The mission of the Potter Park Zoological Society is to support Potter Park Zoo and its mission to inspire people to conserve animals in the natural world. We strive to teach each visitor and participant in educational programs what they can do to conserve animals in the natural world – both world wide and in their own backyard.
The Society raises funds by managing the membership program, producing family events, grant writing, conducting educational programs, and coordinating fundraising activities.
The Society first began in 1969 as the Friends of the Zoo Society. Founder Jim Hough, a columnist for the Lansing State Journal, brought together local residents with the goal of raising money for some much needed zoo improvements. It was not until 1986 that the Friends group became known as the Potter Park Zoological Society. Later that same year the first Docent class of 12 volunteer teachers graduated, launching the Society’s Docent Association. Today, the Society consists of more than 130 volunteers.
From its humble beginnings, the goals of the Society have remained the same: to inspire and engage children, students, teachers, and others among the general public to make a positive impact on the natural world around them.
If you would like to help make a difference, please consider making a donation to the Potter Park Zoological Society.
The Potter Park Zoological Society is a private, 501 (c) 3, non-profit organization that supports Potter Park Zoo. To view the organization’s GuideStar report click here. To view the organization’s Data Arts Cultural Data Profile click here.
