Zoological Society of San Diego
Zoological Society of San Diego: CEO salary, finances and where donations go
“An international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the san diego zoo and the san diego zoo safari park, we integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.”
Data only Figures straight from the filing, screened by our rules. Not yet reviewed in depth by a CPA.
Methodology by Amir Arani, CPA, CA · Updated
- Top pay
- $2.0M Paul Baribault, 0.5% of spending
- Revenue
- $437.6M 19.2% from donations and grants
- Spent
- $391.4M 85% on programs, as reported
- Net assets
- $862.1M end of 2024
- Savings
- 26.4 months of spending, net assets ÷ spending
- People
- 4,211 employees, 2,019 volunteers
1 thing to look at.
We screen every filing against twelve rules. A flag is a prompt for a closer look, not a finding of wrongdoing.
Professional fundraisers kept most of what they raised
Fundraisers were paid $182,073 against $67,500 raised, more than they brought in. Likely flat fees or a filing error; check Schedule G.
Schedule G Part I, line 2bOf each dollar it spent, 85.0¢ went to programs, as reported.
For each dollar donated, Zoological Society of San Diego spent 10¢ on fundraising.
Fundraising ÷ $84.0M contributions · Form 990 Parts VIII, IXNet assets: $321.0M to $862.1M in 11 years.
Net assets at each fiscal year end, 2013 to 2024.
The 8 highest-paid people.
Reportable pay in 2024, from the charity and related organizations.
| Contractor | Service | Paid |
|---|---|---|
| The Shipyard LLC | Advertising services | $7,550,436 |
| Moore a Series LLC | Consulting services | $3,430,937 |
| Legacy Rock and Waterscapes | Construction services | $2,828,724 |
| Scott Fence | Construction services | $1,140,685 |
| Whole Trees LLC | Construction services | $1,128,370 |
The questions people ask about the Zoological Society of San Diego.
Short, sourced answers. Each one stands on its own.
How much does the Zoological Society of San Diego CEO make?
Paul Baribault, President/CEO, received $1,993,422 in reportable compensation in 2024, 0.5% of Zoological Society of San Diego's $391.4M in spending.
Form 990 (2024), Part VIIWhat percentage of Zoological Society of San Diego donations go to programs?
Zoological Society of San Diego reported 85% of 2024 spending as programs, 2.2% as fundraising and 12.8% as management.
Form 990 (2024), Part IXHow much money does Zoological Society of San Diego have?
Net assets were $862.1M at the end of 2024, about 26.4 months of spending.
Form 990 (2024), Part XDoes Zoological Society of San Diego have any red flags in its filing?
Its latest Form 990 triggered 1 of our twelve screening rules: professional fundraisers kept most of what they raised. A flag is a prompt for a closer look, not a finding of wrongdoing.
Form 990 (2024)Every number, traced.
- Zoological Society of San Diego Form 990, 2024 (IRS e-file)
- Zoological Society of San Diego Form 990 history (ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer)
Amir Arani, “Zoological Society of San Diego: CEO salary, finances and where your dollar goes,” Charity Math, updated 2026-11-07. https://charitymath.com/charities/zoological-society-of-san-diego/