Board of Directors Guide to Hollywild Animal Park

Board of Directors Guide to Hollywild Rev. 12/2014

Park Season: March – October

Holiday Lights Safari Benefit Season Opens before Thanksgiving and runs nightly

through the first Saturday in January.

Physical Address

2325 Hampton Road

Wellford, SC 29385

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 683

Inman, SC 29385

Phone: (864) 472-2038 Fax: (864) 472-6336

Website: www.hollywild.org (access to webcam)

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HollywildAnimalPark

Twitter: HollywildParkSC

HAP Board Book, December2014 2

Mission Statement:

Hollywild Animal Park is committed to providing an interactive and

enlightening experience for our visitors, as we continually improve the lives

of our animals in an enriching and respectful environment.

Hollywild Staff

Hollywild employs 15 or less full-time staff members. The Park employs seasonal

workers for the Park staff and separately for Holiday Lights Safari Benefit event staff.

Executive Director – David Meeks (864)472-2038, (864) 316-9572

Assistant Director – Mary Lee Rollins (864)472-2038 x1103

Park Supervisor:

Manages the Park-time Park staff coordinating bus rides, concessions, Creature

Feature Shows, and Zoovenir shop management

Animal Staff Supervisor:

Manages the animal staff team and monitors overall animal care.

Animal Staff Team

Primates, Birds, Small Mammals

Carnivores

Hoofstock

Roving

Errands/General

Grounds/Maintenance

Administrative Staff

Office Manager: (864) 472-2038 x 1100

Duties: phones, birthday party booking, groups booking, general office duties,

coordinating deliveries, animal inventory etc.

Director of Marketing & PR

(864)472-2038 x 1102 or (864)415-9881

Admissions: (864) 472- 2038 x 1301

Hollywild Animal Park

2325 Hampton Road · Wellford, SC · 29385


Who We Are – Why You’ll Love Us!

Hollywild Animal Park is a 501c3 non-profit organization with a 40+ year history as a

place for families and individuals to experience the majesty of the animal kingdom. Our

animals are native to six different world continents. In fact, Hollywild is one of the few

places in the country where people can visit with and learn about the Syrian Brown Bear

and meet the cubs that were born right here. Hollywild’s family also includes many

primates, lions, tigers, emu, exotic bird species, camels, deer, elands, cattle, and Tank,

one of two ‘working’ White Rhinos in the nation.

Animal “Zooperstars” from the Park have made more than 65 appearances in feature

films and dozens of television and national advertising campaigns. They find a special

home here at Hollywild. Because of the care given them here, we have several new

births each year within our animal families. We even have unique cross breeds here like

our “waffalo” a cross between an African Watusi and a North American Bison (Buffalo).

Hollywild offers educational programs, from the live Creature Feature shows and fun,

informational Safari bus rides that run daily during our regular season, to special

programs on and off-site for Scouts, home-schoolers, and community groups. We even

host groups and corporate events!

Many enjoy purchasing bags of animal food or baby bottles to offer the animals in our

many petting areas. Concession areas provide our visitors with treats for themselves

like hot dogs, nachos, chips and drinks.

The Park’s amphitheater, picnic shelters, pavilion, and an inside loft area are available

for group events like birthday parties, reunions and company picnics.

From the Saturday before Thanksgiving and into the New Year, Hollywild hosts its

annual benefit event, the Holiday Lights Safari. Guests from around the nation as well

as international visitors have come to drive through the Park to see the millions of lights

that turn the Park into a real winter wonderland. While driving through, they can

experience the Enchanted Deer Forest where deer, zebra, and cattle come to be hand-

fed right from the car! Visitors then stop at Santa’s Village, a spot for fun where they

can roam through animal barns and petting areas and have their photos made

with Santa, play with Santa’s baby animals, or hang around the bonfire sipping

cocoa with friend[s.

Sneak a peek at what Hollywild has to offer by visiting us (and our webcam!)

online at hollywild.org or checking out our Facebook page. Once you visit us in

person, you’re sure to become a fan, too! Season memberships and corporate

sponsorships are ways to support the Park and its animals while making a deeper

connection to the Hollywild family.


General Park Information

2014 Admission to the Park is $12 per person for adults (over age 14); $10 for students

(over 14) and Military with ID); and $8 for children (ages 2-14), Senior Adults 65+, and

handicapped individuals. Staff escorting handicapped individuals is admitted free.

In March, sneak preview rates are $10 for adults (all over 14) and $8 for children,

seniors, and handicapped individuals.

Group rate discounts of 15% of admission are offered for groups of 15 or more.

Advance noticed is not required but is requested for booking groups. Groups must pay

their admission with a single form of payment to receive the discount.

Generally, Hollywild’s combined two seasons bring around 120,000 people into the

Park. Approximately 40,000 of those come through during the Park Season (March-

October) and 80,000 come through during Holiday Lights. We do not have an

assessment of those who come multiple times during a season, particularly with Holiday

Lights. We do not have a breakdown of multiple visits by those with season

membership.

We have had visitors from all across the United States and some International visitors as

well. Those coming from the farthest distances have usually been coming with friends

or family in the area.

Groups coming to Hollywild made up just over 25% of our Park Season visitors. Here is a

breakdown of group attendance from July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013.

Church Groups 1,007 guests

Daycare Groups 3,000 guests

Private Schools 1,629 guests

Public Schools 4,391 guests

Scouts 281 guests

Seniors 198 guests

Special Needs Groups 635 guests

Outreach Groups 68 guests

Autism Day 41 guests

Total number of guests

from groups 11,071 guests

Annual Memberships are available for purchase, providing unlimited visits during the

Park season and a pass per member to the Holiday Lights Safari Benefit. We currently

have 197 members.


The basic Park experience includes a walk through the exhibit area, a Creature Feature

presentation, and a Safari Bus Ride. We generally tell people to plan for approximately

of 3 hours for their visit.

Guests may bring their own picnics into the Park, although concessions are available for

purchase.

The Safari Bus Ride is considered a signature element of a visit to Hollywild. There is no

other animal education/interaction facility in SC that offers this experience! The few

safari-type experiences available in NC and GA are a minimum of 1.5 hours away and do

not include the extensive variety of animals nor provide the many different experiences

available at Hollywild.

Safari Bus Rides were added in 1993 with used busses being purchased from schools and

individuals. We currently have four busses. Busses are up-fitted to have center seating

and open windows for feeding. They have also been painted to represent different

animals. At the time rides were added it was $1 extra to ride them. Now the rides are

included in admission.

Special Events: A variety of special events have been held over the years. An attempt is

made to have a calendar for the year of events ready in January or February for

promotion. Here is a summary of events hosted in the past or currently planned.

Winter Park: This was offered through 2011 but discontinued. For $6 per person,

people could drive out to the safari during the daytime on weekends, Park their cars and

feed animals from the fence line, purchasing food on site. It was discontinued due the

need for staffing outweighing the participation and the fact that it was held during the

worst seasonal times – getting ready for Holiday Lights in November and after Holiday

Lights in January and February.

March has been our Sneak Preview Month. We’re open only on weekends with

discounted admission rates. Discounts are offered because not all of the animals are

outside and visible to the public yet. World Wide Earth Day, also referred to as

International Earth Day has been celebrated in March. This has had several guest

presenters. In 2013 we billed it as our Season Kick-Off special event.

April is when the Park opens daily for visitors with full admission charged. Various

events have been tried in April, from Easter Egg Hunts to Art Days, Kids Art Days, and

Photography Days. April is also National Autism Awareness Month. Coordination is

made with the Family Connections organization to reach out to families with autistic

children to host an after-hours (generally 4-8 PM) event for them in the Park. Sponsors

are needed for this event. The concept is to provide these families a safe non-public

and autistic friendly environment in which they can explore the Park. In the past, Family

Connections has had a medical professional on site during the event.

May is another month when various featured activities have been tried. The consistent

is the Mother’s Day Special with Moms receiving free admission with the purchase of a

child’s admission (ages 2-14).


June’s consistent featured activity is the Father’s Day Special with Dads receiving free

admission with the purchase of a child’s admission (ages 2-14). June is also when one of

our summer camps is held.

July has been Military Appreciation Month with current or former members of the

military showing their Military ID’s getting in free and their family members receiving

15% off their admission.

July is also a month when summer camps are held.

Summer Camps have ranged from full-day, one day camps to the current structure of a

full week of half-day camp which has proven to the most successful format used yet. At

various times professional educators have been hired to lead the camps but in recent

years, on-site staff have led the camps.

August has been a month with limited event focus. It is back-to-school time and one

year the Park ran a special 15% discount for those donating school supplies for the

South Carolina School for the Deaf & Blind.

Tourism: Our marketing efforts include working on a July-August tourism promotion

campaign to gives group rate discounts during certain weeks for those living in certain

tourism areas. The goal has been to leverage publicity support from the tourism offices,

Chambers of Commerce, and Visitors Centers across the state. The Park also utilizes

brochures and a brochure distribution service to help maintain a presence in high-traffic

areas throughout the region.

September hours reduce from full day through Labor Day to weekends only after Labor

Day. On the first two Fridays of September, the Park has hosted Homeschool Days.

Homeschooling families receive group rate admission to support them using the Park for

a Science Education field trip.

Scouting Programs: Programs have been hosted for scouts based on the badges they

could earn with a visit to the Park. Scout Appreciation Days have been tried with free

admission offered for scouts and leaders in uniform or with their scout membership

card. There was limited participation and those specific days were taken out of the

calendar. Visits to the Park and special events of interest to scouts are promoted via

newsletters and flyers distributed to area scouting offices.

October hours are weekends only for the public or groups by appointments.

Owl-O-Ween, formerly called Owl Day: held at the end of October, this has been an

educational program with guest speakers and presenters. Specific Halloween events

have been tried in the past, including a haunted house. It was determined that since the

Park has very limited time to get ready for Holiday Lights that the staff time and effort

was not worth the result and would be better put into preparations for Holiday Lights.


Holiday Lights Safari Benefit

This is the biggest fundraising event for the Park since 1999. Following tradition, it

begins the Saturday before Thanksgiving and runs through the first Saturday of the New

Year.

