About Us
MISSION STATEMENT
The W.I.L.D. Center and Zoological Park of New England exists to connect children and adults with animals and nature while demonstrating and inspiring responsible stewardship of our planet’s global biodiversity.
Our non-profit was officially formed on May 4th, 2010 as the “Granite State Zoo”, and immediately began building on the successful “Wildlife Encounters, LLC” business-model created, developed and delivered for over 8 years by Founder and Executive Director Derek Small.
Details of our long-term strategic vision and plan will be published in draft form in the spring of 2012, but it has been recognized that we have the amazing opportunity to provide our community and region with an incredibly unique multifaceted educational and entertaining community-complex, and offer an amazing array of services to visitors, wildlife and the environment!
Thus in December of 2011, after an intense 18-month period during which we delivered thousands of Wildlife Encounters® Outreach Programs, clarified our Vision and identified Eight Strategic Centers of Engagement – the Board of Directors voted to change the name of our organization legally to “The W.I.L.D. Center and Zoological Park of New England.
The assets, databases, intellectual properties and registered trademarks owned by Wildlife Encounters, LLC were legally transferred into the custody to the public charity. The W.I.L.D. Center and Zoological Park of New England is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of professionals from a wide variety of public and private sectors. The center/zoo currently employes a small but dedicated staff with 2 full-time employees and 10 part-time / seasonal staff – as well as enjoys tremendous public support and is assisted by an ever-growing team of volunteers!
The W.I.L.D. Center is an educational entity who’s Board and Staff believe in:
- integrated learning methods
- make learning fun!
- freely sharing ideas
- living a healthy, active primal lifestyle!
- being strong stewards of the environment and advocates for animals!
Our mission involves educating students and the general public about biodiversity, fostering respect for wildlife and nature, and promoting sustainable healthy-living practices in all aspects of life.
The existing “W.I.L.D. Center” Facility is a “working zoo”, and is not open to the public.
Interested supporters, volunteers, interns, donors and other interested parties may be approved for a short visit to the existing W.I.L.D. Center, as availability permits.
LEGAL NOTE
- Wildlife Encounters® is a nationally trademarked brand name registered with the US Patent & Trademark Office, and is owned exclusively by The W.I.L.D. Center and Zoological Park of New England .
- IC 041. US 100 101 107. G & S: Animal exhibitions; Conducting educational exhibitions in the nature of live animal presentations; Educational services, namely, conducting programs in the field of zoology. FIRST USE: 20041200. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20041200 Word Mark Serial Number 77214093
- Any use of this name/phrase (or these words) in reference to live animal exhibition anywhere in the United States – without the expressed written consent of The W.I.L.D. Center and Zoological Park of New England’s Board of Directors or assigned designee is a violation of US Trademark Law and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This is to protect the integrity and reputation of the name, the brand Wildlife Encounters® , the The W.I.L.D. Center and Zoological Park of New England , it’s mission, the Board of Directors, and the future for the Zoo and it’s animals!
SUPPORT
As a charitable organization, The W.I.L.D. Center’s activities and animals are provided and cared for only through YOUR SUPPORT, including private donations & donation of needed items, memberships, volunteerism, grants, endowments, in-kind donations of services, and the hiring of our Wildlife Encounters® Outreach Services!
We invite you to support our animals and our mission by becoming a Friend of The W.I.L.D. Center! Get involved as a Volunteer, Donor, Board or Committee Member, organize a fundraiser, or hire a Wildlife Encounters® Program for your school, classroom, community event, scout meeting, company or birthday party!
Major supportive donations and in-kind contributions of materials, skills and volunteerism are essential to our animals and our mission!
The W.I.L.D. Center’s Federal Tax ID# is 27-2496960 Our status is confirmed as a NH State Charity and our Federal Status is pending processing. Expect to have our “Letter of Determination” from the IRS around or just after the holidays 2011. Any donations within a year prior to “Determination” are tax deductible.
Granite State Zoo’s Origional Articles of Incorporation
The W.I.L.D. Center & Zoological Park of New England’s Bylaws