Zoological Society of San Diego
Zoological Society of San Diego is based in San Diego, California. Its filing lists the organization as type 990T and states a mission of saving species worldwide through wildlife care, conservation science, and inspiring passion for nature. On its website, the organization identifies as San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, an international nonprofit conservation organization with the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park as its “two front doors.”
Key facts about Zoological Society of San Diego
In short: Zoological Society of San Diego gave $1.6M across 24 grants in 2024 (avg $68K), top state California. 50% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 95-1648219
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,632,824
- Grants made (2024)
- 24
- Average grant
- $68,034
- Median grant
- $19,775
- New grantees (estimate)
- 50% first-time grantees (12 of 24, 2024)
- Total assets
- $1,046,146,042
- Primary geography
- California (45% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$1.0B
+9.6% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.6M
-1.5% YoY
Grant Count
24
-17.2% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$68K
+19.0% YoY
Is Zoological Society of San Diego open to new grantees?
50%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 12 of 24 grantees (50%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $54K; repeat grants $82K. How we count
Medians: $15K first-time, $20K repeat.
- 50% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−8%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The mission stated on the filing is: “San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is committed to saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in wildlife care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for nature.” The organization’s website describes its work as integrating wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.
The 2024 grants show support for work involving species and ecosystem conservation. For example, the grants included conservation support for a black rhino translocation, elephant conservation, sea otter conservation, vulture conservation, and research related to mountain lions and northern white rhinos. They also included support for plant conservation activities, biodiversity and ecosystem-services monitoring, and a species conservation toolkit initiative.
Among the supported organizations, The Nature Conservancy describes its mission as conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. The Center for Plant Conservation says it safeguards and conserves imperiled native plants through science-based practices and by connecting and empowering plant conservationists. Re:wild says it protects and restores the wild; Natural State says it works through large-scale restoration and rewilding to secure biodiversity and store carbon. The Wildlife Conservation Network describes its work as connecting conservationists and supporters and providing resources and tools to conservationists. These are the grantees’ stated missions, not the funder’s.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the organization made 24 grants totaling $1,632,824. Grant amounts ranged from $5,310 to $500,000, with a median grant of $19,774.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2024 filing reports that grant dollars went to recipients in California (45%), Virginia (32%), Texas (9%), the District of Columbia (6%), and Minnesota (3%). The listed grants also include recipients in Maryland and Idaho.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 24 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.3M (2020) to $1.8M (2022). In 2024 it made 24 grants totaling $1.6M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was The Nature Conservancy ($500K). Together the top 10 received $1.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
112 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 85 grants of 112 (76%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Nature Conservancy Arlington, VA | Conservation Support for Black Rhino Translocation | $500,000 |
| Center for Plant Conservation Inc Escondido, CA | Support for Salaries for Plant Conservation Activities | $367,841 |
| Regents of the University of California Davis Davis, CA | Conservation support for pathology residents for research such as wildlife disease investigations and conservation support for mountain lions | $155,820 |
| Rewild Austin, TX | Conservation Support for Iucn SSC | $110,000 |
| Wildlife Conservation Network Inc San Francisco, CA | Conservation Support for Elephants | $104,104 |
| Natural State Ltd Washington, DC | Support for Monitoring Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services | $100,000 |
| The Regents of the University of California Oakland, CA | Conservation support for postdoctoral and graduate research for northern white rhinoceres | $60,000 |
| American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc Baltimore, MD | Support for wildlife trafficking alliance to end illegal wildlife trade | $25,000 |
| International Elephant Foundation Azle, TX | Conservation Support for Elephants | $25,000 |
| Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation Monterey, CA | Conservation Support for Sea Otters | $25,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1,046,146,042 | $437,607,695 | $391,353,999 | $1,632,824 (24) |
| 2023 | $954,802,422 | $411,019,877 | $365,011,304 | $1,657,883 (29) |
| 2022 | $870,891,979 | $392,443,880 | $352,421,424 | $1,834,583 (17) |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $1,046,146,042 | $954,802,422 | $870,891,979 |
| Revenue | $437,607,695 | $411,019,877 | $392,443,880 |
| Expenses | $391,353,999 | $365,011,304 | $352,421,424 |
| Net Investment Income | $25,689,245 | $17,069,273 | $9,621,224 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 3, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 4, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 13, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 30, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Paul Baribault as president and CEO; Shawn Dixon as chief operating officer; David Franco as chief financial officer; and David Gillig as chief philanthropy officer. Other listed officers and directors are Lisa Peterson, executive director of Safari Park; Erika Kohler, executive director of San Diego Zoo; David Miller, chief marketing officer; Nadine Lamberski, chief conservation/wildlife; Aida Rosa, chief human resources officer; and Wendy Bulger, general counsel.