This event started as Alex Meeks asked his Dad to put lights in the zoo. In looking for

‘some’ lights, David found the PTL Ministries disbanding their holiday event and

purchased their lights and displays. Lights were put up in the Park. People starting

coming and were charged $1 to drive through. It was a very low maintenance event with

only one or two staff members and a drive-through only event that took visitors on a

lighted drive through an apple orchard. Since then, the even has continued to grow and

develop.

The Enchanted Deer Forest was added in 1997 as an area for hand-feeding hoofstock

from the visitors’ cars. Santa’s Village, formerly called “The Walk” was added in 2003. In

2013, the Deer Forest was separated from the Drive-Through experience for a number

of reasons. First, many people ended up following the car in front of them and ending

up in the deer forest when they had not wanted to be there. Because the Deer Forest is

free-roaming (for both cars and animals) many people did not like the structure and did

not want to participate. Many then left that area with negativity about the whole event

and many did not stop at Santa’s Village. Another factor in separating the Deer Forest

experience was that many people were bringing food into the Park to feed the animals.

This is 1-against USDA policy and 2-caused animals to congregate around one vehicle

and not roam freely. By having visitors pay to get in the Deer Forest and having the bag

of USDA appropriate food included, the idea was to discourage guests from bringing

their own food in for the animals. A final aspect of the decision was fund-raising. By

charging $10 per car, there was an element of additional fundraising. In 2013 there was

an even split made with half going to Hollywild and the other half to cover the animal

food, considered a concession item. Current admission is $6 per person for the drive-

through lights and access to Santa’s Village.

In recent years, Birthday Parties and Corporate Parties as well as Bus Rides through the

lights have been offered during the Holiday Lights Safari Benefit.


Hollywild – Owned by You! 2012 Article (adaptation published in Belle Magazine)

David Meeks has seen much in his 61 years that no one else could imagine – lions,

tigers, and bears, and movie stars – Barbara Streisand, Tom Cruise, and Sandra Bullock, to name

just a few. His passion for animals and sharing that passion with others is what inspired him and

his wife Lucia to develop Hollywild Animal Park. They’d owned the Park together since buying

the property and David’s father’s portion of M&M Zoo. But about ten years ago, they began to

wonder what would happen to Hollywild if he, or they, weren’t around. They weren’t too

comfortable with the answer .

“Hollywild isn’t about me. It’s about the animals, caring for them, and giving people a

way to make a special connection with them. It was time to make sure that would continue,”

David explained.

The decision was made to restructure the Park into a non-profit organization. Non-

profits are sustained financially by their ‘service’ communities. With Hollywild reaching out to

visitors even from foreign countries, and the continued work of the Meeks with an excited

board of directors, that community was growing.

Much of the early funding for Hollywild came from Meeks’ work with Cinema Animal

Talent, the company he formed as he became sought after by the film, television, and

advertising industries for his unique ability to work with animals.

“I know a lot of people would say, well, if the Park needs money, why don’t you just go

out and do another film, or an ad campaign? That’s all well and good, but what happens when I

can’t do that anymore?” Meeks explained.

Meeks and his wife Lucia also realized that none of their three children had a passion for

“the family business.”

“Oh they love and appreciate the Park, especially now that they’re grown and have seen

some of the world and realize what a great back yard they had growing up, but they have their

own interests. We respect that. You can only do this kind of work if it is your passion beyond all

others,” Meeks explained.

As a non-profit organization, David and Lucia no longer own Hollywild - the community

does. They became employees and eventually Lucia went to work outside the Park. David’s

official title as executive director still defines his place well, but now the structure of the Park

enables it to have longevity it couldn’t have otherwise.

An essential element of building the community bonds that sustain the Park is the non-

profit, 501 c(3) designation. This allows financial support, beyond gate admissions, to help keep

the Park running. Donors (whether individuals or companies) can receive tax benefits for their

gifts. This involves gifts of money, but also includes in-kind gifts, non-monetary gifts that would

be costly if they had to be part of a budget. They help the Park meet its goals while the donor

can get a tax deduction for the value of the gift.

For instance, one project this year is to make certain improvements to the grounds. A

company with unused landscaping materials, in one case boulders, gives those to Hollywild as a

tax deductible gift. New habitats are created for the animals while the amount saved by not

having to purchase the supplies can be used to support operational expenses.

“It’s a win-win situation that makes it easy for the community to keep Hollywild going

and for the Park to always be here for the people and provide excellent care for these incredible

animals. That’s what Hollywild is all about,” Meeks said.


Historical Overview of HOLLYWILD ANIMAL Historical Overview of HOLLYWILD ANIMAL Historical Overview of HOLLYWILD ANIMAL Historical Overview of HOLLYWILD ANIMAL PARKPARKPARKPARK, I, I, I, INCNCNCNC.

Developmental History

The Meeks family involvement with animals began in 1940 in rural Spartanburg County,

on their farm. Their collection contained typical farming animals, goats, cows, chickens

and horses and soon grew to include South Carolina native species such as squirrels,

opossums, foxes and raccoons. Early on, David Meeks, the youngest son in the family,

showed an affinity for animals and a powerful talent to handle and understand them.

This talent and affinity led to a fortuitous event in college, when David’s classmate

showed up with a monkey. After the monkey destroyed their dorm room, David made a

deal to trade his work to repair the damage for the monkey. The exchange helped lead

to the fulfillment of David’s childhood dream of being able to work with animals from

around the world.

Steadily, species by species, the backyard menagerie grew. As more and more strangers

were attracted to the yard, the Meeks decided to structure their property in a way for

people to enjoy it. In 1970, father and son opened the M & M Zoo, housing deer, swans,

monkeys, capybaras, tigers, pheasants, lions, ducks, bears and otters. Donna, the Asian

elephant, also found her home in their back yard.

But David and his wife Lucia had a larger vision for the project. They purchased the

elder Meeks share, and began building what would become Hollywild Animal Park in

1985. The name “Hollywild” has been copyrighted.

Neighbors and family were not the only ones who noticed David’s animal-handling

talents. Hollywood also took notice. To date, Meeks has provided animal talent for

more than 65 feature films. Hollywild animals have appeared in numerous national

advertising campaigns, photo shots, brochures, art exhibits, conferences, private

parties, and live nativities. The hand-raised animals and David’s expert handling make

them adaptable to many environments, including movie sets.

David and his animals have appeared in films like Barbra Streisand’s Prince of Tides and

Tom Cruise’s Days of Thunder. David worked on location in Utah filming Steven King’s

The Stand, and on the Christmas movie Prancer. Pippi’s spotted horse from The New

Adventures of Pippi Longstocking and one of the models for Disney’s The Lion King have

been favorite residents at Hollywild. These projects have provided a solid financial

backbone for the Park for many years, and led to the renaming of the zoo to “Hollywild

Animal Park,” to reflect the Hollywood connection.

Today, David’s dream lives on with the help of many people, and the Park’s wildlife

collection is comprised of more than 500 animals from around the world. In 1999,

Hollywild became a 501c(3) nonprofit organization focused on fostering a love and

appreciation for all living things.


The official Hollywild Mission Statement:

Hollywild Animal Park is committed to providing an interactive and enlightening

experience for our visitors, as we continually improve the lives of our animals in an

enriching and respectful environment.

Nonprofit History

In the mid-late 1990’s the Meeks family realized that there needed to be a plan in place

to ensure the longevity of Hollywild as a community resource. In short, David would not

be around forever and there needed to be a structure put into place that could enable

Hollywild and its base as a community resource to survive and thrive beyond his

presence. Multiple discussions were held with members of Chamber of Commerce and

their contacts. Their advice was to transition the Park into a non-profit organization, run

by a Board of Directors.

David and Lucia then sought the legal basis for following the Chamber suggestions.

After a lengthy and thorough review by attorneys, financial advisors, and the IRS, HAP

was incorporated in 1999 as a 501c(3) nonprofit organization through the State of

Georgia. The reason it was done through Georgia was because at that time, South

Carolina did not have a process by which a for-profit entity could transition into a non-

profit.

As a nonprofit we are required to complete an IRS 990, a RETURN of ORGANIZATION

EXEMPT FROM TAX. Cline Brandt Kochenower & Co., P.A.-Certified Public Accountants

prepares this return for Hollywild annually. Our primary accountant with the firm is Mr.

Tim Blake.

Hollywild’s 990 is available for review. A person interested in reviewing the 990 needs

to make an appointment to do so during business hours at the Park Business Office.

• We are registered as a charitable organization with the SC Secretary of State

(Public Id: P8657)

• We are registered with the GA Secretary of State under control number:

K904880

• Our 501c(3) number is 50-03778

• Our Employer ID number is 31-1633140

• We E-Verify ALL employees for their eligibility for hire

• The USDA license needed for work with animals is held by Hollywild Animal Park


Hollywild Animal Park, Cinema Animal Talent,

and Meeks Family Relationships

2014 Update Chronology

1950’s David Meeks and his father kept a personal collection of indigenous animals at

their residence in Holly Springs, SC

1962 Meeks family moved to a home on Hampton Rd. At the time they had a cougar,

bob cat, raccoons, pheasants, and lot of water fowl, goats, and horses.

1970 M&M Zoo was converted from a private menagerie in the Meek’s backyard into a

small zoo open to the public. James Meeks applied for a USDA license in order to be able

to share his animals. He was issued the third USDA license in the state of SC. M&M was

operated by David Meeks, his father James, and his mother Daisy.

1978 Cinema Animal Talent was established by David Meeks as a separate business, for

the purpose of providing animals for movies, commercials, events, and related

commercial activities.

1985 David and Lucia Meeks were married. That year they purchased 100% of Mr. and

Mrs. Meek’s portion of the zoo, including all land, animals, and home. M&M Zoo was

dissolved. A new business was formed. The zoo operated under the transitional name

of Little Mountain Zoological Park through 1987.

