The Paleontological Research Institution Announces Downsizing Amidst Financial Challenges

The Paleontological Research Institution Announces Downsizing Amidst Financial Challenges

(Ithaca, NY -updated December 1, 2023) – The Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) is currently struggling with cash flow challenges tied to delays in timing of several strategic major philanthropic gifts. A group of donors who had previously provided very generous support to the Institution over many years now find it impossible to fulfill several million dollars of pledges. PRI relies heavily on the generosity of individual donors, and this unexpected challenge has resulted in the need to significantly scale back expenses and make responsible decisions to remain financially stable as it works through this difficult interval of its 91-year history.

In response to these ongoing financial challenges, PRI has reluctantly made the decision to implement a strategic downsizing plan, including reducing its staff. This decision comes after a thorough review of the organization’s operational and financial situation, with the primary aim of ensuring the long-term sustainability and continued success of the Institution, its public venues, and its nationally significant fossil collection and education programs.

As a result of this downsizing, PRI will undergo a series of measures to streamline operations, reduce costs, and refocus resources on its core mission of caring for its specimen collections, pursuing and integrating education and research on Earth science, paleontology, and related fields, and encouraging wise stewardship of the Earth. While the specifics of the downsizing plan are still being finalized, they will include:

1. Staffing Adjustments: this plan will lead to a reduction in the organization’s workforce. Affected employees are being offered support in various forms.

2. Exhibition and Program Rationalization: The organization will carefully evaluate its current exhibitions and programs at both of its public educational venues –Museum of the Earth and Cayuga Nature Center – with the goal of temporarily reducing program offerings to reduce expenses and preserve long term sustainability. The Museum of the Earth will continue its regular operating hours at this time, but hours may be reduced in the future if needed. Cayuga Nature Center Lodge is now closed for the season; the trails and treehouse will remain open and accessible throughout the winter months.

3. Operational Efficiency Improvements: PRI has implemented operational efficiencies and cost-saving measures across various aspects of its operations, such as energy usage, facility maintenance, and administrative functions.

4. Engagement and Fundraising Strategies: Despite these challenging circumstances, PRI remains committed to engaging its community and supporters. The Institution will continue its efforts to secure funding to help stabilize its financial position and continue delivering valuable scientific and educational offerings.

PRI’s Director Warren Allmon said: "These are undoubtedly trying times for PRI, but the Institution’s mission is more important now than ever and we remain committed to fulfilling it. The decision to downsize is a very painful one, but it is essential for us to ensure the sustainability of the collection and our public educational function for future generations. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of our community, donors, and partners, who continue to play a vital role in our mission."

The leadership team and the Board of Trustees at PRI recognizes the impact of this news on its employees, community members, and supporters. The Institution remains committed to maintaining its high standards of excellence, while also taking the necessary steps to adapt to today's financial, educational, and social environment.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact:

PRI Marketing Dept.
Email:[email protected]
Phone: 607-273-6623 x111

Make a donation to our organization: Contributions, no matter the size, will play a crucial role in helping us weather this financial storm and continue our research, education, and outreach efforts that have made a positive impact for over 90 years. We understand that these are challenging times for everyone, but your generosity can make a real difference.

Thanks to a donor's incredible commitment to our organization, we have been presented with a $50,000 match challenge. This means that every dollar you contribute to our organization before December 31st will be matched, effectively doubling the power of your support.

To make a donation or learn more about how you can support PRI, please visit www.priweb.org/support or contact our development department at [email protected].

Become a member or renew your membership: By becoming a member, you contribute not only to your personal engagement with our mission but also to the overall sustainability of our organization. Our membership program revenue directly contributes to funding essential initiatives, programs, and operations that define our mission and impact. These funds enable us to maintain and enhance the quality of our services, implement educational programs, and support ongoing projects. As a member, you are not just an integral part of our community; you are a vital financial partner ensuring the continued success and growth of our organization.

Membership matters, and your financial support through your membership purchase makes a tangible difference in our ability to fulfill our mission and serve the community effectively. We are deeply grateful for the commitment and solidarity shown by our members, as it empowers us to thrive and make a lasting impact.

Join or renew your membership at www.priweb.org/membership

Shop our store: Making a purchase at our online or Museum store is a meaningful way to directly support our mission. Every purchase made at our stores plays a crucial role in sustaining our institution's various programs, research, and educational initiatives. The funds generated from these sales are reinvested into our organization, enabling us to maintain our exhibits and venues, support educational outreach, preserve our collection, and conduct research. Your support by shopping our stores is a tangible and appreciated gesture that helps us continue our mission and continue to preserve and interpret the wonders of our planet for future generations.

