Komodo Kingdom Fundraising Appeal
I never imagined that my path as a graphic designer would bring me face-to-face with the world’s largest venomous lizard. Yet, that’s exactly what occurred during my work on this appeal for the Komodo Dragon habitat at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
![San Diego Zoo Komodo Kingdom Fundraising Appeal](https://whatshanadoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/DSC_3854-Komodo_BrochureCover1-copy-scaled.jpg)
![San Diego Zoo Komodo Kingdom Fundraising Appeal](https://whatshanadoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/DSC_3860_Komodo_openingSpread1-copy-scaled.jpg)
![San Diego Zoo Komodo Kingdom Fundraising Appeal](https://whatshanadoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/DSC_3908-KomodoUV-copy-scaled.jpg)
To be fair, calling them venomous is a bit of a misnomer, they actually have bacterial-filled saliva, and when they hunt they generally bite prey and then wait a few days for it to die of sepsis. Still gruesome, but not nearly as deadly as a rattlesnake bite.
![](https://whatshanadoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/DSC_4107_KomodoInsideSpread-copy-scaled.jpg)
![San Diego Zoo Komodo Kingdom Fundraising Appeal](https://whatshanadoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/DSC_3932_KomodoBackPocket-copy-scaled.jpg)
This project presented a unique challenge for me. Throughout my time at the SDZWA, I primarily focused on fundraising for captivating creatures like hummingbirds and majestic animals such as rhinos. However, promoting a giant lizard proved to be much more difficult, particularly with an older donor audience.
I proposed several design approaches for this project. One concept aimed for a more whimsical tone, drawing inspiration from the fantastical nature of being referred to as a dragon. Another approach emphasized the dragons’ ferocity, capitalizing on their fearsome reputation. Ultimately, the internal client chose a clean and scientific option, highlighting the fascinating aspects of these creatures in an effort to engage donors.
![San Diego Zoo Komodo Kingdom Fundraising Appeal](https://whatshanadoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/KomodoSuite-2-copy-scaled.jpg)
![San Diego Zoo Komodo Kingdom Fundraising Appeal](https://whatshanadoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/KomodoImg-scaled.jpg)
During the photoshoot for the appeal, I had the opportunity to enter the enclosure with the photographer (under the supervision of a wildlife care specialist, of course). I must admit, after a few minutes, nerves got the better of me and I decided to wait outside.
Despite my anxiety during the shoot, the appeal turned out to be a tremendous success. It became the zoo’s most profitable mid-year appeal to date. It’s important to note that the appeal’s achievement is attributed to the collective efforts of the development and gift officers. Nevertheless, I take pride in knowing that my contribution played a small role in securing the funding for the habitat.
Photos in appeal by: Ken Bohn / Getty Images / Alamy | Written By: Mary Sekulovich | Printer: Neyenesch