EUREKA, CA – Jeff Lamoree, and The Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation (SPZF) are honored to have received recognition and a Civic Contribution Award at the 2024 League of Women Voters Humboldt County (LWVHC) 31st Annual State of the Community Event on Friday, April 19. LWVHC Board Member, Byrd Lochtie presented Mr. Lamoree with a custom engraved platter in honor of his extraordinary 20-year contribution to the community. “Every once in a while, the right person is in the right place at the right time. Jeff Lamoree was that person for the Sequoia Park Zoo in Eureka,” said Lochtie.
In 2004 Mr. Lamoree organized the Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation as the 501c3 philanthropic, nonprofit partner to support the Sequoia Park Zoo. He was the founding president of the Foundation board of directors, and has continued to serve on the board after several terms as President. Throughout the last twenty years, with his remarkable leadership skills, Mr. Lamoree has encouraged a close partnership with the City of Eureka that owns the Zoo, to provide the North Coast with a spectacular zoological facility. The SPZF mission is to promote and stimulate interest in the Zoo, and to support the Zoo’s development and programs through fundraising, promotions and other initiatives designed to enhance the Zoo experience. The Foundation envisions the Sequoia Park Zoo as a premier Redwood Coast destination. “I challenge you to walk around the zoo today and see if we have not been successful in that endeavor. I think you’ll agree, we have,” reveled Lamoree.
The Sequoia Park Zoo, established in 1907, is the oldest zoo in California. Twenty years ago, when the Foundation was formed, Jeff and SPZF were active in keeping the Zoo open during budget cuts. Lamoree rallied community support for the Zoo during discussions about charging admission. He worked to make changes to bring the Zoo into compliance with new ideas and requirements for accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. During the last twenty years, the Foundation has raised nearly $15 million dollars which has funded many capital projects at the Zoo, including the construction of new animal habitats, ongoing maintenance, exhibit renovations and building facilities to support animals, education, guest services and conservation efforts.
Recognition from LWVHC last week was especially significant to Mr. Lamoree and SPZF as the organization recently announced its dissolution following two decades of supporting the transformation of the zoo into the world-class, award-winning tourist destination it has become. “There was nothing easy about arriving at the decision to dissolve,” said SPZF Executive Director Alegria Sita. “The zoo is on the trajectory of success because of Mr. Lamoree’s legacy, and the contributions of the many esteemed partners, donors, board members, staff, stakeholders, community leaders, volunteers, and patrons.”
SPZF would like to congratulate Lori Dengler, Emeritus Professor of Geology Cal Poly Humboldt, who also received recognition at the LWVHC State of the Community Luncheon. SPZF thanks its community of supporters believing in their mission and supporting conservation of the natural world with their actions.