1987-1999 A new name/brand was developed for the Park to emphasize the animals

being used in Hollywood productions which, at the time, provided a significant

percentage of funding for the development of the Park. The new name: Hollywild

Animal Park. The Park remained a private corporation during that period of time, with

David and Lucia Meeks as shareholders and officers.

1999-2014 Hollywild Animal Park was granted non-profit status and has operated as

such until the present. The mission adopted by the first board of trustees: HAP is

committed to providing an interactive and enlightening experience for our visitors, as we

continually improve the lives of our animals in an enriching and respectful environment.


Details on the conversion of HAP to Non-Profit

Assets the Meeks donated to establish a non-profit organization.

• Vehicles, equipment, office furniture, computers, freezers, tools, buses, pumps

generators, mowers, two way radios, four-wheelers, picnic tables, etc. (Every

item the Meeks’ owned that they deemed necessary to operate the zoo at the

time of the conversion.)

• Value of items donated for the establishment of the non-profit: $455,610

Other agreements:

• The Meeks own the land used for Hollywild’s operation (80+ acres) and agreed

to make it available for the Parks’ use. (Estimated land value at the time of

original agreement in 1999, $ 2 million dollars.)

• Meeks have retained ownership of animals on exhibit at Hollywild. (Unless

animals have been donated directly to the Park since 1999, in which case they

belong to Hollywild.)

• Estimated value of Animal Collection at time of original agreement: $693,000.

(It was determined that if animals were to be leased from companies that

provide animals for exhibition purposes in 1999, the cost to lease that same

collection would be $173,250 per year)

• Meeks built and made available free of charge the Hollywild Office in 1996.

Personally financed $125,000 for this purpose. Office is used as center of

operations for the Park.

• Meeks made available all exhibits, caging, fencing, landscaping, etc. at no

additional charge to the Park.

• Meeks built gift shop facility in 2000 (Log cabin) to run gift shop. Facility is key

building for Park operations. ($125,000 investment. Active loan in 2014.)

• Loans and lines of credit have been secured by Meeks as guarantors using their

personal property as collateral since the inception of the non-profit. (Typically

twice per year depending on cash flow)


Cinema Animal Talent

• Provides Animals for movies, commercials and special events for profit.

• Has retail sales license. Operates retail sales inside of the Park which includes

animal food sales, concessions, gift shop and purchased train to do train rides inside

the Park.

• Pays Hollywild 10% of gross sales for the right to do business in the Park (same

concept as “outside vendor”)

Financial Agreements

• David Meeks is paid a yearly salary for his role as Director of the Park

($50,000 – no benefits)

• Meeks receive $4,950 per month as lease payment for use of animals,

facilities, office, buildings, etc. (No additional funds are provided to cover

loan payments for capital improvements.)

• Meeks are compensated for use of heavy equipment and to provide an

expert operator to complete all construction jobs needed.

• Meeks receive 5 % of Holiday Lights Safari admissions for managing event,

set-up and take down and use of holiday displays personally owned by the

Meeks.

• Cinema pays Hollywild 10% of gross profits for right to conduct business in

the Park. Park maintains all facilities and cares for animal collection.

• HAP cares for the animal collection

• HAP maintains all facilities

• Park works to carry out the mission of Hollywild.

• Meeks can use any animals for any CAT activities as needed.

Supporting Board/Nonprofit Documents:

A. Letter of support for the nonprofit transition from David and Lucia Meeks to attorney

Jack Sawyer, who handled the nonprofit conversion process and was providing

additional information per IRS request in order to move from initial approval to regular

(ongoing) nonprofit status.

B. Initial letter of determination for non-profit status – it simply stayed in effect from

the initial ruling date once the final determinations were made.


February 7, 2000

Mr. Jack Sawyer

Alston and Bird

1201 West Peachtree Street

Atlanta, GA 30309-3424

Dear Mr. Sawyer:

We received your latest communication regarding the concerns in granting approval of

Non-Profit status for Hollywild Animal Park.

We fully understand that the change we have requested carries along with it extreme

commitment and responsibility. but are not exactly certain as to how we can "prove"

with numbers, the intentions of our heart.

As we expressed to you during our first meeting, if money was the driving force in our

lives, we would have closed the doors to the Park long ago and chosen to work full time

with the more lucrative and prosperous movie industry. This would have made our lives

much simpler! No large staff, no concern with the public, no visitors, no public facilities,

no picnic areas, no concession, no bus rides, no animal shows, no signs, no special

provisions for viewing any of the animals in the collection and so forth. Life would be a

breeze! We would have a private compound, take care of the animals with the healthy

revenues from the movies and live "happily ever after", surrounded by creatures great

and small. We could be the town's "eccentrics" and keep the world at bay behind locked

gates in a "mysterious" compound.

But what we have found to been fulfilling has not been to fill our bank accounts. In fact,

earnings from the movies have gone back to the Park time and time again. What has

motivated us to work for hours on end is this compelling desire to share what we have

living In our backyard with other people around us. We do not believe we could "own"

an animal any more than you can own a sunrise. We are simply their caretakers. The gift

of wildlife is for everyone to enjoy not for two people to hoard and hide. David could

easily stay booked with filming month after month. But that has not been our choice.

The Park itself has always been the focus.

What motivates us are things like seeing the indescribable joy of the children from the

School for the Deaf and Blind come to the Park and light up when they are able to feel

the soft skin of an animal they can neither see nor hear. When people overcome their

fears and dare to touch a snake. When Nursing homes bring in the elderly and renew

their wish to be alive. When kids can learn the difference between a lion and a tiger,

feed a baby deer, laugh at an ostrich, marvel at an elephant, study a camel, laugh with a

A


hyena, photograph a bear, howl like wolves or scream like chimpanzees. The energies of

discovery. When scenes from TV screens are shared in real life. We constantly wish we

could provide more for the youth in our area who often use Hollywild as a springboard

into careers involving animals. What joy to see so many lives changed by new

experiences and unique opportunities. It is a feeling to which we are "addicted". How

we want with all our hearts to have better means to better facilitate this sort of

enrichment! How grand to have a place to host better programs, have better qualified

team members, better materials, more ways to make an Impact, nicer facilities, greater

exhibits, more interactive stations.

Are we just crazy?

In our County, the Science Center resides in a small room of the local Art Museum.

Schools flock to get a little "science" from a "one man show" in very limited space with

very limited resources.

They too have expressed Interest in the possibilities of combining resources and efforts

... once our status changes.

How we wish when teachers at school want to complement and area of study that we

could have a professional staff to address their special curriculum needs. (We have the

director of curriculum from one our local school districts on our Board of Directors to

see that this becomes a reality). Oh, what a professional educator could do with all the

animals we already have!

We feel personally challenged when often we hear that South Carolina is rated as dead

last In education. How we aspire to be a factor in changing that even in some small way!

As we raise our own three young children we want better. How grand to parallel our

program with the ambitious goals of State educators.

How we wish we had a facility where we could host summer programs filled with all

sorts of activities for children who must otherwise endure days and days in the confines

of day care centers. We currently do not have the buildings or the staff to improve on

what we can offer. We do not have the financial resources to continue to grow. How

many times we have mortgaged our home to see this project grow. So very many, many

times we have risked our own well being "for the cause". We have achieved much, but

we wish to offer more. The "old way" of doing things is too slow and the demands and

needs from our visitors already overwhelm us. The growth of our area is almost

frightening.

How many people can actually travel to lands far away and enjoy fascinating wildlife?

Few are the lucky ones. How could we not share with them the animals we have In our

backyard? How could we in good conscience be so selfish as to close the gates and keep

it all to ourselves?


We look around in our rural area and see so many needs. There are so few places, which

offer outings for families. What are 500,000 people around us to do with their spare

time? Where should children go? Why should they have to travel hours out of town to

enjoy what is already here?

We feel challenged and capable of providing families with options. Places that can be

enjoyed by all ages are so few! At Hollywild people of every age, from grandparents to

Infants, can share their time and at the end of their day go home having enjoyed their

outing. We hear it all the time. It gives us great satisfaction.

As we enter our 40s and 50s we begin to be concerned with "the future". Would this

Park survive If either of us were not here? It is doubtful that anyone would undertake

the challenges at hand under the current structure. If either of us should become unable

to work we would likely sell out, close down and put "the dream" to rest. Perhaps this

land would become just another housing development. In our hearts we want it to

remain a piece of "green" forever. Why not set up a structure, which will insure

perpetuity for this project? A lot of people think back and wish they had made different

choices once their dreams fall apart. We are simply trying to look ahead and plan for the

best long-range outcome. What a shame it would be to see a lifetime of work be lost for

lack of planning!

How In good conscience could we choose to keep our animal collection behind locked

gates and out of reach? If money were our driving force this would certainly be easier.

Money is not "the object" but simply "the means." We know it is not possible for anyone

to know what is in our hearts but never did we expect that it would be so hard to "do

good".

We do not know what numbers and figures could possibly convey our intentions. Here

goes all we have.

As a side note, I want again to let you know the plan is for us to build a separate home

off the premises to make an even cleaner cut between the corporation and us. We have

the land and a builder (Steve Hammett, of Spartanburg. SC) who has gotten us a final

figure on building a separate home. We plan to proceed with this project but we are

holding out until we have final resolution of the change we are requesting. We did not

want to put "the cart before the horse" on this move.

Currently, though, we pay our own homeowners insurance, our own utilities and phone,

personal liability Insurance, etc. We are committed to making a clean distinction

between Hollywild and us though It will truly be easier once we move away as we hope

to do.

Enclosed please find a breakdown of the preliminary figures for 1999 as an example of

what a year at Hollywild looks like. (These are un-audited figures. Our accountant is


scheduled to review these in two weeks and shortly thereafter an independent auditor

will verify all our entries)

The total Income that was generated for the Park in 1999 was $ 582,873.39 (This capital

does not reflect the loans listed, which we used for operations.) We served 125,429

people.

The monies we personally earned by the way of salaries represent 7.29% (each) of the

total income. (Considering our duties and workload, if we should attempt to replace

either of us for these salaries, It would be simply impossible.)

