Nonprofit · EIN 51-0234751
DELAWARE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY INC
Tax-exempt · WILMINGTON, DE 19802
Financials
| Year ended | Form | Revenue | Expenses | Net income | Total assets | Liabilities | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2025 | 990 | $1,323,879 | $811,090 | $512,789 | $3,539,792 | $129,771 | $3,410,021 |
| December 31, 2024 | 990 | $1,373,536 | $826,658 | $546,878 | $2,917,787 | $152,440 | $2,765,347 |
| December 31, 2023 | 990 | $1,096,819 | $770,873 | $325,946 | $2,235,755 | $142,902 | $2,092,853 |
Financial details: 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025
Revenue
- Contributions, gifts and grants
- $794,126
- of which government grants
- $300,000
- Membership dues
- $66,651
- Program service revenue
- $269,092
- Investment income
- $93,546
- Net rental income
- $23,401
- Net income from fundraising events
- $64,299
- Net income from sales of inventory
- $79,415
- Other revenue
- $167,115
Expenses
- Grants and similar amounts paid
- $6,000
- Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
- $76,929
- Other salaries and wages
- $263,053
- Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
- $395,813
- Professional fundraising fees
- $0
- Accounting fees
- $53,038
- Program services (functional)
- $606,059
- Management and general (functional)
- $173,432
- Fundraising (functional)
- $31,599
Balance sheet and other
- Total assets, start of year
- $2,917,787
- Total assets, end of year
- $3,539,792
- Total liabilities, end of year
- $129,771
- Net assets, end of year
- $3,410,021
- Net assets without donor restrictions
- $330,446
- Net assets with donor restrictions
- $3,079,575
- Gross receipts
- $1,441,421
- Employees
- 22
- Volunteers
- 25
- Year formed
- 1979
- State of legal domicile
- DE
From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.
Officers, directors and key employees
As listed on the 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025, highest compensation first.
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MARK SHAFER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Officer | 40 | $75,277 | $1,652 |
| WILLIAM MONTGOMERY | PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| ARLENE REPPA | VICE PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| SERENA WILSON-ARCHIE | VICE PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| GABE BALDINI | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| AMY HUGHES | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MEGAN MCGLINCHEY | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| RICHARD ROTHWELL | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| DANIEL F SCHOLL | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MICHAEL MILLIGAN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CANDICE GALVIS | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CAMERON FEE | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CATHY MORRIS | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| FRANCIE WARTHER | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| BRUCE MILLER | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
1 more people on this return
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROBB DEHNEY | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 |
990 for the year ended December 31, 2024: 17 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MARK SHAFER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Officer | 40 | $73,200 | $1,666 |
| WILLIAM MONTGOMERY | PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| ARLENE REPPA | VICE PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| SERENA WILSON-ARCHIE | VICE PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| GABE BALDINI | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| AMY HUGHES | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MEGAN MCGLINCHEY | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| RICHARD ROTHWELL | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| DANIEL F SCHOLL | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MICHAEL MILLIGAN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CANDICE GALVIS | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CAMERON FEE | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CATHY MORRIS | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| FRANCIE WARTHER | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| BRUCE JAMESON | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| BRUCE MILLER | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ROBB DEHNEY | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
990 for the year ended December 31, 2023: 15 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MARK SHAFER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Officer | 40 | $73,200 | $1,200 |
| ARLENE REPPA | PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| SERENA WILSON-ARCHIE | VICE PRESIDENT Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| GABE BALDINI | TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 2 | $0 | $0 |
| SARAH COLE | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MEGAN MCGLINCHEY | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| WILLIAM MONTGOMERY | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| RICHARD ROTHWELL | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| AMY HUGHES | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| DANIEL F SCHOLL | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MICHAEL MILLIGAN | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CANDICE GALVIS | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CAMERON FEE | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| CATHY MORRIS | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| FRANCIE WARTHER | BOARD MEMBER Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
Address and contacts
- Address (IRS master file)
- 1001 N PARK DR, WILMINGTON, DE 19802-3801
- Principal officer (990 for 2025)
- MARK SHAFER, 1001 N PARK DRIVE, WILMINGTON, DE 19802
- Signed the 990
- MARK SHAFER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
- Phone
- (302) 571-7788
- Website
- WWW.BRANDYWINEZOO.ORG
- Return prepared by
- MAILLIE LLP
Mission
THE DELAWARE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY IS A DEDICATED PARTNER OF THE BRANDYWINE ZOO AND SUPPORTS ITS MISSION TO ENGAGE IN, AND INSPIRE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION.
