EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — An audit of the El Paso Zoo has looked into financial activities, including ticket sales and events, within the last year.
The audit, which reviewed fiscal years 2024 and 2025, focused on ticket sales, memberships, sponsorships, and events. It found three key findings.
The audit found that three out of four events held at the zoo during April 1st, 2024, and April 30th of this year resulted in a profit for the zoo totaling more than $170,000.
However, it also showed that one of the events resulted in a loss of nearly $4,500 due to expenses exceeding ticket sales and a lack of financial sponsorship.
Additionally, two events received sponsorships from Raising Cane’s LLC totaling $8,500, but these were handled without formal agreements.
The audit recommended that the zoo monitor to ensure event costs are recovered.
The audit also looked into 40 out of 71 invoice payments for event-related expenditures during the same time period were not paid within 30 calendar days of the invoice date.
Specifically, 39 invoices for the “Boo at the Zoo” event were paid 26 to 117 days late, and one invoice for the “Brew at the Zoo” event was paid 24 days late.
The audit also highlighted issues with field trip reservation payments. Three out of 15 invoices were not paid within 30 days, with two invoices remaining unpaid 75 days past due.
The zoo attributes this to school summer closures and plans to establish a process for collecting payments before such closures.
The audit recommended that the zoo ensure that invoices are paid within 30 calendar days of receiving the invoice or service as outlined on the City of El Paso account.
Despite these findings, the audit concluded that the El Paso Zoo has proper internal controls and procedures for handling admissions and membership sales.
However, it emphasized the need for better monitoring of event expenses, formalizing sponsorship agreements, and ensuring timely payments.
In response, the El Paso Zoo has taken steps to address these issues.
For event sponsorships, the zoo has consulted with the City Attorney’s Office to establish a standard agreement.
To improve invoice payments, the zoo filled a vacant Budget and Services Coordinator position to oversee purchases and ensure timely invoice submissions.
Additionally, the zoo plans to enhance its process for collecting field trip payments by implementing regular follow-ups and withholding future reservations until outstanding invoices are settled.
The zoo’s management expressed commitment to improving financial management, with City Manager Dionne Mack stating that standardizing sponsorship agreements and focusing on timely payments are priorities.
RECOMMENDED: El Paso Zoo director departs amid leadership controversies, performance issues
Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox.