The Oregon Zoo and its Foundation share a singular mission: to foster community pride, inspire action, and secure financial support for the conservation, education, and welfare of animals. The zoo, as an enterprise fund of a regional government, relies on its own revenue streams, while the foundation amplifies this work by providing critical resources through donor contributions and strategic partnerships. Together, they aim to “raise the volume for the animals’ voices” and create a global impact on wildlife conservation.
Watson Creative has had the privilege of partnering with the Oregon Zoo Foundation for several years, working through pivotal moments, including the challenges of the pandemic. From comprehensive marketing strategies to donor cultivation campaigns, our collaboration has played a vital role in advancing the foundation’s mission and enhancing the zoo’s presence in the community.
The Oregon Zoo Foundation faced several challenges when they approached Watson Creative:
Watson Creative worked with the Oregon Zoo Foundation to address these challenges through a multi-layered approach.
We refined the foundation’s branding to create a cohesive identity that resonated with donors, zoo visitors, and community members. Messaging focused on the emotional connection between contributions and their impact on animal welfare. By emphasizing collaboration and global conservation efforts, the foundation’s campaigns inspired pride and action.
Through primary and secondary research, including qualitative and quantitative studies, Watson developed multi-year strategies that aligned with the zoo’s goals. Campaigns highlighted key programs such as conservation initiatives, educational outreach, and unique wildlife care efforts.
The partnership between Watson Creative and the Oregon Zoo Foundation has delivered measurable success:
“Our partnership with the Oregon Zoo Foundation has been one of impact and inspiration. Together, we’ve helped amplify their mission, engage donors, and support global conservation efforts that make a real difference for wildlife.”
Build from insight. Strategy isn’t guesswork—it’s groundwork. We listen, research, and distill what matters to guide smarter decisions and set a solid creative direction.
Make it meaningful. From naming to narratives, we create content that speaks with purpose—rooted in truth, tuned to your audience, and built to connect.
Design for behavior. We craft digital experiences that are intuitive, scalable, and aligned with how real people move, click, swipe, and search.
Bring brands to life. Physical spaces, moments, and memories matter. We design experiences that feel human—and stay with you long after the lights go out.
Drive connection. Our marketing approach blends data and instinct—getting the right message to the right people, in ways that actually move them.
Partner on progress. We work alongside your team to solve real problems, shift thinking, and build internal alignment—without the agency ego.