Expenses totaled $657,013.14. The lease payments we personally received in 1999

represent 4.1% of all expenses incurred keeping the program in place. (Contracts In

effect since July - We in turn use a big portion of this money to make payments toward

long term loans for the facilities were the Park is housed)

For the sake of discussion, if we were to take the same income as in 1999 and deduct

the full amount of $54,000.00 per year as specified by our contract, this expense to

Hollywild would represent 8.21 % of all expenses.

As we all discussed when first we drafted the plan for the change to non-profit status,

we thought it would be wise to keep the sales as an entirely separate business rather

than personally draining the Park with the higher salaries common in our fields of work.

We are willing to continue to "work for it" under this arrangement.

Also as you recall, the idea was born from the fact that after researching other Parks and

Zoos we found it is common to have an independent concessionaire operate all their

sales, since they are considered primarily a service. We thought this set up would help

us to offset some expenses for the Park and allow us to focus more on greater

challenges and goals for Hollywild. This "sales company" is set up as a totally separate

business. They will continue to pay taxes on these earnings of course. They will hire their

own management and people to operate the business, have their own worker's camp

insurance, keep their own inventories, maintain their own buildings, purchase their own

equipment, pay their own taxes, have their own office space and phone, etc. It is

structured in a way that it could well be a total outsider. If you see a need to further

define the contracts we drew up we have no objections. Whatever works! (In 1999 the

sales company paid Hollywild $15.135.63.00 which was 10% of gross sales as our last

contract prescribed and they took care of all their own expenditures) Do you think we

were wrong to make this choice?

There will undoubtedly be other sources of revenue as the Board moves forward with

their plans. There will be monies derived from fundraising directed to our programs. We

do not anticipate reaping any personal benefits from fundraising activities, though we

will be fully involved in the process.


There are four professional grant writers who have been contacted by our Board

Members already researching the availability of grants. They sit anxiously awaiting the

final approval of non-profit status to begin to make a difference for the Park. We have

no intentions of personally gaining anything from these grants.

The State representative who chairs the Ways and Means Committee in South Carolina

is also prepared to help ... once we change our status. You see, everyone is willing to

help "the cause" ... but not the Meeks. We know this. We do not want to be the

obstacles for Hollywild's progress. We will surrender "control" without hesitation. We

feel it is the right thing to do.

We are not walking a group of very educated, reputable and professional Board

Members and community leaders down a path for our own self-fulfillment. They would

never go along!

Our animals will benefit. Our visitors will benefit. Our community will benefit. We too

will benefit by the satisfaction or achieving greater challenges, which under the current

structure are beyond our reach.

Perhaps it is difficult to understand why we would wish to see this change when the

Park seems to be holding its own. In our minds it is simple it transcends the math. We

have worked tirelessly on this project for years and years. We have been able to

accomplish many of our goals, but there are only two of us. We have come to realize

that we could well be our own biggest obstacles. We must allow others to continue to

expand what we have started and get out of the way!

Animal facilities of this size with collections as extensive as ours require millions to

operate. This has been a "do it yourself zoo" with far less resources. Many say it can't be

done. We have proven otherwise in many regards but we haven't arrived at the place

where we can rest on our laurels and say: "we are as good as we want to be". Far from

it. Just as when we began many years ago, this is a new starting point. We are renewed

by the energies of others around us. We are inspired by their vision. We are encouraged

by their support. We are driven by their trust to do greater deeds. We are willing to step

aside. We do not wish to live the "rise and fall" or a great idea. We have labored to the

"rise" and now we must give the project wings. The wings are all others who have

chosen to be involved. The wings are the dreams and aspirations of all who see that

there is a great seed, which must be grown beyond the present state. There are so many

horizons beyond the limitations of two people. There are so many others so eager to

embrace the project and make it all that it can be!

We believe that the goals Hollywild can achieve by having non-profit status will FAR

outweigh anything we could personally gain. We are simply the facilitators. We are only

the seed. Hollywild will be an organization, which stands alone as we "let go". As with


children, there comes a time when they must be allowed to grow and fulfill their

mission, live to their potential. So too, must Hollywild.

We have given our souls and bodies our dreams and year to this project and will

continue to do so for times unforeseen. But the aim is far beyond the monies we could

gather. Perhaps this view us unusual in this day and time when people hold their money

as heir god. Our visions have always been arranged and propelled in a different way.

There are far greater goals than riches of this earth.

How can numbers paint this picture? We ask that you review the figures we've provided

to further try "prove our case". We do not know what else to do.

Help! For every day that passes by we are held back from doing greater things. We are

all suspended in a state of hope and eager expectations. We are prepared to move on

and to "do good".

Please keep us posted on any changes and any ideas you and Ben White may have to

make this request possible. As always, we remain flexible and very open to change.

Sincerely,

David and Lucia Meeks


B


Board Structure: The latest revision of the ByLaws was made in 2007 with editing and review by

attorney Richard Voight, a member of the Board of Directors at that time.

BYLAWS

OF

HOLLYWILD ANIMAL PARK, INC.

Incorporated under the laws of the State of Georgia

ARTICLE ONE

Name, Location and Offices

1.1 Name. The name of this corporation shall be "HOLLYWILD ANIMAL PARK,

INC."

1.2 Registered Office and Agent. The corporation shall maintain a registered

office in the State of Georgia, and shall have a registered agent whose address is

identical with the address of such registered office, in accordance with the requirements

of the Georgia Nonprofit Corporation Code.

1.3 Other Offices. The corporation may have other offices at such place or

places, within or outside the State of Georgia, as the Board of Directors may determine

from time to time or the affairs of the corporation may require or make desirable.

ARTICLE TWO

Purposes and Governing Instruments

2.1 Nonprofit Corporation. The corporation shall be organized and operated

as a nonprofit corporation under the provisions of the Georgia Nonprofit Corporation

Code.

2.2 Charitable Purposes. The corporation shall be organized, and at all times

thereafter operated, exclusively for public charitable, educational, and scientific uses

and purposes, as set forth in the articles of incorporation, within the meaning of section

501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. In furtherance of such purposes, the

corporation shall have full power and authority:

(a) To acquire or receive from any individual, firm, association, corporation,

trust, foundation, or any government or governmental subdivision, unit or

agency, by deed, gift, purchase, bequest, devise, appointment, or otherwise,

cash, securities and other property, tangible or intangible, real or personal, and

to hold, administer, manage, invest, reinvest, and disburse the principal and

income thereof solely for the charitable purposes hereof;


(b) To distribute property for such charitable purposes in accordance with

the terms of gifts, bequests, or devises to the corporation not inconsistent with

its purposes, as set forth in the articles of incorporation, or in accordance with

determinations made by the Board of Directors pursuant to the articles of

incorporation;

(c) To acquire, lease, manage, own, operate, and maintain facilities to be

used as a zoological Park and related recreational facilities for the benefit of the

citizens of South Carolina and surrounding regions; and

(d) To perform all other acts necessary or incidental to the above and to do

whatever is deemed necessary, useful, advisable, or conducive, directly or

indirectly, as determined by the Board of Directors in its discretion, to carry out

any of the purposes of the corporation, as set forth in the articles of

incorporation and these bylaws, including the exercise of all other power and

authority enjoyed by corporations generally by virtue of the provisions of the

Georgia Nonprofit Corporation Code (within and subject to the limitations of

section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code).

The corporation shall serve only such purposes and functions and shall engage

only in such activities as are consonant with the purposes set forth in this Article Two

and as are exclusively charitable and are entitled to charitable status under section

501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

2.3 Governing Instruments. The corporation shall be governed by its articles

of incorporation and its bylaws.

ARTICLE THREE

Board of Directors

3.1 Authority and Responsibility of the Board of Directors.

(a) The supreme authority of the corporation and the government and

management of the affairs of the corporation shall be vested in the Board of

Directors; and all the powers, duties, and functions of the corporation conferred

by the articles of incorporation, these bylaws, state statutes, common law, court

decisions, or otherwise, shall be exercised, performed, or controlled by the

Board of Directors.

(b) The governing body of the corporation shall be the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors shall have supervision, control and direction of the

management, affairs and property of the corporation; shall determine its policies

or changes therein; and shall actively prosecute its purposes and objectives and


supervise the disbursement of its funds. The Board of Directors may adopt, by

majority vote, such rules and regulations for the conduct of its business and the

business of the corporation as shall be deemed advisable, and may, in the

execution of the powers granted, delegate certain of its authority and

responsibility to an executive committee. Under no circumstances, however,

shall any actions be taken which are inconsistent with the articles of

incorporation and these bylaws; and the fundamental and basic purposes of the

corporation, as expressed in the articles of incorporation and these bylaws, shall

not be amended or changed.

(c) The Board of Directors shall not permit any part of the net earnings or

capital of the corporation to inure to the benefit of any member, director,

officer, director, or other private person or individual.

(d) The Board of Directors may, from time to time, appoint, as advisors,

persons whose advice, assistance and support may be deemed helpful in

determining policies and formulating programs for carrying out the purposes and

functions of the corporation.

(e) The Board of Directors is authorized to employ such person or persons,

including an executive director or officer, attorneys, Directors, agents, and

assistants, as in its judgment are necessary or desirable for the administration

and management of the corporation, and to pay reasonable compensation for

the services performed and expenses incurred by any such person or persons.

3.2 Initial and Regular Boards of Directors. The initial Directors of the

corporation shall be the persons designated by the incorporator at the organizational

meeting of the initial Board of Directors. The initial Directors may elect a regular Board

of Directors, to consist of the president of the corporation, together with such other

Directors as may be elected by the affirmative vote of the initial Directors in accordance

with these bylaws. The Board of Directors is authorized to fix the precise number of

Directors by resolution adopted from time to time by a majority of all the Directors then

in office.

3.3 Manner of Election and Term of Office. Except as provided in Section 3.2

above, the regular Directors shall be elected at the annual meeting of the Board of

Directors of the corporation by a vote of the Directors as provided in Article Four of

these bylaws. Each director shall take office as of the close of such annual meeting and

shall continue in office until his or her successor has been elected and qualified or until

his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, or removal. There shall

be no limitation on the number of successive terms of office for which a director may

serve.


