E. Reports to Committee
Darcangelo gave an update on the Zoo's new concessions vendor, SSA. When we did the
2022 budget we projected $500k in revenue for SSA and we are on track to hit that
target. The Zoo took over operations of the carousel/train this year. We projected $225k
in revenue for that and we have already exceeded over $275k for the year. SSA is
purchasing a food trailer with the capital funding that will be able to be moved around the
zoo and we expect to have it here by September.
Attendance down just a little bit from 2021. (By about 25,000) We have had 425,000
visitors so far this year. We think that more venues opening up has contributed to that.
Donations in the tubes are holding steady from last year, and we have had significant
bequest donations come in this year.
We’ve had two meetings with neighbors so far. They have been going really well. We told
them when our first corporate event was happening to solicit feedback and got positive
input. They have already helped by brainstorming ways we can increase bike parking.
We are already looking at ways to include them in CLR plans.
Schwetz talked about how the Zoo's access and equity survey report should be out the
week of August 8th and we will be discussing it with the Commission at next month's
meeting.
Schwetz talked about how Supervisor Collins has been trying to get universal changing
stations in County buildings. We looked at retro fitting our current bathrooms, but do not
have space. We are starting up with our giraffe exhibit designs again and are
incorporating a universal changing station in those plans. We are looking at installing
power doors in all our public buildings to also help with accessibility. We are using
restricted donations to pay for that improvement.
We have submitted our 2023 budget request. We added a diversity line item. It’s going
through technical review process. The October meeting will be when we do a deep dive
into the budget.
Schwetz gave an animal update. We have found a 6-month old camel who could be a
companion for Altain. We are in the process of figuring out transportation, but the move
will most likely happen in fall when temps are cooler. We are redoing all of the fencing
around the bison exhibit. While we only have one bison we are using this opportunity to
improve that space. Once the work is complete we will look in to getting more bison. Our
new red panda is out on exhibit and doing well. Chelsea’s baby finally has a name –
Menjadi. Baby is doing great. Menjadi will not be introduced to Datu for a few more
months. Discussion ensued.
We are ready to go in to design/development phase with the giraffe exhibit. The week of
Sept 19 we will be having meetings with CLR and would like to have a session with the
commission. More details to come.
We submitted our response to the animal complaint that was filed with AZA. AZA’s
accreditation committee reviews that report. The review will take place at their annual
meeting in September and they will follow up after that. We feel good about the response
we submitted and the care we provide so we are optimistic about the outcome.