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Mesco Park Zoo reports September attendance dip, staffing gaps and imminent rhino arrival
Summary
Director Eric Beck told the Mesco Park Zoo advisory board that September attendance fell to about 12,000 visitors, year‑to‑date attendance is roughly 158,000, staffing has three keeper vacancies and a 13‑year‑old rhino is set to arrive after a completed renovation.
At the Mesco Park Zoo and Botanic Garden Advisory Board meeting, Director Eric Beck reported that September visitation was about 12,000 — down from a record 17,000 in the same month last year — leaving the zoo with roughly 158,000 visitors year to date and a projected annual total near 190,000–200,000.
Beck said September revenue through the reporting period was about $92,000 and year‑to‑date revenue about $1,400,000. "Gift shop actually did okay — $18,380," he said, and concession gross through July was $46,001.72. Beck attributed the September drop mainly to sustained warm, dry weather and schools being in session.
The director told the board the zoo is down three full‑time zookeepers (about 17 keepers on staff now) and is covering shifts with increased overtime. "We pay overtime to start the day full staff," Beck said, adding that turnover is a broader industry pattern since COVID and that younger keepers (under five years) have higher turnover rates. He cited housing affordability and hiring-process differences as contributing factors.
Beck also updated the board about capital work around animal housing. He said the rhino renovation project had wrapped up and a 5,000‑pound, 13‑year‑old rhino was expected to arrive imminently. "It's been an arduous process, but it takes a lot to get a 5,000‑pound rhino across the country," Beck said, noting the animal has a horn and sired offspring in Denver. He said a few punch‑list items remain to be finished after the rhino settles in.
Looking toward programming, Beck previewed Boot the Zoo — two weekends and seven nights of evening programming — and said the zoo will include a sensory day with reduced lights and sound so visitors with sensory needs can attend. He said many tickets for the event had already been sold.
The board asked questions about salary competitiveness and exit interviews; Beck said the zoo’s starting salary for full‑time zookeepers is competitive with many peers but that housing and regional cost pressures play a major role in departures. The board also discussed the advisory role in advocating for capital funding and agreed members can help draft materials to support budget requests that affect animal welfare.
The advisory board did not take final action on staffing or attendance targets during the meeting; Beck said hiring and capital planning work will continue through the department’s budget process and upcoming parks‑board discussions.
