Vote for the Zoo

This past Tuesday was Election Day, though you'd be excused for not noticing.  I know I barely did.  With so much focus on November 2020, when the White House and Congress are at stake, it can be easy to forget that there were many elections taking place this week.  A few, such as the Kentucky governor race, made national news.  Most were quiet, local elections.  As a result, surprisingly few people vote in these off-year elections.


As they say, all politics is local politics.  That's especially true for zoos and aquariums.  President Trump - or a possible President Biden, Warren, or Sanders - would definitely make decisions concerning that have the potential to influence zoos economically, environmentally, or in any number of ways.   In these cases, the zoo or aquarium would be one tiny aspect being impacted by decisions made far away.  More important to the day-to-day running or facilities, and their futures, are the decisions that come out of local elections. 


Many zoos and aquariums are non-profits and receive at least some tax dollars to keep in operation.  Some (not nearly as many as there once were, but still plenty) are actually run entirely by local governments, be they a city, county, or state, and are subject to the whims of elected leaders.  All zoos are subject to local regulations, be they construction permits, zoning regulations, or what have you.  In natural disasters, they may be reliant on local authorities for help.  All of these are great reasons why zoos and aquariums need to be involved in local politics.


Directors and board members should be well-familiar with elected officials and bureaucrats.  Invite them on tours.  Explain our missions.  Help them see how the wellbeing of the zoo or aquarium can positively impact the community, whether through direct economic impact (businesses supported, tourism dollars attracted, jobs created) or quality of life for residents.  Make sure they understand our challenges. Don't let it happen that they first time they hear our names is when we come around with a begging sack.


The Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas, was one of the winners this past week.  They brought home a $14.5 million dollar bond, which will go towards a much-needed new vet hospital, as well as new exhibits.  Akron Zoo in Ohio is up to bat next year with a levy request. 


In a small town where I used to work, a mayoral candidate loudly derided his opponent, the incumbent, for wanting to engage in "wasteful" spending to improve the zoo and city park.  This challenger was trounced, badly.  I'm not saying it was because of the zoo, but I like to think that helped.