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2024: Year In Review

In 2024, SSA teams across the country embraced innovation, introduced dynamic new retail and culinary concepts, advanced digital technologies, and streamlined admissions services. Our growth in ERGs, unwavering focus on DEAI + Belonging, and bold climate action plan solidified our position as an industry leader in sustainable operations. Beyond the numbers, we created countless meaningful moments of hospitality, deepening our bonds with colleagues, guests, and partners.

While our eyes are always on the future and the journey toward Destination 2030, it's equally important to pause and celebrate the milestones that have shaped us. This past year was a testament to our passion for hospitality, relentless curiosity, resilience, and unapologetic sense of family.

As we reflect on 2024, we’re thrilled to share just a glimpse of the incredible highlights that make us proud to be part of SSA.

SSA 2024: A Year of Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact

Celebrating Our People and Culture 
Nothing makes us prouder than the people who drive our success. In 2024, we continued to foster a culture of belonging, learning, and innovation: 

  • Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): We expanded our ERGs with the launch of V.E.T. (Veterans Engagement Team) and MyND (My NeuroDiversity), providing support and connection for team members and allies. 
  • Community Partnerships: We partnered with Center for Employment Opportunities and Military Spouse Employment Partnership to broaden employment opportunities. 
  • Learning and Development: We launched EduMe to provide valuable training to employees nationwide, engaging nearly 1,000 active LinkedIn Learning users and creating over 100 new courses. 
  • Recognition: SSA was honored in the Denver Business Journal’s DEI Awards for advancements in equity and inclusion. 
  • Our partnership with KultureCity provides sensory training to our employees.  
  • Our partnership with EduMe to educate our thousands of employees across the country  

 

Celebrating our new and expanded partnerships  
2024 was a year of innovation and growth. From new menu and retail items to advanced digital technologies, we have delighted guests across our attractions and strengthened relationships with new and expanded partnerships. We’re excited to partner with the Jacksonville Zoo, Detroit Zoo, Utah’s Hogle Zoo, Lion Country Safari, Brookfield Zoo and the Toronto Zoo on a variety of SSA offerings.

What a year for our SSA teams and partners across the country!

We’re so incredibly proud that:  

  • Longneck Manor received accreditation at the 2024 AZA conference, recognizing the hard work and dedication of the team. Their focus on saving animals from extinction, conservation, and education were key pillars that were recognized by the accreditation commission.  

We care deeply about our communities and our world.

  • We announced our first-ever Climate Action plan and have employees serving on the World Association of Zoo and Aquarium (WAZA) Conservation and Environmental Sustainability Committee, Green Science Advisory Group (GSAG), Wildlife Conservation Committee (WCC), Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP).
  • We are contributing to the industry-recognized Sustainable Purchasing Guide.

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  • SSA received the “Miles of Gratitude” Award from Last Mile Food Rescue. The award was given to a handful of local organizations who have been dedicated to eliminating food waste at their facilities. In 2024, we kept 1.3k lbs of edible food out of the landfill and instead donated to our neighbors through this rescue.
  • SSA has collaborated with the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden to create a zero-waste program for all ticketed events. In partnership with he Ohio Penal Industires (OPI), wasted from these events is sorted post-event at a composting and recycling center managed by the participants int he Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections’ work program. The Zoo subsidizes the hourly wage, ensuring program participants earn at least minimum wage while also building a savings account to support their transition upon release from incarceration.
  • Supported the successful completion of the Sea Turtle SAFE program plan.

 

We love to give back to our communities.  

We raised over $1.3 million for conservation through our “Round Up for Conservation” program – asking guests to “round up” their transaction total and donate the difference to the clients’ mission. In 10 years, with our partners, we have raised over $8.5 million.

SSA with launched an industry-first Circular Plush Program with Wild Republic and Terracycle at seven locations:   

  • Oakland Zoo  
  • Dallas Zoo  
  • Houston Zoo  
  • Brookfield Zoo  
  • Riverbanks Zoo  
  • Columbus Zoo  
  • Cincinnati Zoo 

We kicked off our Love One, Gift One holiday donation drive and will offer guests the opportunity to purchase items from multiple product categories to donate to charitable institutions on behalf of our partners. We’re celebrating nearly 8,129 donations this year, crushing our 5,000 donated plush goal.
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We’re proud of our culinary and catering teams across the country. We added new chefs and a new VP of catering. 

  • We have a new partnership with the Jacksonville Zoo to bring innovative food and beverage solutions to the guests.  
  • Our “Farm to Zoo” event with Rick Bayless was a huge success. 

We’ve had a number of our chefs featured in their local news for interesting and innovation food offerings.  

2024 was a testament to our unwavering passion for hospitality, innovation, and sustainability. As we celebrate these milestones, we remain focused on what lies ahead with Destination 2030. Together, we’ll continue to dream big, innovate boldly, and create meaningful moments of hospitality that inspire us all.

We’re so proud of our teams, our partners and all that we accomplished together. Onward to an even bigger and better 2025!