Zoological Society of San Diego is led by Paul Baribault, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 12 of 26 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Paul Baribault
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$800K (2020) → $2M (2024)
Lisa Peterson
Executive Director & Safari Park
Executive Director & San Diego Zoo Safari Park → Executive Director & Safari Park, 2021
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$342K (2020) → $495K (2024)
Erika Kohler
Executive Director & San Diego Zoo
Interim Executive Director & Sd Zoo → Executive Director & San Diego Zoo, 2022
On filings since 2021
50 hrs/week
$204K (2021) → $480K (2024)
Javade Chaudhri
Chair & Trustee
Board Chair → Chairman, 2023
Chairman → Chair & Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Steve Simpson
Treasurer & Chair
Board Vice Chair → Treasurer, 2023
Treasurer → Treasurer & Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kathleen Cain Carrithers
Trustee
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Linda Lowenstine
Trustee
Board Secretary → Trustee, 2022
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rolf Benirschke
Trustee
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Aulani Wilhelm
Trustee
On filings since 2022
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bryan Min
Trustee
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jane Finley
Trustee & Secretary
Trustee → Trustee & Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2023
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Adam Day
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Clifford Hague
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kenji Price
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Franco
Chief Financial Officer
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$203K (2020) → $757K (2024)
Nadine Lamberski
Chief Conservation & Wildlife
Chief Conservation & Wildlife Health Officer → Chf. Conservation & Wildlife, 2022
Chf. Conservation & Wildlife → Chief Conservation & Wildlife, 2024
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$293K (2020) → $478K (2024)
Shawn Dixon
Chief Operating Officer
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$473K (2020) → $820K (2024)
Aida Rosa
Chief Human Resources Officer
Chief Human Resources Officer → Chf. Human Resources Officer, 2022
Chf. Human Resources Officer → Chief Human Resources Officer, 2024
On filings since 2021
50 hrs/week
$304K (2021) → $420K (2024)
David Gillig
Chief Philanthropy Officer
On filings since 2021
50 hrs/week
$399K (2021) → $631K (2024)
David Miller
Chief Marketing Officer
On filings since 2021
50 hrs/week
$240K (2021) → $450K (2024)
Wendy Bulger
General Counsel
On filings since 2021
50 hrs/week
$305K (2021) → $457K (2024)
Eamonn Farrell
Vice President, Construction & Architecture
Vice President of Construction → Vice President of Construction & Arch, 2023
Vice President of Construction & Arch → Vice President, Construction & Architecture, 2024
On filings since 2022
50 hrs/week
$220K (2022) → $261K (2024)
Karen Bhatt
Vice President & Human Resources
On filings since 2023
50 hrs/week
$236K (2023) → $266K (2024)
Richard Gulley
Secretary
Trustee → Board Treasurer, 2021
Board Treasurer → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Steven G. Tappan
Vice Chairman
Board Chairman → Board Secretary, 2022
Board Secretary → Vice Chairman, 2023
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gary Knell
Vc & Treasurer
Trustee → Vice Chairman, 2023
Vice Chairman → Vc & Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2022
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (15)
- Former: Cliff Hague (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: David Page (2020–2022) — Vice President of Finance
- Former: Judy Wheatley (2020–2022) — Outgoing Trustee
- Former: Robert Horsman (2020–2022) — Outgoing Trustee
- Former: Dhevsivanand Govender (2020–2021) — Chief Technology Officer
- Former: Dwight Scott (2020–2021) — Executive Director & San Diego Zoo
- Former: Joye Blount (2020–2021) — Outgoing Trustee
- Former: Allison Alberts (2020) — Chief Conservation Officer
- Former: Amy Parrott (2020) — Director of Individual & Planned Gifts
- Former: David Wu (2020) — Chief Development Officer
- Former: Douglas Myers (2020) — Former President & CEO
- Former: Paula Brock (2020) — Chief Financial Officer
- Former: Robert Wiese (2020) — Chief Life Sciences Officer
- Former: Ryan Sullivan (2020) — Board Treasurer
- Former: Ted Molter (2020) — Chief Marketing Officer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $2.0M, to Paul Baribault (President/CEO). 12 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: Post Office Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92112-0551
Phone: (619) 231-1515
Website: https://sdzwa.org
Frequently asked questions about Zoological Society of San Diego
How much does Zoological Society of San Diego give each year?
Zoological Society of San Diego gave $1.6M across 24 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $1.7M across 29 grants.
What is Zoological Society of San Diego's typical grant size?
Zoological Society of San Diego's median grant in 2024 was $19,775, and its average grant was $68,034, across 24 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Zoological Society of San Diego that year got $54K on average.
Where does Zoological Society of San Diego give grants?
Zoological Society of San Diego's top state is California, with 45% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Virginia (32%) and Texas (9%). The most frequent recipient cities were Davis, CA (2 grants) and Seattle, WA (2 grants).
Does Zoological Society of San Diego give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 24 grants with a stated purpose on Zoological Society of San Diego's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are Zoological Society of San Diego's largest grantees?
Zoological Society of San Diego's largest 2024 grantees include The Nature Conservancy ($500,000), Center for Plant Conservation Inc ($367,841) and Regents of the University of California Davis ($155,820), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 63% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Zoological Society of San Diego?
Zoological Society of San Diego reported $1.0B in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $437.6M.
What does Zoological Society of San Diego fund?
The mission stated on the filing is: “San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is committed to saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in wildlife care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for nature.” See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Zoological Society of San Diego?
Zoological Society of San Diego has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check sdzwa.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Zoological Society of San Diego's EIN?
Zoological Society of San Diego's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 95-1648219. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
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