Program accomplishments
- THE BRANDYWINE ZOO'S VISION IS TO INSPIRE AWE AND ACTION FOR WILDLIFE AND THE ZOO'S EDUCATION DEPARTMENT'S PROGRAMMING IS CENTRAL TO THAT VISION. THE BOARD OF DIRECTOR HELD AN ALL DAY OFF-SITE IN AUGUST WITH THE INTENTION OF REINVIGORATING OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR VISION FOR INSPIRING AWE AND ACTION FOR WILDLIFE. THE DISCUSSIONS WERE ROBUST AND WERE GENERALLY AGREED BY ALL TO SERVE ITS PURPOSE. OVERALL GUEST SATISFACTION SURVEY SCORES WERE A SLIGHTLY LOWER THAN IN 2024. COMMENTS, HOWEVER, REMAIN VERY POSITIVE. GUEST INTERACTION WITH STAFF REMAINS A KEY SATISFIER. OUR BREW AT THE ZOO, SIP & STROLL "AFTER HOURS" EVENTS CONTINUE TO GENERATE SIGNIFICANT FUNDRAISING INCOME AND RECORDED THE HIGHEST ATTENDANCE TO DATE AS DID OUR MAJOR DAY-TIME SPECIAL EVENTS.Expenses $488,796 · revenue $2,580
- VISITOR SERVICES: INCLUDING ADMISSIONS TO THE ZOO, GIFT SHOP AND FOOD CONCESSION. IN 2025, WE WELCOMED OVER 61,000 GUESTS (THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF VISITORS IN THE PAST 10 YEARS). VISITOR SERVICES REVENUE (ADMISSIONS, GIFT SHOP AND FOOD CONCESSIONS) SURPASSED BUDGET PROJECTIONS BY 7.5%Expenses $111,263 · revenue $369,328
- CONSERVATION GRANTS TO SUPPORT THE BRANDYWINE ZOO'S MISSION TO PROTECT SPECIES AND THEIR HABITATS IN DELAWARE AND AROUND THE WORLD.Expenses $6,000 · grants $6,000
What it must file and when
IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in December, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.
| Tax year | Year ended | Due | IRS public records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | December 31, 2025 | May 15, 2026 | 990 on file |
| 2024 | December 31, 2024 | May 15, 2025 | 990 on file |
| 2023 | December 31, 2023 | May 15, 2024 | 990 on file |
IRS record
- EIN
- 51-0234751
- Tax-exempt status
- 501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
- Foundation status
- Publicly supported organization (509(a)(2))
- Donations deductible (Pub 78)
- Public charity, 50% deduction limit
- Exempt since
- 1979
- Accounting year ends
- December
- Files
- Form 990 or 990-EZ
- Category (NTEE)
- Animal-related (D500)
- Assets (IRS master file)
- $3,539,792
- Income (IRS master file)
- $1,441,421
Filing history
| Form | Year ended | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 | December 2025 | $1,323,879 | $811,090 | $3,539,792 | XML |
| 990 | December 2024 | $1,373,536 | $826,658 | $2,917,787 | IRS |
| 990 | December 2023 | $1,096,819 | $770,873 | $2,235,755 | XML |
| 990 | December 2022 | $901,961 | $746,917 | $1,790,019 | IRS |
| 990 | December 2021 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | December 2020 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | December 2018 | – | – | – | IRS |
990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 51-0234751).
Questions about DELAWARE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY INC
- What is the EIN of DELAWARE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY INC?
- The employer identification number (EIN) of DELAWARE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY INC is 51-0234751.
- Is DELAWARE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY INC tax-exempt?
- Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1979.
- Are donations to DELAWARE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY INC tax-deductible?
- Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
- Which annual return does DELAWARE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY INC file?
- Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
- When is the next return of DELAWARE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY INC due?
- The return for tax year 2026 (the year ending December 31, 2026) is due May 17, 2027. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
- When did DELAWARE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY INC last file with the IRS?
- The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended December 2025.
- Who is the principal officer of DELAWARE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY INC?
- The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 names MARK SHAFER.
- Who are the officers and directors of DELAWARE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY INC?
- The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 lists 16 people; 1 received compensation from the organization, the highest $75,277 (MARK SHAFER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR).
- How much revenue does DELAWARE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY INC have?
- On its 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 it reported revenue of $1,323,879, expenses of $811,090 and total assets of $3,539,792 at year end.
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