Friends FY24 Annual Report

December 2, 2024

Dear Friends,

As we approach the end of the year, I am delighted to share with you our annual report, which you can view here.

This year represented a major milestone for our organization as we celebrated the

25th year of funding JMZ Science Outreach lessons in underserved schools. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to bring the JMZ’s exceptional science lessons to underserved schools in Redwood City, building on the success of the program in East Palo Alto and Eastern Menlo Park. Additional highlights this year include the launch of the Friends’ Animal Encounters program to enhance the visitor experience at the JMZ and further inspire connections between children and the natural world. Of course, this year also marked the opening of the California Dinosaur Garden, an exhibit that has excited and delighted visitors and fostered a deeper understanding of the prehistoric world. You can learn more about our work this year, and the impact of our donors’ support, in the annual report. 

As I look to the year ahead, I am excited by the many opportunities to support the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo in its mission to engage a child’s curiosity in science and nature, both onsite and through the JMZ’s science lessons. Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, and I hope that you will consider making a donation to the Friends and support our efforts to expand access to science education in our community. A generous donor has offered to match every dollar donated to the Friends tomorrow, up to $5,000. 

Thank you for your continued support of the Friends. Wishing you and your family a wonderful New Year!

With gratitude,

Lauren Angelo

President, Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo