A New Year, A Better Zoo

Years ago, I posted my first list of "Zoo Year Resolutions," commitments that I was making to myself to be a better keeper.  Better keepers make for a better zoo, but after several years, I've come to the conclusion that real change often comes from the top and percolates down.  With that in mind, below are some resolutions that I wish that our facilities would make to help build a better community

• Better pay and benefits for staff, both to support quality of life for their employees and to retain talent and expertise, building capacity.  It's hard to build a great institution when you're constantly replacing burned out, underpaid staff.  This includes offering a pathway to career growth and professional development
• Find ways to involve all employees in your core mission.  That extends to (perhaps especially) front line staff in custodial or visitor services roles.  Their work is essential to the running of the zoo.  Give them the opportunity to get involved now and then, be it by shadowing a keeper or helping with a conservation project
• Work to further integrate your institution with your community, looking for ways to bring about new partnerships and collaborations.  The more connections your facility has with your community, the stronger and more sustainable its future.
• Animal welfare belongs at the forefront.  Constantly challenge yourself to do better by the animals in your care.  Look for ways to improve facilities and husbandry practices, and always be open to the possibility that, just because an approach has worked for years, it can still be improved.
• Act local - conservation doesn't just happen around the world, but in our own backyards as well.  Work to build partnerships with local government and non-government partners to get involved in at least one local project that benefits wildlife

Best wishes for 2023!