Aurora zoo manager invites community to visit free-admission Phillips Park Zoo

Anna Buroznitz, manager of Phillips Park Zoo, described the small Aurora facility's day-to-day operations, her professional background and encouraged residents to visit the city-run, free-admission zoo.

Buroznitz, who said she has worked in zoos professionally for a little over 15 years and will mark three years with the City of Aurora at Phillips Park Zoo at the end of July, emphasized the zoo's role as a community resource. She said returning to the public sector was appealing because the zoo is "community valued" and open to a broad audience.

On a typical day, Buroznitz said her work begins with administrative tasks such as payroll and budgeting but centers on a daily morning meeting where staff "check-in together" and set a game plan for animal care and projects. She said staff must remain adaptable because "being animals, that can go immediately off the rails." She described routine checks of animals to confirm they are "bright and alert," and said she spends time with keepers and animals when possible.

Buroznitz highlighted the community benefits of the facility, noting the joy of seeing children react to animals: "I love seeing a kid light up because they just saw a bald eagle for the first time." She added that the zoo is not only for young children and urged residents to return if they have not visited since their own children were small.

Providing practical visitor information, Buroznitz said the zoo has new animals and educational signage so guests can learn up close. "We are open every day except for Wednesdays and we are free admission," she said.

The remarks were presented as an overview of the zoo's mission, operations and visitor offerings; no formal actions or votes were reported during this presentation.