WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – Zoo New York received a $100,000 donation from an anonymous donor who was inspired by a New York Times article that brought national attention to the facility, Interim Executive Director Mark Irwin announced Wednesday.
The donation arrived in the mail just hours before Irwin’s appearance on 7News’ 7 After 6 program with Mark Mason Jr. The anonymous donor, located in the United States, spent months researching the zoo’s mission after reading the October article.
“It’s an anonymous donor who read that article and wanted to do something to help animals and education,” Irwin said. “And they, over the last few months, have been looking into what we do and what we provide.”
Continued support from viral article
The October New York Times article generated an immediate surge in donations, with nearly 2,000 small contributions averaging $108 each coming through the zoo’s PayPal account. The initial wave brought in more than $200,000, with additional donations arriving after the print version was published.
Four months later, the zoo continues receiving monthly donations from supporters who set up recurring contributions. Irwin said the facility receives $2,000 to $3,000 monthly from these ongoing donations, with individual contributions ranging from $10 cash donations mailed to the zoo to larger checks.
“We’re well over $400,000 from the donations,” Irwin said. “And so this is probably right around getting us up to $500,000.”
Board oversight and budget planning
The Thompson Park Conservancy board of directors will determine how the major donation is allocated within the zoo’s budget. The facility operates multiple departments, including food service, a gift shop, education programs, animal care, veterinary services, and business offices.
“The board sets the direction, the strategic direction that we want to go with the zoo,” Irwin said. “And they’ll apply it in a way that works for that purpose.”
Irwin emphasized that the zoo’s priority remains maintaining stable operations while exploring ways to better serve the community and enhance its mission.
Free admission weekend
Zoo New York will offer free admission this weekend in partnership with Snowtown USA. The event coincides with Kids Day activities in Thompson Park.
“That’s something that I think is important for our community,” Irwin said, noting the support from partners at the City of Watertown and Jefferson County.
The zoo encourages visitors to follow its Facebook page for animal videos and announcements, and to consider membership options available through its website.
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