Dear Friend of Fresno Chaffee Zoo,
Fresno Chaffee Zoo is more than a destination — it’s our Zoo. It belongs to all of us in the Central Valley who have watched it grow, celebrated its milestones, and shared in the joy, wonder, and awe it brings to every visitor who walks through its gates. And while Measure Z has helped us grow in extraordinary ways, it doesn’t cover our operating expenses and continuing our mission requires more.
For some of us, the Zoo’s magic began decades ago when we welcomed Nosey the elephant to Fresno, or as children, discovered our love for wildlife as we wandered through various animal habitats. Now, as parents and grandparents, we’ve started new traditions watching little faces light up when feeding giraffes, laughing at sea lions, and exploring Valley Farm. These moments connect us — they remind us that the Zoo isn’t just in our community; it’s part of who we are.
Together, we have the opportunity to shape the future of our Zoo and make it one of the very best in the nation, ensuring that its magic remains accessible to everyone in our region and beyond.
As the holidays approach, many of you may be considering year-end gifts to charitable organizations. This year, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the Claude Laval Family, every gift made to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo before December 31st is tax deductible and will be matched dollar-for-dollar. We hope you will consider taking advantage of this opportunity to double the impact of your gift for local families and support one of the leading nonprofits in the Valley.
By giving to the Zoo, you help open our gates through programs like:
Welcome Wednesdays – Every Wednesday, families receiving SNAP benefits can visit the Zoo for just $5 per person. For many, it’s their very first chance to experience the wonder of wildlife and the joy of being together in nature.
After School at the Zoo – For students from underserved neighborhoods, the Zoo becomes more than a place to visit — it becomes a place to belong. Through after-school art and nature programs, children find confidence, creativity, and connection.
This is our Zoo — built by our community, for our community. With your support, we can continue to care for the animals we love, inspire the next generation of conservationists, and ensure that everyone in the Central Valley has the opportunity to experience the wonder, awe, and joy that only Fresno Chaffee Zoo can offer. Together, we can make our Zoo a place where everyone belongs, and where the magic continues to grow for generations to come.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Kyle Kirkland
Fresno Chaffee Zoo Board Chair