Shop the store at www.priweb.org/store

Share our resources: Sharing our online educational resources is a powerful and helpful way to foster awareness and appreciation for our organization and the field of Earth science. These online materials serve as educational catalysts, inspiring curiosity and a deeper understanding of our planet's history. Moreover, sharing these resources enhances the visibility of the Paleontological Research Institution, broadening its reach and impact. As awareness grows, so does the potential for increased support from diverse communities, fostering a collective commitment to the preservation of our natural history and the long-term sustainability of our organization.

Learn more about our online resources at www.EarthatHome.org

Is the Museum of the Earth still open?

Yes, the Museum remains open at its usual schedule, Thursday-Monday from 10am – 5 pm. Some Museum programs have been paused, please check our calendar on the Museum website at www.MuseumoftheEarth.org to see what is scheduled and to plan your visit. We will continue to monitor admission traffic and may reduce hours if needed. Updates about any hour changes will be posted on social media and our website.

Is the Cayuga Nature Center still open?

The Cayuga Nature Center lodge is currently closed for the Winter season. The trails, and treehouse remain open daily from dawn until dusk. We are still finalizing the details of the Lodge reopening.

What is happening to the animals at the Cayuga Nature Center?

We have made the difficult decision to end the live animal program at the Cayuga Nature Center. This decision comes after careful consideration of various factors, including the well-being and long-term sustainability of the animals under CNC’s care amid the current financial hardship of the organization. Learn more about this at www.priweb.org/press-releases/cayuga-nature-center-rehoming-live-animals .

Will there be summer camp at the Nature Center in 2024?

Yes, we still intend to hold our Nature Center summer camp in summer 2024 and School’s Out camps for the rest of the academic year. Details about summer camp registration are made public in the spring. Check our social media and website for more information or sign up for our mailing list to receive our announcements. You can sign up for our email list at www.cayuganaturecenter.org and find the newsletter widget at the bottom of the page.

What will be the impact on PRI’s specimen collections?

The collection will remain at PRI and will continue to be cared for as we hold it in public trust. Collection staff has currently been reduced; however some staff remain to ensure the preservation of the collection will continue and grant funded work related to curating the collection remains on track. Given reduced staffing levels, we are temporarily pausing all specimen donations.

What caused this financial situation?

This financial situation is connected to the delays of several key philanthropic contributions; a set of donors who had been consistently generous to the Institution for many years now face difficulties in fulfilling pledges totaling several million dollars. Given PRI's heavy reliance on individual philanthropic support, this unforeseen challenge necessitates substantial reductions in expenses and the implementation of responsible financial decisions to ensure stability during these challenging times.

Cayuga Nature Center rehoming live animals amid financial challenges.

(ITHACA, NY– January 9, 2024)  

Cayuga Nature Center (CNC)—which cultivates an awareness, appreciation, and responsibility for the natural world through outdoor and environmental education—has made the difficult decision to end its live animal program. This decision comes after careful consideration of various factors, including the well-being and long-term sustainability of the animals under CNC’s care amid the current financial hardship of the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI), CNC’s parent organization. PRI is facing financial challenges due to delays in receiving major philanthropic gifts totaling several million dollars and has been implementing a strategic downsizing plan to ensure long-term sustainability of the organization.

Since the 1970’s, Cayuga Nature Center has been committed to providing a safe and enriching environment for a diverse range of animals, fostering a connection between our community and the natural world. With a collection of over 70 individual animals at CNC, it is necessary to have multiple full-time staff plus a solid volunteer force to ensure that the best quality care can be given to our animals. In addition to increasing staff costs, other necessary regular expenditures include the costs of food for the animals, veterinary care, enclosure supplies, and habitat renovations. However, without reliable and sustainable funding, maintaining an animal collection of this size while providing high-quality care is impossible.

Shyia Magan, Director of Live Animals at Cayuga Nature Center says “The decision to rehome the animals at CNC considering the financial challenges at PRI is a sad, but easy choice when considering the well-being of our animals. As an animal care professional, giving the best possible life to our animal ambassadors is my priority, and if we are unable to offer that to them, then it is our responsibility to make sure they end up in a place where they can get the care they deserve. To me, animals have always been one of the simplest ways of connecting with the natural world around us, and I can see that every day when visitors interact with our animal ambassadors. The animals are a part of the fabric of what makes the nature center what it is to the community, and seeing that part torn away is difficult, but the nature center still has so much to offer.”

In light of this decision, the staff at the Nature Center have initiated a comprehensive rehoming process to ensure that all animals currently residing at the facility find suitable future homes. PRI understands the importance of responsible animal care and is working closely with regional nature centers, zoos, and wildlife sanctuaries that have experience caring for native animals and can provide a quality of life that equals or exceeds that which they received at CNC. Most of the animals at the Nature Center are regulated through state and federal permits, so—before an animal can go to its new home—approval will need to be received from the relevant agencies. Because of this, some animals may take longer to re-home than others. The goal is to have every animal at CNC re-homed by the end of March, but some may move sooner. A list of where animals will be rehoused to will be constantly updated at www.priweb.org/downsizing. 

