The report was put together following an investigation by Valerie Bailey-Rihn – who was, until recently, a Dane County Judge.
In her investigation, Bailey-Rihn reviewed zoo files, emails and records. She interviewed dozens of past and current volunteers and staff, observed the ongoing operations at the zoo for ten days, and observed the grounds, concessions, and gift shop. She met with individuals not directly associated with the zoo – including veterinarians, and investigative staff at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The 51-page report finds no evidence for allegations of racial discrimination, unequal discipline based on a protected category, and retaliation for union activity, which have been alleged by previous news reports. At least it finds no evidence for meeting the legal standards for discrimination, unequal discipline, or retaliation. And it finds past issues of managing animal welfare are being resolved.
But it does identify some areas of concern related to proper management. The report finds that some current or former employees who were interviewed and surveyed did not feel like all employees were treated fairly, particularly in their work assignments and level of discipline.
According to the report, four individuals – out of 47 respondents to a confidential survey – reported observing racially motivated harassment, bullying, or discrimination. 17 employees – or more than a third of the survey’s respondents – found that they had personally experienced harassment, bullying, or discrimination.
For example,one former employee described refusing to attend a zoo potluck celebrating Martin Luther King Jr Day, where employees were instructed to bring a dish starting with the letter M L or K.
In another instance, a manager referred to an Asian style cuisine using an epithet.
Additionally, the report found there have been instances of communication difficulties and fair standards at the zoo, and attributes that to a near doubling of its staff during the pandemic.
To remedy some of these issues are ten recommendations for change, including a reorganization of the zoo’s structure , improving communication between zoo employees, better outlining employee roles and providing those employees with opportunities for growth, and adding more security to the zoo.
Bailey-Rihn also investigated another prong of recent allegations: animal welfare. The report finds “limited evidence of past animal neglect or mistreatment,” acknowledging various incidents in past years that have involved accidental deaths of a wild raccoon, several penguins, a hornbill, and a capybara.
The report mostly stops short of offering recommendations related to animal welfare , deferring to an ongoing investigation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, but does suggest animal welfare issues are largely the product of administrative structure.
It also suggests addressing the condition of some animals’ winter homes soon, before another scheduled inspection next year, and an expansion of the zoo’s contract with the UW School of Veterinary Medicine for animal welfare concerns.
The report heads to the Dane County Board, and will be taken up in mid-November.
Reporting for W-O-R-T News, I’m Abigail Leavins.
Photo courtesy of okandasan on Flickr
