The Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo is marking a significant milestone in 2020 our 50th anniversary -- and there is much to celebrate!

As the Rosamond Gifford Zoo has evolved into a nationally accredited facility entrusted with some of the worlds most endangered animals, the Friends has become its most dedicated partner and biggest supporter.

Over five decades, we have raised and allocated many millions of dollars and countless staff and volunteer hours to provide key zoo improvements, new animals and exhibits, essential medical equipment, animal enrichment supplies and more to support our zoos missions of wildlife conservation, education and saving species.

This year has brought unforeseen challenges. The pandemic forced us to close for two months and scale back zoo visitation during our usually profitable summer season, a loss that will entail more hard work to overcome.

But there are bright spots ahead. This week we unveil the new Zalie and Bob Linn Amur Leopard Woodland exhibit for the worlds most endangered big cats -- and, we are poised to assist the county with state-of-the-art medical equipment for the exciting new Animal Health Center to be built in the next year.

In the meantime, we have launched our 50th anniversary fundraiser, the $50K for 50 Years campaign to raise $50,000 for the zoo by the end of 2020. Friends of the Zoo Board of Directors, staff and volunteers, our animal care team and members of the public have already pitched in. TO DATE, WE HAVE RAISED MORE THAN $20,000! We hope you will assist in pushing us across the finish line as we enter the last quarter of 2020.

If you have not yet donated to our $50K for 50 Years campaign, please consider taking a moment to do so remember, no gift is too small. We thank you for joining us in this effort to give our zoo a strong start as we launch the next 50 years.