E. Reports to Committee
Zoo Report:
SCHWETZ provided an update on the 2024 budget. The County approved the budget and
the Zoo is very excited to be getting a FTE .6 keeper position as well as 2 .6 zoo
attendants thanks to an addition by Supervisor Ritt. The full time vet position also went
through, which is historic for the Zoo and will expand on-grounds capacity. We have
already been able to purchase new medical equipment and our vet is helping prioritize
those purchases. The Zoo recently filled its vacant keeper position. Still trying to fill the
lead vet tech position. There is a national shortage of vet techs right now.
Capital projects - the Zoo works closely with Public Works for any projects that cost over
$40k. Work on the Aviary is underway and renovating the penguin exhibit space is next in
the queue.
Animals - Our giraffe was successfully moved to Green Bay and is already fitting in nicely
with the rest of their herd. We also have shipped several leaf-tailed geckos out to other
institutions over the last few months. We are one of the few facilities successfully
breeding them. We received a female capybara who is in quarantine right now. She will
join the male capybara once she clears her health checks. We are scheduled to get two
female rock hyrax in the coming weeks and are still working on getting a camel. We
recently had 3 box turtles hatch. They are part of a DNR program and this is our first
hatching.
Events - Brew Lights is this Friday. Ticket sales are going well. Zoo Lights begins the
day after Thanksgiving. The Zoo is also hosting its third Dream Lights, which is a night
for kids facing health challenges.
Operations - The Zoo is working on a strategic plan that will help shape the next 5 years
of development. The Zoo will be able to share a draft in early 2024. Leadership is also
working on core values with staff.
Discussion ensued.
F. Future Meeting Items and Dates
The next meeting will be held in-person at the Zoo starting at 7:30am on Tuesday,
January 9, 2024.
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 JUSTUS, seconded by BANKS, that the Zoo Commission
be adjourned. The motion carried unanimously at 8:26am.
Respectfully submitted by Kristin Moala, pending approval by the Zoo Commission.
