Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
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Year, State Incorporated
1995, TN
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Stated Purpose
"to provide captive elephants with individualized care, the companionship of a herd, and the opportunity to live out their lives in a safe haven dedicated to their well-being; and to educate the public of the complex needs of elephants in captivity and the crisis facing elephants in the wild."
The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee (EST) reports that it is located on 3,060 acres that currently home 9 elephants retired from zoos and circuses. The elephants are managed in a Protected Contact (PC) system using positive reinforcement. Along with a spacious natural habitat and access to others of their own kind, the elephants at EST receive individualized veterinary and husbandry care, diverse environmental enrichment, and the freedom of choice. As reported by the organization, because elephants have complex physical and social needs, successful outcomes are measured not only by the elephant?s physical health, but also their social, behavioral, and psychological well-being. EST is closed to the public. The best way to see the elephants is by watching live-streaming EleCams, which can be viewed at www.elephants.com. EST connects with learners and advocates all over the world through distance learning and outreach programing. The organization reports reaching over 14,000 students and adults in 33 states and 11 countries in 2021. The Elephant Discovery Center, open to the public on Main Street in Hohenwald, Tennessee, offers hands-on self-guided exhibits and educational activities that explore the ways elephants shape our world. Visitors learn about elephants as a key stone species and the organization's partnerships with 10 international organizations on four continents working for elephant conservation in the wild and/or to improve captive elephant welfare by addressing such issues as elephant-human conflict, poaching, habitat preservation, rescue and rehabilitation and protective contact management.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee's program expenses were:
Facilities |
$1,946,239 |
Elephant care |
$1,531,187 |
Education |
$721,765 |
Veterinary care |
$497,611 |
Volunteer outreach education |
$115,911 |
Total Program Expenses: |
$4,812,713 |
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Chief Executive
Janice Zeitlin, Chief Executive Officer
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Compensation*
$158,265
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Chair of the Board
Richard Rhoda
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Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Executive Director Emeritus, Tennessee Higher Education Commission
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Board Size
5
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Paid Staff Size
43
*2021 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Invitations to fund raising events, Membership appeals, Planned giving arrangements, Print advertisements (newspapers, magazines, etc.), Radio, Cause- related marketing (affinity credit cards, consumer product sales, etc.)
Fundraising costs were 1% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $15,857,380, are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)
This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
The following information is based on Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee's audited financial statements - consolidated for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Source of Funds |
Contributions and grants |
$15,648,655 |
Investment income |
$4,332,379 |
In-kind revenue |
$208,725 |
Merchandise sales, net |
$71,555 |
Total Income |
$20,261,314 |
- Programs: 86%
- Administrative: 11%
- Fundraising: 3%
Total Income |
$20,261,314 |
Program expenses |
$4,812,713 |
Fundraising expenses |
$213,474 |
Administrative expenses |
$588,359 |
Other expenses |
$0 |
Total expenses: |
$5,614,546 |
Income in Excess of Expenses |
$14,646,768 |
Beginning Net Assets |
$65,389,622 |
Other Changes In Net Assets |
$259,642 |
Ending Net Assets |
$80,296,032 |
Total Liabilities |
$57,009 |
Total Assets |
$80,353,041 |
Note 1: According to EST's 2021 audited financial statement, the organization received in-kind contributions totaling $208,725 in the form of donated goods and services.
Note 2: In the financial section above, "other changes in net assets" refers to a change in value of beneficial interest agreements ($371,102) and a loss on restricted contributions receivable (-$111,460).