Friends, we made it. By "made it" I mean that the 550 (and counting!) petition signatures got Clovis' and Hillcrest Zoo's attention, and now we have the opportunity to make something of it. I am truly in awe that we're here, and am SO optimistic for where we can take this. 

I met with the zoo director, Damian, in August and we landed on an exciting new trajectory. You may remember some info I shared about the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) setting the industry standard for zoo-accrediting bodies, and how the Hillcrest Zoo currently abides by standards set by the USDA (which essentially outlines the bare minimum). While this is true, it turns out that some of the enclosures at Hillcrest already exceed the established species-specific guidelines set forth by the AZA, while others fall dishearteningly short. After some research and a side-by-side comparison of various accrediting bodies, the Hillcrest Zoo is pursuing accreditation by the ZAA (Zoological Association of America) based on feasibility and direct benefit to the animals. Compared to the AZA, accreditation by the ZAA is a significantly more attainable improvement at this time, and will accomplish the goal of constituting a higher enforceable standard for all the animals' enclosures to abide by in a more timely manner. 

To this end, we are SO excited to announce that this holiday season we will gather the Clovis community to benefit our fan favorite, Sooner the Bengal Tiger, whose enclosure will cost about $100k to spruce up per ZAA guidelines. Please join us on December 10th to 'Celebrate Sooner! A Holiday Festival at Hillcrest Zoo'. We'll have a cat/dog adoption event, Santa Claus and other holiday activities for the kiddos, concessions, Christmas music and lights, etc.
The evening will be open to adults 18+. Clovis' very own Citadel Cirque Troupe will perform while we enjoy an evening together complete with food/drink, vendors, music, a raffle, etc. It will be a day of community, animals, and holiday fun. 

Help us light up Sooner's world!

• Adopt a Hillcrest Zoo animal! 
  • *Email completed forms to administration@cityofclovis.org
• Volunteer at the zoo! Email administration@cityofclovis.org for more information
• Celebrate Sooner with us! 
• Donate! 
  • This fundraiser is to supplement money we'll make from the in-person event to go toward Sooner's enclosure. Every little bit counts! Help us do right by our boy Sooner and give him the home he deserves!!
• SHARE any or all of the above. We need all the help we can get!

I am overflowing that we are here, and I am humbly asking for support in holding this momentum and making Sooner's new home the first of many success stories at Hillcrest, until every single animal there and beyond has the home and life they deserve.