E. Reports to Committee
AZA application was submitted at the end of February. The application is the
culmination of over a year of hard work by staff across all departments. We are very
proud of the document we submitted. The next step will be to set dates with our
inspectors for an on-site inspection. We expect that to happen in June or July. Now that
the AZA application has been submitted, we will have more time to focus on our Edge
of Africa designs for the new giraffe building.
Budget - In 2023 the Zoo had a $6.5 million operating budget. The Zoo made over $3
million in revenue. Some of the number breakdown includes $252,000 on animal food
and $121,000 on animal medicine. Discussion ensued.
Staff Updates - Last month we filled a .6 keeper position with an internal hire, which
opened up one of our FTE keeper positions. That position has been filled by a former
LTE keeper.
Animal Updates - with the warmer weather we have an early shipping season. We
expect to get a female red panda and several meerkats this spring. We will also be
getting a lot of invertebrates for both the Discovery Center and the Animal Ambassador
areas of the Zoo. Our very geriatric Indian crested porcupine passed away. At 24.5
years old he far outlived his life expectancy.
F. Future Meeting Items and Dates
The next meeting will take place on April 3, 2024 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 JUSTUS, seconded by GUNDERSON, that the Zoo
Commission meeting be adjourned. The motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by Kristin Moala, pending approval of the Zoo Commission