When we talk about zoos, we inevitably focus mostly on the animals - their welfare, their conservation, their reproduction - and of course, they are the defining feature of our institutions. Still, in recent years there has been a lot more emphasis on the human side of the profession. Zoos are about animals, but they're nothing without their people. While there has long been focus on and considerable advances in how the animals are treated, we're just starting to ask ourselves how the people are being treated.
Most zoo staff aren't paid well, which is nothing new. That's hopefully improving, but at least we all know about it out going into this. What's more problematic is toxic behavior. Zoos tend to attract staff who don't always play nice with others. Furthermore, you get a lot of savior complexes run around, with people who think they know best/care the most, and therefore should be allowed to have their way.
Last year I paid my first visit to Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin. I had an enjoyable time - but all the while, I was aware of rumors of trouble beneath the surface, which had recently started to boil up. This isn't all unique to Madison, unfortunately - I've seen and heard of similar problems at many other facilities. Which is something we need to work to change. Not just because it interferes with our core mission and compromises the care of our animals - though that is very important. But mostly because everyone deserves to be treated with respect.
A Zoo Association Devoted to Science, and Plagued by Scandal
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