Compared to other zoos in the northeastern United States and Canada, the Philadelphia Zoo's attendance is stronger in May and weaker in July. Some of this difference may be explained by advertising patterns. While the attendance for May, July, and August is in the same general order of magnitude, July's allotment for advertising is only about one-fourth that of May or August. The Girard Ave. Parking lot attendants told us of vandalism and visitors reluctant to use remote lots.
Parking is inadequate when attendance is heavy.
When attendance exceeds 10,000, the demand for parking space is greater than the current supply. This situation must be remedied before the new primate exhibit opens in the spring of 1999. Consultants work without contracts and billings are insufficiently detailed. In a number of cases we found that consultants worked without contracts or commenced work before a contract was signed. In reviewing consultant billings, auditors noted invoices which provided insufficient detail or documentation, gave no indication of having been reviewed or reconciled, or billed for services contrary to contractual terms and conditions.