Fuller at George Mason University indicates the combined effect of the Houston Zoo’s operating and capital budgets in 2010 generated more than $135 million in economic impact to the Houston area economy last year.

“The Zoo has welcomed more than 2 million guests in the last 12 months,” said Houston Zoo President and CEO Deborah Cannon. “The Houston Zoo is a valuable community resource, employing 503 people in full time jobs. The Zoo also plays a vital role in wildlife conservation in Houston and Texas and around the world,” added Cannon.

The total impact of the Houston Zoo on the economy of Houston and the surrounding area reflects the combination of direct outlays (capital and operating budgets) and their subsequent monetary effects as the funds are circulated through the economy.

Re-spending of direct outlays generate additional economic activity that otherwise would not have occurred. Utilizing appropriate multipliers calculated for Texas by the U. S. Department of Commerce, the Houston Zoo’s 2010 operating budget of $28.6 million generated an economic impact of $70.07 million and the Zoo’s 2010 capital budget of $24.5 million generated an economic impact of $65.9 million for a total of $135.97 million.

The Houston economy also realized an economic boost in 2010 when the Houston Zoo hosted the annual conference of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The conference drew 1,700 AZA delegates from across the country and generated an economic impact of more than $4 million.

“The Houston Zoo supports the greater Houston community in more ways than one,” said Jim Maddy, President and CEO of AZA. “Not only does the Houston 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 director of the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University in Arlington, Virginia.

“Annual spending by zoos and aquariums for operations and capital projects generate significant economic benefits for their host jurisdictions,” said Dr. Fuller. “These benefits build from the initial outlays, as they are re-spent across the breadth of the economy,” Fuller added. 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 and nationally.”

In Texas, 16 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums generated $884.2 million in economic activity (contribution to national GDP), $312.1 million in personal earnings (salaries and wages), and 8,998 jobs. “Zoos and aquariums, including the Houston Zoo, play a significant role in the economy of Texas,” added Maddy.

The cumulative economic impact of 224 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums as they serve more than 180 million annual visitors generated $16.0 billion in economic activity (contribution to national GDP), $ 4.7 billion in personal earnings (salaries and wages) and 142,000 jobs. A recent AZA funded study revealed that 92% of those Americans surveyed believe that the nation’s zoos and aquariums play an important role in the recreation and education of their community.

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

About the AZA

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.

About the Houston Zoo

Founded in 1922, the Houston Zoo is an exciting live animal adventure that provides a unique educational and conservation resource serving more than 1.8 million guests annually. Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, the Zoo is home to more than 6,000 exotic animals representing more than 800 species. Visitors can experience the wonders of Africa at The African Forest, the new 6.5 acre, $40 million addition featuring chimps, rhinos, and giraffes. Travel to Africa. No Passport Required.

The Houston Zoo is located at 6200 Hermann Park Drive in beautiful Hermann Park. The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Central Standard Time (last admission at 5 p.m.) and from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. during Central Daylight Time (last admission at 6 p.m.). The Zoo is closed Christmas Day. Regular admission is $12 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, $8 for children ages 2-11 and FREE for children under 2. Visit the courtesy booth at your neighborhood Fiesta Mart and purchase an adult Zoo admission for $10 and a child Zoo admission for $7. Zoo memberships start at only $55. For information on all the great benefits of becoming a Zoo member call (713) 533-6713 or visit our Web site at www.houstonzoo.org.





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