In 2009 I had initiated an email correspondence with the Zoo's Director. Tanya Peterson. Since I had been on the grounds so much, and rarely see any Staff above Keeper level, I thought I would relay some suggestions and ideas that might be valuable.
This correspondence was always responded to and seemed welcomed, as I would always get a "Thank you."
The suggestions ranged from, ideas about how to endear Visitors, fundraising, ways to better Member's Morning events, and how to better utilize the limited Security. It was always very frustrating to see areas where there could be improvement, yet nothing being done the change it.
One comment that did make its way to light, was in the wake of the Grizzly Trespassing event in November 2009. When I heard the news, I was horrified. All I could think of was how Tatiana lost her life because of human misbehavior. I emailed the Director that night and pretty upset, questioned why the Zoo remains open til 5p in the Winter, noting that it starts to get dark by then. I have never liked that people are left unattended (no Security presence) at the far end of the Zoo near closing hours. Visitors should have to start moving towards the entrance at least a half hour before. What was most disturbing about this was that it had been two years since the Tiger event and no Staff member had thought of this. At the next Joint Zoo Committee Meeting (a few days later), Director Peterson put forth that they would like to change the hours in the Winter.
I had started becoming tired of nothing ever changing when I saw the Director Peterson in an interview online where she said, "The Zoo is not financially dire." I had to throw my hands up and wonder what parallel universe she was living on. I stopped sending her my ideas.
Lee who had also started to submit ideas stopped. She had even met with Director, Peterson under the pretense of discussing ideas, mainly one for a Memorial Garden. Director Peterson never explored the ideas.
We both just stayed content to grumble to ourselves about the great things that could be done, to make the Zoo all it could be. We figured by getting the most awesome experience in making the Enrichment toys for the Big Cats and Bears, at least we were doing something great for them.
The only time we would contact Director Peterson was when we felt there was a concern regarding an Animal. That was until Curator MacDonald took away the Enrichments. At that time, we began a series of emails because this was a direct offense against the Animals.
It seemed at that point, we began to wear the label of "troublemakers." I had been told by Staff that Management allegedly didn't like people with opinions, even people who worked there had allegedly been fired for speaking above their immediate supervisor. I think this is a ridiculous way to run an organization. I also realized that my suggestions along with any constructive criticism, was not of value.
This correspondence was always responded to and seemed welcomed, as I would always get a "Thank you."
The suggestions ranged from, ideas about how to endear Visitors, fundraising, ways to better Member's Morning events, and how to better utilize the limited Security. It was always very frustrating to see areas where there could be improvement, yet nothing being done the change it.
One comment that did make its way to light, was in the wake of the Grizzly Trespassing event in November 2009. When I heard the news, I was horrified. All I could think of was how Tatiana lost her life because of human misbehavior. I emailed the Director that night and pretty upset, questioned why the Zoo remains open til 5p in the Winter, noting that it starts to get dark by then. I have never liked that people are left unattended (no Security presence) at the far end of the Zoo near closing hours. Visitors should have to start moving towards the entrance at least a half hour before. What was most disturbing about this was that it had been two years since the Tiger event and no Staff member had thought of this. At the next Joint Zoo Committee Meeting (a few days later), Director Peterson put forth that they would like to change the hours in the Winter.
I had started becoming tired of nothing ever changing when I saw the Director Peterson in an interview online where she said, "The Zoo is not financially dire." I had to throw my hands up and wonder what parallel universe she was living on. I stopped sending her my ideas.
Lee who had also started to submit ideas stopped. She had even met with Director, Peterson under the pretense of discussing ideas, mainly one for a Memorial Garden. Director Peterson never explored the ideas.
We both just stayed content to grumble to ourselves about the great things that could be done, to make the Zoo all it could be. We figured by getting the most awesome experience in making the Enrichment toys for the Big Cats and Bears, at least we were doing something great for them.
The only time we would contact Director Peterson was when we felt there was a concern regarding an Animal. That was until Curator MacDonald took away the Enrichments. At that time, we began a series of emails because this was a direct offense against the Animals.
It seemed at that point, we began to wear the label of "troublemakers." I had been told by Staff that Management allegedly didn't like people with opinions, even people who worked there had allegedly been fired for speaking above their immediate supervisor. I think this is a ridiculous way to run an organization. I also realized that my suggestions along with any constructive criticism, was not of value.
Everything stated above is how I feel also. Ideas used to be welcome. I have always been passionate about the zoo and now I am faulted for it.
ReplyDelete@Lee- That is exactly how I feel. Faulted for caring. They don't think outside the box and when we tried to offer new things to better the Zoo for all, we were smiled at to our faces and sneered at behind our backs (at best). I guarantee we both have spent more time thinking of new things to try and ways for the Zoo thrive than most of the Staff. In my opinion most who work there view this a a job and don't think about after they leave. We leave there filled with thoughts and ideas about how the Zoo can be more. Our passion is frowned upon and now has been stepped on and kicked to the curb.
ReplyDelete