Even though the live animal program is ending, Cayuga Nature Center remains committed to its core mission of environmental education and conservation. It will continue to offer a range of engaging programs, and educational initiatives that inspire a passion for nature and foster a sense of responsibility toward the environment. The Nature Center grounds and treehouse will still be open year-round for the public to visit. There are no current plans to reopen the lodge to the public, but educational programming—including Kids Discover the Trail, Schools Out, and Summer camps—is scheduled to continue this year. As PRI and CNC adjust to their new staffing levels, other programs and events will resume. PRI is looking for donors, partners, and investors who will help them to continue to keep programming at Cayuga Nature Center.

Cayuga Nature Center would like to express gratitude to the community for its longstanding support of the live animal program. PRI and CNC remain dedicated to providing valuable educational experiences and look forward to exploring new avenues for connecting people with the wonders of the natural world.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact:

PRI Marketing Dept.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 607-273-6623 x111

Cayuga Nature Center Receives Generous Donation to Preserve Native Animal Program and Sustain Animal Education Programs

(Ithaca, NY - February 23, 2024)

The Cayuga Nature Center is thrilled to announce a transformative donation that will secure the future of its small native animal program and ensure the continuation of vital animal education programs. A generous contribution has been made by the Lilac Foundation to support the animal program, underscoring their commitment to environmental education and our community.  

This substantial donation comes at a crucial time for the Cayuga Nature Center, which had been facing financial challenges that made it impossible to maintain its live animal program. With this financial support, the Nature Center will be able to keep a small collection of native reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates and continue to provide them with a safe and enriching environment. 

While this gift may not allow for the continuation of the entire animal program, which previously contained over 70 individual animals, to remain at the Nature Center, it will preserve a portion of the native animal ambassadors who are instrumental in education programs.  This donation will allow the Nature Center to continue to provide the community with animal educational programs, through public programs, birthday parties and paid group programs. These programs play a crucial role in promoting awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the local ecosystem and the importance of respect for wildlife and their habitats.

The Cayuga Nature Center extends its sincere gratitude to the Lilac Foundation for their visionary generosity. This donation not only safeguards the immediate future of the native animal collection but also strengthens the Nature Center's ability to educate and inspire the community to become stewards of the environment.  

"We are deeply grateful for the Lilac Foundation’s commitment to our animal program and the impact this donation will have on the Cayuga Nature Center," said Amanda Schmitt Piha, Associate Director for Philanthropy and Communications at PRI "This support is an important step towards continuing our efforts in animal and environmental education, making a lasting difference in the lives of both the animals and the community we serve. We will need the support of our community to help maintain the resources needed to keep this program going strong for future generations."

Donations to support the Cayuga Nature Center and the animal program can be made at www.cayuganaturecenter.org/donate. 

Our animal ambassadors have made a profound impact on the lives of many of our community members. We know many are curious about where the Nature Center animals will be moving to. We will keep a list here of our animals new homes as details are finalized. As a reminder, most of the animals at the Nature Center are regulated through state and federal permits, so—before an animal can go to its new home—approval will need to be received from the relevant agencies. Because of this, some animals may take longer to re-home than others.

Bearded Dragon - rehomed to Cayuga Nature Center staff/volunteer

Black Rat Snake - rehomed to Little Ray’s Nature Center in Syracuse, NY

Western Hognose - rehomed to Cayuga Nature Center staff/volunteer

Gopher Snake - rehomed to Cayuga Nature Center staff/volunteer

Elongated Tortoise - rehomed to Cayuga Nature Center staff/volunteer

Ferret - rehomed to Cayuga Nature Center staff/volunteer

Crested Gecko - rehomed to Cayuga Nature Center staff/volunteer

White's Tree Frog - rehomed to Cayuga Nature Center staff/volunteer

Leopard Gecko - rehomed to Cayuga Nature Center staff/volunteer

Hedgehog - rehomed to Cayuga Nature Center staff/volunteer

Dove - rehomed to Cayuga Nature Center staff/volunteer

Gray Fox - rehomed to Arctic Fox Daily

Red Fox (2) - rehomed to Arctic Fox Daily

Rabbit - rehomed to local wildlife rehabber

Opossums - rehomed to local wildlife rehabber

Rabbit - rehomed to local wildlife rehabber

Axolotl - rehomed to Cortland Junior/Senior High School

Red Tailed Hawk - Hawk Creek Wildlife Center

Great Horned Owl - Hawk Creek Wildlife Center

Turkey Vulture - Hawk Creek Wildlife Center

Raven - Green Chimneys