3.4 Removal; Absences. Any director may be removed either for or without

cause at any regular, special, or annual meeting of the Board of Directors. Removal shall

be by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the Directors then in office. Notice of

intention to act upon such matter shall be given in the notice calling such meeting. A

removed director's successor may be elected at the same meeting to serve the

unexpired term. A director who is absent without excuse for three (3) consecutive

meetings of the Board of Directors shall be deemed to have resigned from membership

of the Board of Directors (provided notice of each such meeting was given in accordance

with Article Five of these bylaws), unless the Board of Directors by affirmative vote

decides to retain such person as a member of the Board of Directors.

3.5 Vacancies. Any vacancy in the Board of Directors arising at any time and

from any cause, including the authorization of an increase in the number of Directors,

may be filled for the unexpired term at any meeting of the Board of Directors by a

majority of the Directors then in office. Each director so elected shall hold office until

the election at the annual meeting of the Board of Directors and the qualification of his

or her successor.

3.6 Compensation. No director of the corporation shall receive, directly or

indirectly, any salary, compensation or emolument therefrom as such director or in any

other capacity, unless authorized by the concurring vote of two-thirds (2/3) of all the

Directors or (notwithstanding any quorum requirement of these bylaws) by the

concurring vote of all the disinterested Directors. However, nothing contained herein

shall be construed to prevent any director from serving the corporation in any other

capacity and receiving reasonable compensation for services rendered in furtherance of

the purposes and functions of the corporation.

ARTICLE FOUR

Meetings of the Board of Directors

4.1 Place of Meetings. Meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at any

place within or without the State of Georgia as set forth in the notice thereof or in the

event of a meeting held pursuant to waiver of notice, as may be set forth in the waiver,

or if no place is so specified, at the principal office of the corporation.

4.2 Annual Meeting; Notice. The annual meeting of the Board of Directors

shall be held at the principal office of the corporation or at such other place as the

Board of Directors shall determine on such day and at such time as the Board of

Directors shall designate. Unless waived as contemplated in Section 5.2, notice of the

time and place of such annual meeting shall be given by the secretary either personally

or by telephone or by mail or by telegram not less than ten (10) nor more than fifty (50)

days before such meeting.


4.3 Regular Meetings; Notice. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors

may be held from time to time between annual meetings, at such times and at such

places as the Board of Directors may designate by resolution, without notice of the date,

time, place, or purpose of any such meeting.

4.4 Special Meetings; Notice. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may

be called by or at the request of the president or by any two of the Directors in office at

that time. Notice of the time, place and purpose of any special meeting of the Board of

Directors shall be given by the secretary either personally or by telephone or by mail or

by telegram at least twenty-four (24) hours before such meeting.

4.5 Waiver. Attendance by a director at a meeting shall constitute waiver of

notice of such meeting, except where a director attends a meeting for the express

purpose of objecting to the transaction of business because the meeting is not lawfully

called. See also, Article Five ("Notice and Waiver").

4.6 Quorum. At meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the

Directors then in office shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of

business.

4.7 Vote Required for Action. Except as otherwise provided in these bylaws

or by law, the act of a majority of the Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum

is present at the time shall be the act of the Board of Directors. Adoption, amendment

and repeal of a bylaw is provided for in Article Fourteen of these bylaws. Vacancies in

the Board of Directors may be filled as provided in Section 3.5 of these bylaws.

4.8 Action by Directors Without a Meeting. Any action required or permitted

to be taken at a meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting if a

consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by not less than a majority

of Directors then in office. Such consent shall have the same force and effect as a

majority vote at a meeting duly called. The signed consent, or a signed copy, shall be

placed in the minute book.

4.9 Telephone and Similar Meetings. Directors may participate in and hold a

meeting by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by

means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other.

Participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person at the meeting,

except where a person participates in the meeting for the express purpose of objecting

to the transaction of any business on the grounds that the meeting is not lawfully called

or convened.

4.10 Adjournments. A meeting of the Board of Directors, whether or not a

quorum is present, may be adjourned by a majority of the Directors present to

reconvene at a specific time and place. It shall not be necessary to give notice of the


reconvened meeting or of the business to be transacted, other than by announcement

at the meeting which was adjourned. At any such reconvened meeting at which a

quorum is present, any business may be transacted which could have been transacted

at the meeting which was adjourned.

4.11 Proxies. Except where proscribed by applicable law, a director may vote

in person or by proxy executed in writing by the director or by his or her

attorney-in-fact. A proxy shall not be valid after eleven (11) months from the date of its

execution, unless a longer period is expressly stated therein.

ARTICLE FIVE

Notice and Waiver

5.1 Procedure. Whenever these bylaws require notice to be given to any

director, the notice shall be given in accordance with this Section 5.1. Notice under

these bylaws shall be in writing unless oral notice is reasonable under the

circumstances. Any notice to Directors may be written or oral. Notice may be

communicated in person, by telephone, telegraph, teletype, electronic mail or other

form of wire or wireless communication; or by mail or private carrier. If these forms of

personal notice are impracticable, notice may be communicated by a newspaper of

general circulation in the area where published, or by radio, television, or other form of

public broadcast communication. Written notice, if in a comprehensible form, is

effective at the earliest of the following:

(1) When received or when delivered, properly addressed, to the

addressee's last known principal place of business or residence;

(2) Five days after its deposit in the mail, as evidenced by the postmark, if

mailed with first-class postage prepaid and correctly addressed; or

(3) On the date shown on the return receipt, if sent by registered or certified

mail, return receipt requested, and the receipt is signed by or on behalf of the

addressee. Oral notice is effective when communicated if communicated in a

comprehensible manner. In calculating time periods for notice, when a period of

time measured in days, weeks, months, years, or other measurement of time is

prescribed for the exercise of any privilege or the discharge of any duty, the first

day shall not be counted but the last day shall be counted.

5.2 Waiver. A director may waive any notice before or after the date and

time stated in the notice. Except as provided herein, the waiver must be in writing,

signed by the director entitled to the notice, and delivered to the corporation for


inclusion in the minutes or filing with the corporate records. A director's attendance at

or participation in a meeting waives any required notice to him of the meeting unless

the director at the beginning of the meeting (or promptly upon his or her arrival) objects

to holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting and does not thereafter

vote for or assent to action taken at the meeting.

ARTICLE SIX

Board of Advisors

6.1 Appointment. The Board of Directors may appoint such persons as it

reasonably deems necessary or desirable to act as the Board of Advisors of the

corporation. To the extent possible, the Board of Advisors should consist of individuals

whose integrity, capability, experience, knowledge of the purposes served by the

corporation, and community standing will help the Board of Directors carry out its

functions. The number of persons appointed to constitute the Board of Advisors shall

be determined in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors.

6.2 Purpose. It shall be the function and purpose of the Board of Advisors to

advise the Board of Directors on matters relating to the business and affairs of the

corporation, and to suggest or be available for consultation with regard to projects or

activities which the corporation may undertake, consistent with its exempt purposes, in

furtherance of its goals and objectives.

ARTICLE SEVEN

Officers

7.1 Number and Qualifications. The officers of the corporation shall consist

of a president, one or more vice presidents, as determined by the Board of Directors, a

secretary, and a treasurer. The Board of Directors may from time to time create and

establish the duties of such other officers or assistant officers as it deems necessary for

the efficient management of the corporation, but the corporation shall not be required

to have at any time any officers other than a president, a secretary and a treasurer. Any

two (2) or more offices may be held by the same person.

7.2 Election and Term of Office. The officers of the corporation shall be

elected by the Board of Directors and shall serve for terms of one (1) year and until their

successors have been elected and qualified, or until their earlier death, resignation,

removal, retirement, or disqualification.

7.3 Other Agents. The Board of Directors may appoint from time to time

such agents as it may deem necessary or desirable, each of whom shall hold office

during the pleasure of the board, and shall have such authority and perform such duties


and shall receive such reasonable compensation, if any, as the Board of Directors may

from time to time determine.

7.4 Removal. Any officer or agent elected or appointed by the Board of

Directors may be removed by the Board of Directors whenever in its judgment the best

interests of the corporation will be served thereby. However, any such removal shall be

without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the officer or agent so removed.

7.5 Vacancies. A vacancy in any office arising at any time and from any cause

may be filled for the unexpired term at any meeting of the Board of Directors.

7.6 President. The president shall be the principal executive officer of the

corporation and shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors. The president

shall also serve as a member, with right to vote, of the executive committee of the

Board of Directors and as a voting member, ex officio, or any and all other committees

of Directors. He or she shall be authorized to sign checks, drafts, and other orders for

the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of

the corporation, and statements and reports required to be filed with government

officials or agencies; and he or she shall be authorized to enter into any contract or

agreement and to execute in the corporate name, along with the secretary, any

instrument or other writing; and he or she shall see that all orders and resolutions of the

Board or Directors are carried into effect. He or she shall have the right to supervise

and direct the management and operation of the corporation and to make all decisions

as to policy and otherwise which may arise between meetings of the Board of Directors,

and the other officers and employees of the corporation shall be under his or her

supervision and control during such interim. He or she shall perform such other duties

and have such other authority and powers as the Board of Directors may from time to

time prescribe.

7.7 Vice Presidents. The vice presidents, in the order of their seniority,

unless otherwise determined by the president or by the Board of Directors, shall, in the

absence or disability of the president, perform the duties and have the authority and

exercise the powers of the president. They shall perform such other duties and have

such other authority and powers as the Board of Directors may from time to time

prescribe or as the president may from time to time delegate.

7.8 Secretary.

(a) The secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and

record all votes, action and the minutes of all proceedings in a book to be kept

for that purpose and shall perform like duties for the executive and other

committees when required.


(b) The secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the

Board of Directors.

(c) The secretary shall keep in safe custody the seal of the corporation and,

when authorized by the Board of Directors or the president, affix it to any

instrument requiring it. When so affixed, it shall be attached by his or her

signature or by the signature of the treasurer or an assistant secretary.

(d) The secretary shall be under the supervision of the president. He or she

shall perform such other duties and have such other authority and powers as the

Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe or as the president may from

time to time delegate.

