Community Leaders Discuss Zoo’s Diversity Initiative
Toledo, OH – Toledo Zoo leaders recently met with community leaders during a luncheon in June to discuss the progress made with the Zoo’s Diversity Initiative. Representatives from area minority organizations reviewed the Zoo’s work to date and were encouraged to offer suggestions for continued progress.
“We’ve made progress in our diversity efforts, though we’re not ‘there’ yet,” said Dr. Anne Baker, executive director. “Diversity is a journey.” The Zoo’s efforts have focused on three key areas: recruitment/diversity awareness, contracts/vendors and community outreach.
Addressing a shortage of minority candidates involved in animal care – one of the key hiring fields for the Zoo – a partnership with Toledo Public Schools’ Natural Science & Technology Center’s Animal Management program is mentoring and encouraging young people to pursue careers in animal care. Additional efforts to recruit minority candidates include advertisements in local minority publications and work with the Greater Toledo Urban League. All Zoo employees attend mandatory diversity awareness training.
Diversity among the Zoo’s contract service providers is another important aspect of the initiative. During the Zoo’s two recent major construction projects, 14 to 18 percent of the overall construction budget was spent with minority contractors. Over the past four years, the Zoo’s use of minority vendors for goods and supplies has steadily increased.
Community outreach, the third segment of the Zoo’s Diversity Initiative, is critical to its long-term success. The Zoo’s outreach efforts have involved the Boys & Girls Club of Toledo and Head Start of Greater Toledo, in addition to connecting ZOOTeen volunteers with the Frederick Douglas Center, Sofia Quintero Arts and Cultural Center, Bethany House and many more community centers.
The Toledo Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located on the Anthony Wayne Trail (US 25), four miles south of downtown Toledo. For more information and all the affordable fun at your Toledo Zoo, please visit www.toledozoo.org or call (419) 385-4040. Lucas County residents are admitted free of charge each Monday from 10 am to noon. ID showing proof of residency is required.
Press Release Contact Name: Andi Norman
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Organization Name: Toledo Zoo