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GENERAL INFORMATION

Who We Are

Audubon Nature Institute operates a family of nine museums and parks unified with a purpose of "Celebrating the Wonders of Nature."

• This organization is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity .
• This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.
• Financial information in this report is derived from the organization's December 31, 2007 Form 990.
• Additional narrative information in this report was last supplied by the organization on December 22, 2009.
• It makes its audited financial statements available to the public upon request.
• Contributions are deductible, as provided by law.

How to Help

This organization is seeking funds from contributions and grants. These funds will be used for unrestricted operating expenses, special projects, building improvements and endowments.

Location(s) Served

• National
• International: Africa, Central and South America, Asia

NTEE Code

• D50—Zoo, Zoological Society
• D30—Wildlife Preservation/Protection
• B99—Education N.E.C.

Chief Executive

Mr. L. Ronald Forman

Chief Executive Profile

Ron Forman is a graduate of Louisiana State University. He began at Audubon Park/Audubon Zoological Garden in 1973. Mr. Forman's professional affiliations include the International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens, American Association of Museums Board of Directors and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Mr. Forman's past AZA appointments include serving as President, Conservation Endowment Fund Chair, Grants Committee Chair, Nominating Committee Chair, and a member of the AZA Management School Board of Regents as well as an instructor. Local service includes:  president of the New Orleans Regional Chamber of Commerce (led the creation of an economic development initiative -Greater New Orleans, Inc.); Immediate Past Chair of the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau; and Chair of the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MISSION AND PROGRAMS

Mission

Audubon Nature Institute operates a family of museums, parks and research facilities on behalf of the City of New Orleans, Louisiana, dedicated to celebrating the wonders of nature. Through innovative live animal exhibits, education programs, and scientific discovery, Audubon makes a meaningful contribution to preserving wildlife for the future. Audubon Nature Institute flagships include Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy IMAX Theatre, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park. Audubon opened its 10th facility in Summer 2008 - Audubon Insectarium.

Programs

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas coordinates the Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program on behalf of the state. This provides both rescue and rehabilitation services for stranded, endangered marine animals as well as data collection as part of the national stranding network.

Additional Comments from the Organization

Audubon Nature Institute manages its museums and parks on behalf of Audubon Commission, a city agency. As a not-for-profit entity, Audubon files a 990 which reflects fundraising activity and transfers. Daily facility operations are reflected on Audubon Commission's books; as a city agency, the Commission DOES NOT submit a 990. To better understand the financial status of our organization, please contact us for more information.

GOALS AND RESULTS

Accomplishments for Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2007

1. At Audubon Park, our horticulture staff has replaced some of the 2,000 trees lost to storm damage. Following a detailed survey of the kinds and status of remaining trees, careful planning has helped to develop a strategy to strengthen this beloved New Orleans urban forest.
2. Following Hurricane Katrina, Audubon has been unable to open Audubon Louisiana Nature Center. The buildings there were declared a total loss, and even more tragically, the 86 acres of bottomland forest and wetlands were destroyed. Teams of volunteers have begun removing the invasive tree species that have taken root over the last 2 years and have begun planting native tree species to repopulate that wetland.

Objectives for Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2008

1. Audubon busily is preparing for the first opening of a new major attraction in New Orleans following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina ? Audubon Insectarium. This will be the largest freestanding museum in America dedicated exclusively to exhibiting arthropods and educating the public about their importance to our ecosystem.
2. Audubon Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species and Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center will announce the opening of the Whooping Crane Breeding Facility. This site presents new opportunities for researchers and animal managers to develop additional methods to help increase the population numbers of the world?s most critically endangered crane.
3. Audubon Zoo has much to celebrate in 2008: the sea lions long-awaited return to Audubon following their extended hurricane evacuation; a new toucan exhibit added to Jaguar Jungle; significant improvements to the Tropical Bird House; and the expected opening of a new parakeet exhibit that will offer feeding opportunities.

Self Assessment

membership and operating income figures; feedback from educators and program participants; and new animal births. Audubon Nature Institute?s current strategic plan, originally scheduled to run through December 2006, is being reevaluated to better respond to the changing conditions resulting from Hurricane Katrina.

FINANCIAL DATA

Revenues and Expenses: Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2007

Balance Sheet: Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2007

Note: The balance sheet gives a snapshot of the financial health of an organization at a particular point in time. An organization's total assets should generally exceed its total liabilities, or it cannot long survive, but the types of assets and liabilities also must be considered. For instance, an organization's current assets (cash, receivables, securities, etc.) should be sufficient to cover its current liabilities (payables, deferred revenue, current year loan and note payments). Otherwise, the organization may face solvency problems. On the other hand, an organization whose cash and equivalents greatly exceed its current liabilities might not be putting its money to best use.

Financial Comments from the Organization

Audubon Nature Institute manages its museums and parks on behalf of Audubon Commission, a city agency. As a not-for-profit entity, Audubon files a 990 which reflects fundraising activity and transfers. Daily facility operations are reflected on Audubon Commission's books; as a city agency, the Commission DOES NOT submit a 990. To better understand the financial status of our organization, please contact us for more information.

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