7.9 Assistant Secretaries. The assistant secretaries in the order of their

seniority, unless otherwise determined by the president or by the Board of Directors,

shall, in the absence or disability of the secretary, perform the duties and have the

authority and exercise the powers of the secretary. They shall perform such other

duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors may from time to time


7.10 Treasurer.

(a) The treasurer shall have custody of the corporate funds and securities

and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements of the

corporation and shall deposit all monies and other valuables in the name and to

the credit of the corporation into depositories designated by the Board of

Directors.

(b) The treasurer shall disburse the funds of the corporation as ordered by

the Board of Directors, and prepare financial statements each month or at such

other intervals as the Board of Directors shall direct.

(c) If required by the Board of Directors, the treasurer shall give the

corporation a bond (in such form, in such sum, and with such surety or sureties

as shall be satisfactory to the board) for the faithful performance of the duties of

his or her office and for the restoration to the corporation, in case of his or her

death, resignation, retirement, or removal from office of all books, papers,

vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in his or her possession or

under his or her control belonging to the corporation.

(d) The treasurer shall perform such other duties and have such other

authority and powers as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe

or as the president may from time to time delegate.


7.11 Assistant Treasurers. The assistant treasurers in the order of their

seniority, unless otherwise determined by the president or by the Board of Directors,

shall, in the absence or disability of the treasurer, perform the duties and have the

authority and exercise the powers of the treasurer. They shall perform such other

duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors may from time to time


ARTICLE EIGHT

Committees of Directors

8.1 Executive Committee. By resolution adopted by a majority of the

Directors in office, the Board of Directors may designate from among its members one

or more executive committees, each of which shall consist of two (2) or more Directors,

including the president of the corporation, which executive committee, to the extent

provided in such resolution, shall have and exercise the authority of the Board of

Directors in the management of the affairs of the corporation; but the designation of

any such executive committees and the delegation thereto of authority shall not

operate to relieve the Board of Directors, or any individual director, of any responsibility

imposed upon it or him by law.

8.2 Other Committees of Directors. By resolution adopted by a majority of

the Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present, the Board of Directors

may designate from among its members one or more other committees, each of which

shall consist of two (2) or more Directors, including the president of the corporation,

which other committees shall not have or exercise the authority of the Board of

Directors in the management of the affairs of the corporation. Except as otherwise

provided in such resolution, members of each such committee shall be appointed by the

president of the corporation. Any member or any committee may be removed by the

person or persons authorized to appoint such member whenever in their judgment the

best interests of the corporation shall be served by such removal.

8.3 Advisory and Other Committees. The Board of Directors may provide for

such other committees, including committees, advisory groups, boards of governors,

etc., consisting in whole or in part of persons who are not Directors of the corporation,

as it deems necessary or desirable, and discontinue any such committee at its pleasure.

It shall be the function and purpose of each such committee to advise the Board of

Directors; and each such committee shall have such powers and perform such specific

duties or functions, not inconsistent with the articles of incorporation of the corporation

or these bylaws, as may be prescribed for it by the Board of Directors. Appointments to

and the filling of vacancies on any such other committees shall be made by the

president of the corporation, unless the Board of Directors otherwise provides. Any

action by each such committee shall be reported to the Board of Directors at its meeting


next succeeding such action and shall be subject to control, revision, and alteration by

the Board of Directors, provided that no rights of third persons shall be prejudicially

affected thereby. See also, Article Six ("Board of Advisors").

8.4 Term of Appointment. Each member of a committee shall continue as

such until the next annual meeting of the Board of Directors and until or her successor is

appointed, unless the committee shall be sooner terminated, or unless such member

shall be removed from such committee, or unless such member shall cease to qualify as

a member thereof.

8.5 Chairman. One member of each committee shall be appointed chairman

thereof.

8.6 Vacancies. Vacancies in the membership of any committee may be filled

by appointments made in the same manner as provided in the case of the original

appointments.

8.7 Quorum. Unless otherwise provided in the resolution of the Board of

Directors designating a committee, a majority of the whole committee shall constitute a

quorum; and the act of a majority of members present at a meeting at which a quorum

is present shall be the act of the committee.

8.8 Rules. Each committee may adopt rules for its own government, so long

as such rules are not inconsistent with these bylaws or with rules adopted by the Board

of Directors.

ARTICLE NINE

Special Committees

9.1 Special Committees. The president, with the approval of the Board of

Directors, shall appoint such other committees, sub-committees or task forces as may

be necessary or desirable and which are not in conflict with other provisions of these

bylaws; and the duties of any such committees shall be prescribed by the Board of

Directors upon their appointment.

9.2 Term or Appointment. Each member of a committee shall continue as

such until the next annual meeting of the Board of Directors or until his or her successor

is appointed, unless the committee shall be sooner terminated, or unless such member

shall be removed from such committee, or unless such member shall cease to qualify as

a member thereof.

9.3 Chairman. One member of each committee shall be appointed chairman

thereof.


9.4 Vacancies. Vacancies in the membership of any committee may be filled

by appointments made in the same manner as provided in the case of the original

appointment.

9.5 Quorum. Unless the board of Directors directs otherwise, a majority of

the whole committee shall constitute a quorum; and the act of a majority of the

members present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the

committee.

9.6 Rules. Each committee may adopt rules for its own government, so long

as such rules are not inconsistent with these bylaws or with rules adopted by the Board

of Directors.

ARTICLE TEN

Distributions and Disbursements

10.1 Distributions and Disbursements. The Board of Directors, not less

frequently than annually, shall (a) determine all distributions to be made from net

income and principal of the corporation (including funds held by Directors, custodians,

or agents of the corporation) pursuant to provisions of the articles of incorporation,

these bylaws, and the donors' directions if and to the extent applicable as provided

herein; (b) make, or authorize and direct the respective Directors, custodians, or agents

having custody of funds of the corporation to make, payments to organizations or

persons to whom payments are to be made, in such amounts and at such times and

with such accompanying restrictions, if any, as it deems necessary to assure use for the

charitable purposes and in the manner intended; and (c) determine all disbursements to

be made for administrative expenses incurred by the corporation and direct the

respective Directors, custodians, or agents having custody of funds of the corporation as

to payments thereof and funds to be charged.

10.2 Vote Required for Determination. All such declarations shall be made by

the affirmative vote of a majority of Directors present at a meeting duly called at which

a quorum is present, unless otherwise expressly provided in these bylaws or by direction

of the donor as a condition of the gift.

10.3 Distribution of Capital. Determinations may be made to distribute capital

from funds given without directions as to principal or income, as well as pursuant to

directions expressly permitting use of principal; but the Board of Directors shall inform

the trustee, custodian, or agent having custody of the funds of the corporation as far in

advance as the Board of Directors deems practicable so as to permit the trustee,

custodian, or agent to adjust its investment policies accordingly, and may, upon advice

from the trustee, custodian, or agent as to how the desired distribution and any


necessary liquidation of investment can be accomplished most economically, adjust its

directions for distributions so far as it deems practicable accordingly.

10.4 Determination of Effective Agencies and Means for Carrying Out the

Charitable Purposes of the Corporation. The Board of Directors shall gather and analyze

facts and conduct such investigation and research as from time to time may be

necessary or desirable in order to determine the most effective agencies and means for

carrying out the charitable purposes and functions of the corporation, and may direct

disbursements for such fact gathering and analysis, investigation, and research from

funds given for such purposes or from funds given without designation as to purpose.

Disbursements for other proper administrative expenses incurred by the Board of

Directors, including salaries for such professional and other assistance as it from time to

time deems necessary or desirable, shall be directed to be paid so far as possible, first

from any funds designated for such purposes, and any balance out of income or the

funds or the corporation or such or its principal as is not specifically restricted against

such use.

10.5 Furtherance of Charitable Purposes. In furtherance of the charitable

purposes and functions of the corporation, when needs therefor have been determined

and with appropriate provisions to assure use solely for such purposes, the Board of

Directors may direct distributions to such persons, organizations, governments, or

governmental agencies as in the opinion of the Board of Directors can best carry out

such purposes and functions or help create new qualified charitable organizations to

carry out such purposes and functions.

ARTICLE ELEVEN

Contracts, Checks, Deposits and Funds

11.1 Contracts. The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers,

agent or agents of the corporation, in addition to the officers so authorized by these

bylaws, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name

and on behalf of the corporation. Such authority must be in writing and may be general

or confined to specific instances.

11.2 Checks, Drafts, Notes, Etc. All checks, drafts or other orders for the

payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the

corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents, of the

corporation and in such other manner as may from time to time be determined by

resolution of the Board of Directors. In the absence of such determination by the Board

of Directors, such instruments shall be signed by the treasurer or an assistant treasurer

and countersigned by the president or the vice-president of the corporation.


11.3 Deposits. All funds of the corporation shall be deposited from time to

time to the credit of the corporation in such banks, trust companies or other

depositories as the Board of Directors may select.

11.4 Gifts. The Board of Directors may accept on behalf of the corporation

any contribution, gift, bequest, or devise for the general purposes or for any special

purpose of the corporation.

ARTICLE TWELVE

Indemnification and Insurance

12.1 Indemnification. In the event that any person who was or is a party to or

is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit

or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, seeks

indemnification from the corporation against expenses, including attorneys' fees (and in

the case of actions other than those by or in the right of the corporation, judgments,

fines and amounts paid in settlement), actually and reasonably incurred by him in

connection with such action, suit, or proceeding by reason of the fact that such person is

or was a director, officer, employee, director, or agent of the corporation, or is or was

serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee, director, or

agent of another corporation, domestic or foreign, non-profit or for profit, partnership,

joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, then, unless such indemnification is ordered by

a court, the corporation shall determine, or cause to be determined, in the manner

provided under Georgia law whether or not indemnification is proper under the

circumstances because the person claiming such indemnification has met the applicable

standards of conduct set forth in Georgia law; and, to the extent it is so determined that

such indemnification is proper, the person claiming such indemnification shall be

indemnified to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by Georgia law.

