Paso del Norte Community Foundation takes over fundraising responsibilities for El Paso Zoo

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — The El Paso Zoo officially has a new fundraising partner.

In a 6-2 vote, the City approved a partnership between the zoo and the Paso del Norte Community Foundation (PdNCF) during the city council meeting held on Tuesday, July 16.

The two representatives who voted against the item were Josh Acevedo and Brian Kennedy.

Previously, the responsibility of fundraising fell on the El Paso Zoological Society, however, that contract ended and was not renewed on March 17.

In a statement to KTSM, PdNCF’s CEO Tracy Yellen said:

“The zoo is an El Paso treasure. The Paso del Norte Community Foundation is honored to facilitate charitable contributions to support the El Paso Zoo, from the care of animals to the expansion of programs and services. We look forward to partnering with the City on this dedicated fund for the El Paso Zoo.”

According to the contract between the two entities, the Community Foundation will retain up to one percent of donations in exchange for its services.

PdNCF is also required to provide the City with quarterly updates on financial statements.

Rep. Acevedo, whose district encompasses the zoo, voted against going in this direction. In a statement to KTSM, he said in part:

“I have also lost all confidence in the zoo director to lead the organization after he disgraced the City when he said, ‘DO not poke the bear…because you may get bit. I killed a 63-year-old nonprofit, put nine people out of work and made 1.6 million for the zoo in one move.’ We need steady and ethical leadership at the zoo.”

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