E. Reports to Committee
Zoo Report:
Staffing update - hired a new Zoo Manager who was promoted from Lead Keeper, which
means we have the opportunity to offer a keeper a lead position. Hired a vet as an LTE
staffer for the remainder of the year once the UW Vet School contract ends. That will
allow us to have uninterrupted full time vet coverage for the remainder of the year. We will
be asking for a FTE vet position in the 2024 budget. We are still in the process of hiring
a new vet tech. Other positions that we are asking for in the 2024 budget include a .6 zoo
attendant and a .6 zoo keeper. Those positions will help us fill scheduling gaps and allow
new staff to gain experience at an AZA accredited facility.
DEAI update - Our Pride event - Drag Me To The Zoo - is officially sold out. We are also
hosting our first Drag Story Time happening on the same day. We had to cap registration
for that event due to capacity issues. Are already planning on holding a second story time
next year. We are starting dementia training for staff and volunteers. Working with the
Dane County Aging and Disability Resource Center to help facilitate that. We recently
started working with OccuPaws, a non-profit organization that helps train service animals.
Our Family Fun Days are bringing in on average 10% more guests each month that a
normal Sunday. Our ZAP (Zoo Aftercare Program) has their graduation on Friday and we
are transitioning into summer programming next week.
Animals - we have a camel dental procedure coming up. Keepers have been working with
our camel for several months to get her trained to receive her injection. We have found a
camel and two bison and are working on transportation and permitting to get them here.
We do not have shipping dates yet. Our otter, Lily, will be leaving for another AZA
institution, which is very exciting. We have an owl, baby goats, and turkeys in quarantine
at the Zoo right now and expect them to be visible to the public in about three weeks.
Operations - re-opening our North American prairie exhibit with updated signage and a
new bison statue on June 23. Our giraffe building is moving along and getting closer to
construction documents. Working with a consultant to create a zoo specific employee
handbook.
Finance - the Commission went over the YTD budget. Discussion ensued.
F. Future Meeting Items and Dates
The next Zoo Commission meeting will take place in person at Henry Vilas Zoo on July
11, 2023 at 7:30am.
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 CASTILLO, seconded by JUSTUS, that the Zoo
Commission meeting be adjourned at 8:32am. The motion carried unanimously.
