Executive Director Ray-Eric Correia – call him Ray – wants you to come out to Mill Mountain Zoo, high on the hill in the shadow of the famous neon Star. Yes, he knows its winter, but with expenses totaling more than 00 a day and with gate receipts being a big part of the budget equation, getting people to the zoo on a paying basis is always a priority. “There is some [local government] funding, but it is limited,” said Correia, who was formerly a high school principal and then the principal at Roanoke Catholic. He first came to the Roanoke Valley in 1969.
Raised in Manhattan, Correia frequented the Central Park Zoo and the larger Bronx Zoo as a youngster. “This is my first foray into the world of zoos,” said Correia, who has been on the job for about two years.
Much of what zoos are about is education he notes; Correia hopes to be able to offer web-based educational videos, funded by sponsorships that can raise money for MMZ, in the near future. The zoo may also partner with other zoos, working with their education departments.
“Basically we are self-sustaining through the gate [ticket sales] and through philanthropy,” notes Correia. The City of Roanoke chips in about $30,000 a year; the zoo sends back about $20,000 in tax receipts. Local government contributions only total about 5% annually of the total budget. Even with the sluggish economy and fundraising more difficult, “There have been many, many people who have stepped up to the plate to help us.”
Since MMZ is strictly an outdoor affair its always susceptible to attendance downturns when the weather turns cold or rainy. Correia notes that on a recent, warm January weekend plenty of people did come out. One of just a handful of accredited zoos in Virginia, Mill Mountain Zoo, which opened in 1952, features around 15 full time employees, many with an educational background in wildlife science. The zoo also takes part in breeding programs, in concert with other facilities.
MMZ originally started out as a nursery-rhyme themed petting zoo, before evolving into a more serious-minded facility focused on animal conservation and endangered species. “We are stewards of the management team that oversees the endangered or at-risk species,” said Correia.
Zoos like Mill Mountain are sometimes the recipients of endangered species and asked to do its part to increase that animal’s population as part of a breeding program. About 45 lives births have occurred at MMZ over the past 15 years; most recently a rare red panda that was named Star. “That was very popular with folks in the area,” said Correia, noting that Star was shipped off to a zoo in Iowa. Another male was sent in return and Correia hopes to see another red panda birth in the near future.
Staff turnover has been an issue in recent years (Robin Lentz is the latest curator); Correia said his goal since coming aboard has been, in part, to establish a strong management team, “a keeper team that is dedicated and has a good spirit about it.” The staff works “tirelessly,” to keep the animals (about 100 or so) fed and healthy. There is always someone at the zoo, even at night.
Getting people to an outdoor zoo in the cold winter months will remain a challenge (“who thinks of going to the zoo in January?” asks Correia.). Some also wonder if MMZ needs a “signature” animal with Ruby the Tiger now gone. Correia thinks a new snow leopard that will make his debut soon – Bali – could be that signature animal. Bali, once he gets acclimated, could be on display by February. “He’s a gorgeous, gorgeous creature.” Bali is also the grandson of another snow leopard, China, currently on display.
Bringing back a tiger as part of the zoo’s “Campaign for Sustainability,” is a long-range goal, perhaps in 3-4 years. That plan includes a complete remodel on the zoo’s eastern slope, with spaces for tigers and macaques, the colorful parrots. “We are seeking…unencumbered money for operations,” said Correia. “Hopefully we will become more sufficient.”
Investments in new construction and undone maintenance projects are part of that campaign as well. People can make donations on line at mmzoo.org, or via mail at P.O. Box 13484, Roanoke, Va. 24034. Memberships remain a vital piece of the funding puzzle, and as a way of “reaching out into the community, sort of anchoring us.” Correia is hoping that outreach to prospective members and major donors means they will be reaching for their wallets as well.
Serving 24 local school districts, the educational aspect of Mill Mountain Zoo fits with Correia’s professional background. Still, he never saw himself running a zoo: “If you told me I was going to head up Mill Mountain Zoo [years ago] I would have chuckled.”
by Gene Marrano