The Zoological Society of Milwaukee (ZSM) was established in 1910 as an informal group of community leaders who bought animals and raised funds for the Zoo. Today it is a private non-profit 501(c)3 organization governed by a board of 42 directors and 28 honorary directors. The ZSM has 61 employees who manage daily operations and programs. In addition to staff, there are 40+ interns, grantees, ad-hoc teachers and conservation field employees who help to fulfill the ZSM's mission. This year the ZSM has pledged to raise $5.69 million to support the Milwaukee County Zoo. That support includes $319,250 for ZSM Conservation Education Department programs plus another $186,250 for live-animal programs run by ZSM naturalists, and $161,266 for Zoo conservation programs and projects. The mission of the Zoological Society is to take part in conserving wildlife and endangered species, to educate people about the importance of wildlife and the environment, and to support the Milwaukee County Zoo.