E. Reports to Committee
Operations updates - the bids for the new seal shade structure came in. The
new structure will provide permanent year round shade for the seal pool. The
sail shades currently used cannot withstand the snow accumulation in the
winter. The new structure will help protect seal eye health even in winter. It will
be made out of steel and installation should begin in January or February of
2026. Work on the otter behind the scenes spaces will begin in September.
This project was delayed because of the birth of our otter pups, but now that
they are old enough the work can begin. It will improve their back holding area
and allow for more training opportunities for keepers. The bids for the new
arctic fox exhibit came in higher than expected. The zoo will be re-evaluating
what work can be done internally (landscaping, etc.) and the bid will be sent
out again with the modifications in scope. The zoo is working on a solar
installation and hopes to have more details about that project by September.
The Aviary is also going to have work done this fall to update some of the
tanks and get more fish in that space.
The zoo started composting herbivore manure working with the County's
Waste and Renewable's department and partnering with Purple Cow. This
project started on June 1st and has cut the amount of manure going to the
landfill almost in half. There is a potential for the zoo to sell compost from this
partnership by sometime next summer.
The annual AZA conference is happening in September. The zoo's education
coordinator and marketing coordinator are speaking at this year's conference
and the volunteer coordinator is up for the Volunteer Award.
Events have been happening all summer and all of them have seen an up tick
in attendance.
The zoo is currently in the middle of the County's budget process. They do not
anticipate any staff cuts. The zoo commission will have a more in-depth look at
the budget during the September meeting.
F. Future Meeting Items and Dates
The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 9th starting at 8am.
G. Public Comment on Items not on the Agenda
None
H. Such Other Business as Allowed by Law
None
I. Adjourn
A motion was made by EVERS, seconded by JUSTUS, that the Zoo Commission
meeting be adjourned at 8:44am. The motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by Kristin Moala, pending approval from the commission
