I think it’s pretty clear that having someone with a “business background” hasn’t steered “the nonprofit toward solid future financial footing”, considering that only two directors in the last four years have had zoo experience.
I’d also like to know why the new director wasn’t available for comment- probably not the best move from a PR stand point. Come on Doug, let her introduce herself!
I wonder if anyone up there has previous experience working at any other zoos..... either way welcome to Victoria! Best Wishes!
Americas_Best_Zoos_author, "It's very special to have your own zoo, and to have a unique theme of displaying only native Texan animals"
FYI. They started displaying exotics years ago and their number of native animals has dropped dramatically.
Since a few board members are reading this and posting comments, here are a few questions I challenge you to answer honestly.
Is it true that the zoo was providing health insurance to their employees, and the policy was canceled, yet money was still being taken from employees checks?
Are there any plans to work towards getting AZA accreditation back? If so, then why are you feeding expired food and not restaurant quality food to the animals (which AZA would look down upon because this indicates that the animals are not your number one priority)?
Has the staff that conducts zoosnoozes had the proper training in animal safety (ie rifle training, capture/escape etc), in order to take children into the tiger nighthouse?
Is it true that you have a convicted felon conducting zoosnoozes with children?
What are your plans to get out of financial turmoil?
Why did the zoo owe so much money to the IRS? And why was this neglected for so long?
These are a few questions Victorians would like to know. Feel free to answer.
Keep up the postings on the zoo! :) The truth needs to be told!
This is only a part of the truth behind the Texas Zoo. Not only has there been high turnover in the director’s position, but others as well. The way staff is treated at the zoo is a disgrace (to include harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination etc), causing many qualified individuals to seek other employment. Current staff lacks degreed educations, are unqualified, and one is a convicted felon. The zoo’s purpose is to serve and educate the community, but does the community really know what kind of organization they are supporting? An accredited zoo is a pillar in the system, one that participates in global conservation efforts, species survival plans, and promotes environmental stewardship. Without these actions you simply have another roadside zoo. With questionable ethics and finances, the city needs to get involved to do an investigation of how our tax dollars misappropriated.
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Here's a thought:
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/commun...
I think it’s pretty clear that having someone with a “business background” hasn’t steered “the nonprofit toward solid future financial footing”, considering that only two directors in the last four years have had zoo experience.
I’d also like to know why the new director wasn’t available for comment- probably not the best move from a PR stand point. Come on Doug, let her introduce herself!
I wonder if anyone up there has previous experience working at any other zoos..... either way welcome to Victoria! Best Wishes!
Americas_Best_Zoos_author,
"It's very special to have your own zoo, and to have a unique theme of displaying only native Texan animals"
FYI. They started displaying exotics years ago and their number of native animals has dropped dramatically.
Since a few board members are reading this and posting comments, here are a few questions I challenge you to answer honestly.
Is it true that the zoo was providing health insurance to their employees, and the policy was canceled, yet money was still being taken from employees checks?
Are there any plans to work towards getting AZA accreditation back?
If so, then why are you feeding expired food and not restaurant quality food to the animals (which AZA would look down upon because this indicates that the animals are not your number one priority)?
Has the staff that conducts zoosnoozes had the proper training in animal safety (ie rifle training, capture/escape etc), in order to take children into the tiger nighthouse?
Is it true that you have a convicted felon conducting zoosnoozes with children?
What are your plans to get out of financial turmoil?
Why did the zoo owe so much money to the IRS? And why was this neglected for so long?
These are a few questions Victorians would like to know. Feel free to answer.
Keep up the postings on the zoo! :) The truth needs to be told!
This is only a part of the truth behind the Texas Zoo. Not only has there been high turnover in the director’s position, but others as well. The way staff is treated at the zoo is a disgrace (to include harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination etc), causing many qualified individuals to seek other employment. Current staff lacks degreed educations, are unqualified, and one is a convicted felon. The zoo’s purpose is to serve and educate the community, but does the community really know what kind of organization they are supporting? An accredited zoo is a pillar in the system, one that participates in global conservation efforts, species survival plans, and promotes environmental stewardship. Without these actions you simply have another roadside zoo. With questionable ethics and finances, the city needs to get involved to do an investigation of how our tax dollars misappropriated.