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Buttonwood Park Zoo asks for two additional zookeepers as staff levels flagged during accreditation; director cites community support after recent animal losses
Summary
Buttonwood Park Zoo requested two additional full‑time zookeeper positions in the FY26 budget to address staffing shortfalls highlighted in a 2024 accreditation inspection and to support a new animal ambassador center.
Acting Buttonwood Park Zoo Director Shara Rapoza told the City Council May 21 that the zoo is seeking two additional full‑time zookeeper positions in its FY26 budget and a $6,000 supply increase to offset rising animal feed and supply costs.
Rapoza said the zoo is AZA‑accredited and houses more than 1,200 animals. She described staff shortages documented during a June 2024 accreditation inspection and said adding two keepers is critical as the zoo prepares to open a new animal ambassador center and expand animal care operations. "Low staffing levels were documented ... and as we gear up to open a brand new state of the art animal…
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