12.2 Indemnification Not Exclusive of Other Rights. The indemnification

provided in Section 12.1 above shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to

which those seeking indemnification may be entitled under the articles of incorporation

or bylaws, or any agreement, vote of members or disinterested Directors, or otherwise,

both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while

holding such office, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director,

officer, employee, director or agent, and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs,

executors, and administrators of such a person.

12.3 Insurance. To the extent permitted by Georgia law, the corporation may

purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director,

officer, employee, director, or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the

request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee, director or agent of another


corporation, domestic or foreign, nonprofit or for profit, partnership, joint venture, trust

or other enterprise.

ARTICLE THIRTEEN

Miscellaneous

13.1 Books and Records. The corporation shall keep correct and complete

books and records of account and shall also keep minutes of the proceedings of its

Board of Directors and committees having any of the authority of the Board of

Directors.

13.2 Corporate Seal. The corporate seal (of which there may be one or more

exemplars) shall be in such form as the Board of Directors may from time to time

determine.

13.3 Fiscal Year. The Board of Directors is authorized to fix the fiscal year of

the corporation and to change the same from time to time as it deems appropriate.

13.4 Internal Revenue Code. All references in these bylaws to sections of the

Internal Revenue Code shall be considered references to the Internal Revenue Code of

1986, as from time to time amended, to the corresponding provisions of any applicable

future United States Internal Revenue Law, and to all regulations issued under such

sections and provisions.

13.5 Construction. Whenever the context so requires, the masculine shall

include the feminine and neuter, and the singular shall include the plural, and

conversely. If any portion of these bylaws shall be invalid or inoperative, then, so far as

is reasonable and possible:

(a) The remainder of these bylaws shall be considered valid and operative.

(b) Effect shall be given to the intent manifested by the portion held invalid

or inoperative.

13.6 Table of Contents; Headings. The table of contents and headings are for

organization, convenience and clarity. In interpreting these bylaws, they shall be

subordinated in importance to the other written material.

13.7 Relation to Articles of Incorporation. These bylaws are subject to, and

governed by, the articles of incorporation.


ARTICLE FOURTEEN

Amendments

14.1 Power to Amend Bylaws. The Board or Directors shall have the power to

alter, amend, or repeal these bylaws or adopt new bylaws.

14.2 Conditions. Action by the Board of Directors with respect to bylaws shall

be taken by the affirmative vote of a majority of all Directors then holding office.

ARTICLE FIFTEEN

Tax Exempt Status

15.1 Tax Exempt Status. The affairs of the corporation at all times shall be

conducted in such a manner as to assure the corporation's status as an organization

qualifying for exemption from taxation pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal

Revenue Code.

ARTICLE SIXTEEN

Adoption of Bylaws

The HOLLYWILD ANIMAL PARK, INC. was organized under the laws of the State of

Georgia on January 26, 1999. These bylaws were adopted by resolution of the initial

Board of Directors of the corporation, and became effective, as of January 26, 1999.

BYLAWS

OF

HOLLYWILD ANIMAL PARK, INC.

Incorporated under the laws of the State of Georgia

Adopted by the Initial Board of Directors as of January 26, 1999.

As Amended ________________, _________


Why Zoos?

People often ask board members and staff about the purpose of zoos and animal Parks

such as ours. Here are some thoughts from other professionals to consider when

determining your personal response:

Excerpt from Natural Bridge Zoo’s “About” page:

We try to offer students and the general public the opportunity to learn about

the living animals, birds, and reptiles that share the earth with us. Many

children have little or no contact with natural living things in their daily lives.

While television programs are educational, there is nothing like standing next

to a giraffe, getting nuzzled by a llama, hugging a baby miniature donkey, or

gazing into the eyes of a huge white tiger to make you feel and appreciate our

wonderful world of animals.

Many uninformed, but well-meaning people, believe that all exotic animals

belong free in their natural habitat. What they don't realize is that in many

instances, the wild habitat has been degraded due to lumbering, poaching,

agriculture, and human encroachment.

Excerpt from “Notes from a Biophile - Zoo Ethics and Philosophy” by Rob Cramer,

National Aviary and Pittsburg Zoo

The keeping of animals in captivity can be a controversial issue. Some say that

all creatures have a right to freedom and that zoos are exploiting animals for

entertainment and profit. Some feel that many zoo animals appear listless

and depressed.

The rebuttal that many zoo aficionados spout is that animals are safer in the

zoo; their enclosure is free of predators, hunters, poison ivy, and such. I can’t

take that tack when defending zoos; I would rather be beset with perils than

imprisoned for the rest of my life. Nevertheless, I feel that zoos are important

for our society; more important now than ever before.

The real power hat a zoo holds is its power to help people care, if even for a

little bit; and caring is half the battle. I believe that nothing can help the

dwindling populations of the polar bear, gorilla, or orangutan if no one ever

made an emotional connection with one at the zoo.

Excerpt from the Results and Findings of a three-year study by the AZA (American

Zoological Association) “Why Zoos Matter,”

http://www.aza.org/uploadedfiles/education/why_zoos_matter.pdf


• Most visitors (61%) found that their zoo and aquarium experience supported and

reinforced their values and attitudes towards conservation.

• Visits to accredited zoos and aquariums prompted many individuals (54%) to

reconsider their role in environmental problems and conservation action, and to

see themselves as part of the solution.

{side note: this does not address non-AZA accredited zoos, and we believe that

the same thought process does apply to those who visit Hollywild}

• Roughly half (42%) of all visitors believed that zoos and aquariums play an

important role in

conservation education and animal care.

• A majority (57%) of visitors said that their visit experience strengthened their

connection to

nature.

Previous Publicity and Marketing (a brief listing) themes and tools

• The most recent thematic campaigns were “Go Hollywild!” and the 2014 theme

of “Hollywild Animal Park: Your Animal Park for Fun”

• A new commercial with jingle was made and used for the 2014 Park Season

• Regular press releases

• E-newsletters for 1)general email list and 2)scout specific email list

• Numerous articles in local papers

• Appearances at Spartanburg Fair

• Appearances on many local television outlets: Your Carolina, Carolina Now,

Peggy Denny Show, and special focus pieces like the “On the Job Challenge” with

John Cessarich and Geoff Hart.

• Blog articles by local/regional bloggers

• Magazine articles related to regional zoo experiences, David’s history

• Billboards

• Radio advertising

• Radio advertising trade for memberships

• Television advertising

• Holiday Lights Safari Benefit booklets

• Last major website revisions were done in 2009

• Commercials were done in 2008 for Holiday Lights and the Park Season.


Guest Appearances and Outreach

Educational Outreach Programs: are offered for a fee (based on time, distance, and

animals brought.) These also serve to spread the word about Hollywild’s animals and

activities.

Guest Appearances: Similar to an outreach but generally involving only one or two

animals, staff members have taken showcase animals for various public relations

interactions. The most recent were two appearances at The Children’s Museum of the

Upstate, once at their member preview event for their Robot Zoo exhibit and for their

President’s Day camp. These appearances are meant to promote cross organization

support and build community partnerships.

Park Evaluations

At various board retreats, SWOT analyses have been done. The top four items for each

area are noted with **.

Strengths noted were:

• Safari/Interaction **

• Signature Event (Holiday Lights Safari Benefit) **

• Animal Stars **

• Different/Unique/Accessible **

• Appeal to all ages

• Potential for growth

• Easy to market

• Brand/name recognition

• Green

• Size/landmass

• Landscaping

• Diversity of animals

• Location/close by

Weaknesses noted were:

• Funding (taste exceeds budget) **

• Animal exhibits **

• Gateway/entry ** (note, there was a new admissions building put in after this

was noted as a need.)

• Master plan **

• Remoteness/accessible

• Advocates/fans/members

• Not “owned / in” any town

• “My” perception

• Animal rights adversaries

• Not affiliated with national associations (AZA)

• Homegrown/local

• Staff size/manpower


Threats noted were:

• Lack of money **

• Succession plan**

• Activists (PETA, media) **

• New “Wow” Project **

• Politically correct vs. new ideas

• Weather

• Competitors (other attractions)

• Economy

Actions that have been suggested for the board:

• Hosting “Lions Club Day”

• Design (Redesign) an Adopt-an-Animal Program for schools (or public)

• Concerts in the Park

Fundraising Events:

• 2010: A Bear Necessities fundraising concert was held in the summer of 2010.

The Safari area was replanted a stage area set up with various areas for animal

interaction, petting areas, camel rides, etc. Concessions were available. The

music was provided by the Belleville Outfit. Though the event was held, the

forecast and heavy rains caused extremely low turnout.

• A Donor Party was also held.

• 2011: Donor Party only

• 2012: First Twilight Safari Dinner event with silent auction. This was successful

and brought new faces to the Park.

• 2013: Second Annual Twilight Safari Dinner event with silent auction. Again

successful. Silent auction format changed to donor dollar format. Tickets were

sold and people could bid by placing their tickets in baskets. A winner was

drawn from all the donors to that item.

• Yard Sales have been held in the Parking lot at various times over the years.

Tables have been rented by those wishing to sell items.


Grants:

Accommodations Tax Grants are applied for each year. We have traditionally submitted

one grant to assist with general Park Marketing and one for Holiday Lights Safari Benefit

Event Marketing. These have been received for several years and have brought varying

amounts in, the least of which was $2000 per grant. The amount of grant depends on

the number of applicants for the pool of funds available and the prioritization made by

the Accommodations Tax Grant Committee. Because we have received these for

multiple years, we continue to be thankful to be considered for repeat funding.

AllState Insurance agents have been contacted with requests to submit Hollywild to

receive their community grants. The formats have changed over the years but we have

received regular support from local Allstate agent Rockie Bull.

Discussion has been held in previous years about applying for a USDA grant to fund a

new master plan for Hollywild

Additional grants are sought, but there is limited staff time available for these.

Special financial support relationships:

Coca Cola has been a regular in-kind sponsor for several events.

We have a trade arrangement with local retailer to trade some of the dog food donated

to the Park for horse feed.

