Zoo hires staff, transfers animals and previews Zoo Brew, Otters Night

At the June meeting of the Mesco Park Zoo and Botanic Garden Advisory Board, staff reported personnel hires, recent animal transfers and arrivals, and event ticket sales for upcoming public programs.

Ben Payne said staffing has improved: “We're at 19 out of 20 positions filled.” Payne reported a new keeper begins the next day, a new director of "bridal care, education, and conservation" starting in July, and a new facilities maintenance manager also starting in July. (Roles as stated in the meeting were provided by staff during the personnel update.)

On animal movements, Payne said a male specimen named Jetson left that morning for a new home in Peoria, Illinois. Staff announced a new Prevost's squirrel on exhibit in the DC exhibit and a new Amazonia motmot currently in quarantine pending release into the Amazonia free-flight area; Payne described the Prevost's squirrel as “super cute. Black body, orange undercarriage.”

Staff previewed upcoming public events. An "Otters night" at a local baseball game will include zoo-related announcements and outreach; gates open at 5:30 p.m. Zoo Brew is scheduled for June 14 with doors opening at 4:00 p.m. and running to 8:30 p.m. Payne reported about 403 tickets sold so far, with certain excursions sold out: the draft excursion sold 50 of 50 tickets, the penguin excursion sold 40 of 40, the Amazonia Spirit Trail had 27 of 50 remaining, and the budgie-feeding exhibit had 17 of 50 remaining. Staff said additional walk-in tickets may be available at the door.

No formal board action was required for the staffing or event updates.