Other items considered:

Paddle boats

Morning tours – Wake Up with Hollywild

Horse/zebra exhibit

White buffalo exhibit

Aviary


Board of Directors - Roles and Responsibilities

President

• Prepare agenda for board meetings

• Facilitate board meetings

• Attend and speak, as needed, at Hollywild events

• Co-facilitate annual board retreat

• Communicate meeting reminders to board members

• Remain on Executive Committee at the end of the President’s term

Vice-President

• Communicate quarterly with the Advisory Committee

• Facilitate board meetings in the absence of the Board President

• Act as time-keeper at board meetings

Secretary

• Attend Executive Committee meetings

• Ensure meeting minutes are distributed to members following each meeting

• Copy associated materials needed for board meetings

• Prepare and update board manuals for members

Treasurer

• Signature on various legal documents as needed

Talent Matrix for Board

Adapted from NPP Board Development Resource:

http://www.deloitte.com/assets/Dcom-

Canada/Local%20Assets/Documents/Public%20Sector/ca_en_gov_Effective-NPO-

Board_061113.pdf

1. Education

2. Financial

3. Fundraising/Grant Writing

4. Human Resources

5. Industry Knowledge – Animal Care

6. Community Leadership ( we need leaders from Spartanburg, Greer, and

Greenville)

7. Legal

8. Marketing/PR

9. Organizational Management

10. Risk Management

11. Legal

12. Strategic Planning

13. Technology/IT


Board Responsibility

The board bears the ultimate responsibility for the NP{. The board carries out this

responsibility through a stewardship role. The board delegates the day-to-day

management of the NPO to the Executive Director and management team. To fulfill its

stewardship role, the board has responsibility for:

1. Overseeing the development and implementation of the strategic, financial and

operating plans.

2. Overseeing the development by management of a process to identify, manage and

monitor the principal risks faced by the NPO.

3. Requiring management to implement and maintain appropriate internal controls and

management information systems.

4. Defining management’s duties and limits of authority, overseeing management’s

performance and approving its compensation.

5. Overseeing management succession and management development plans.

6. Requiring management to maintain an effective stakeholder communication

program, including a process by which stakeholders and other interested parties may

communicate directly with the board or with individual board members.

7. Overseeing and approving the NPO’s annual report and its distribution to internal and

external stakeholders.

8. Appointing other committees that the board considers necessary to enable it to carry

out its responsibilities effectively, and to delegate to those committees any of the

powers of the board it deems appropriate.

9. Adopting, amending or repealing by-laws of the NPO and monitoring the NPO’s

compliance with those by-laws and with its statutory and fiduciary obligations.

10. Other decisions that are required to be made by the board of directors, or as may be

reserved by the board of directors, to be made by itself and are not otherwise delegated

to a committee of the board of directors or to management.


Board Action Committees

Governance – monitors and updates board operations, bylaws, policies, board

organization, composition, evaluation, membership, by-laws

• Assist with the development of board member, committee, and officer

responsibilities

• Assess the board’s current membership and determine the missing skill sets and

characteristics needed

• Develop a continuous recruitment plan that includes identifying and screening

potential Board Members

• Recommend candidates for nomination to the board to fill vacancies

• Ensure orientation of new board members

• Ensure that the board regularly evaluates itself on performance, effectiveness,

and committee development as it relates to meeting goals and supporting the

organizations mission.

• Assist with implementing changes as deemed necessary by evaluation results

Development – fundraising, volunteering, PR & marketing

• Assist in the creation and execution of a yearly fundraising plan with initiatives

that increase donation (cash/in-kind) and revenue to the Park

• Identify and solicit funds from external sources of support

• Assist in the development and implementation of the marketing plan, including

identifying potential markets, their needs, now to meet those needs with

products/services/programs and how to promote/sell those programs

• Representing the Park in the community

• Promoting a positive image and enhancing the image of the Park through the

media

• Gathering and analyzing feedback about the Park from visitors

• Supporting Park events to ensure that they are successful in raising funds,

increasing attendance, raising awareness and in peaking interest and visibility of

the Park

• Assisting in the recruitment and development of Park volunteers

Finance – financial oversight, budget, strategies, long range planning

• Assist management in keeping the Park in good financial standing

• Propose, set, and use the budget as intended

• Establish a financial strategy and be accountable for overall financial

management


Operations – educational initiatives, visitor experience, buildings and grounds, safety

policies/procedures

• Assist the Park in utilizing and expanding resources and facilities with a focus on

assisting the Park’s educational initiatives for educational purposes thereby

increasing the Park’s role in educating the community about animals and

providing an exceptional experience to all visitors

Animal Welfare – USDA regulations, care, exhibits, animal team needs, animal collection

management with goal to ensure the inhabitants of Hollywild Animal Park are cared for

in a way that ensures their physical and mental health. Consideration of issues

concerning, but not limited to:

• Exhibit construction and maintenance

• Animal staff requests and concerns

• Animal care needs

• Familiarity with USDA regulations

• Assist Director with implementation of the protocol of veterinary care

Committee may consider any other issue deemed to fall under the umbrella of animal

care.

USDA Guidelines can be found at: http://awic.nal.usda.gov/government-and-

professional-resources/legislation-regulations-and-guidelines-subject/exhibition


Process of Board Membership (nomination, voting, notification)

(reviewed and adjusted 12/2014)

• Individuals are nominated or referred by Board Members or affiliates of the

Board. Board members should informally (via email) notify other board

members if they are interest in approaching a potential board member. Board

members should be given 3 days to respond to the informal query. (Example:

time to share prior knowledge of candidate, prior to the individual being

formally approached). This helps avoid a board member being put into an

awkward social position with candidate.

• If no objections are posed via informal polling of other board members, the

board member may approach candidate. If candidate is interested, the board

member should have him/her fill out an interest form and invite candidate to

the next board meeting to 1) meet the board and 2) share their interest in

serving on the board. This will be a brief meet-and-greet held before the

business meeting of the board begins. The candidate will then be dismissed

with thanks for his/her interest with assurance that a response to their interest

will be made. The candidate will leave his/her information sheet with the board

for consideration prior to the start of the business meeting.

• The candidate’s interest and information will be reviewed during the board

meeting. If a decision can be made based on the information given and the

meet-and-greet, then the Board President will respond to the candidate’s

interest prior to the next board meeting. If a decision cannot be made, then

the decision will be tabled until the next board meeting. The Board President

will follow up with the candidate with a note of thanks for interest and let the

candidate know that a decision will be coming after the next board meeting.

• The Board President is responsible for following up with the board candidate.


Board Profile Worksheet: Diversity Analysis

This worksheet can be adapted by organizations to assess their current board composition and plan for the

future. The governance committee can develop an appropriate grid for the organization and then present its

findings to the full board.

In considering board building, an organization is legally obligated to follow its bylaws, which may include specific

criteria on board size, structure, and composition. Or the bylaws may need to be updated to incorporate and

acknowledge changes in the environment and community that have made changes in the board structure

necessary or desirable.

Remember, an organization will look for different skills and strengths from its board members depending on

its stage of development and other circumstances. Current Members Prospective Members

Age

Under 18

19 – 34

35 – 50

51 – 65

Over 65

Gender

Male

Female

Race/Ethnicity/Disability

African American/Black

Asian/Pacific Islander

Caucasian

Hispanic/Latino

Native American/Indian

Other

Disability


Current Members Prospective Members

Resources

Money to give

Access to money

Access to other resources

(foundations, corporate support)

Availability for active participation

(solicitation visits, grant writing)

Community Connections

Religious organizations

Corporate

Education

Media

Political

Philanthropy

Small business

Social services

Other

Qualities

Leadership skills

Willingness to work

Personal connection with HAP mission

Personal Style

Consensus builder

Good communicator

Strategist

Visionary


Current Members Prospective Members

Individual Skill Set

Administration/Management

Entrepreneurship

Financial Management

• Accounting

• Banking and trusts

• Investments

Fundraising

Government

International affairs

Law

Marketing, Public relations

Human resources

Strategic planning

Physical plant (architect, engineer)

Real Estate

Representative of clients

Special program focus

(education, health, public policy,

social services)

Technology

Other:

Number of years (or terms)

on the board


Holywild Animal Park

Prospective Board Member Information Date: ______

Date: _________________________

Name of prospective board member: ____________________

Employment: ________________________________________

Title: ______________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________

City, State, Zip: ______________________________________

Telephone: Home/Office______________________________

Cell: _______________________

E-mail: _____________________________________________

Source of referral/information: _________________________

Special skills

� Fundraising � Marketing/Public Relations

� Personnel/Human Resources � Technology

� Finances � Legal

� Business � Other: _________________________

Professional background

� For-profit business � Nonprofit organization

� Government � Other: _________________________

Education

� Some high school � Undergraduate college degree

� High school graduate � Some graduate coursework

� Some college � Graduate degree or higher

� Other: __________________

Other known board service: (roles and responsibilities?)

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Greatest strengths:

_____________________________________________________________

Why do you feel this person would value working with Hollywild Animal Park, or, if you are

submitting this interest form on your own behalf, what interests you the most about serving

Hollywild? (Please feel free to extend your answer on the back of this form.)

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________


The Board works to support operations and management. The efforts of management

impact the visitor experience. The income from the visitors gives us what we need to

support the animal care. It is the animals the public comes to see. Animal care is a

primary goal of our mission. The visitor experience which revolves around animal care

and all aspects of operations.

Visitor

Experience

Operations & Management

Board of Directors

Animal Care


Primates Birds, Sm.Mammals

Safari

Admissions

s

Birthday

Parties

Vet Tech

Creature

Feature

Current Hollywild Organizational Chart

Hoofstock

Carnivores

Roving

Administration

Staff

Maintenance

& Grounds

Marketing

& PR

Animal Staff

Supervisor

Errands

Animal Care Guest Services

Executive

Director

Assistant

Director

Hollywild Animal Park is committed to providing an interactive and enlightening

experience for our visitors, as we continually improve the lives of our animals in an

enriching and respectful environment.

BOARD of DIRECTORS

Park

Supervisor


Hollywild Animal Park

Board Member Notes: