Mission and Values

MISSION: Inspiring our community to create a better future for wildlife.

We value:

• The health of the natural world and recognize that the future depends on it
• The innate joy people experience from connecting with animals and nature
• The potential of each individual's contribution
• Diversity in nature, people and ideas
• Integrity
• Collaboration through teamwork and partnerships
• The future depends on our reverence for life.
• We live our values.

Guiding Principles

• Motivate people to care and act on behalf of wildlife by providing opportunities for observation, discovery and engagement.
• Provide experiences that are engaging, enjoyable and entertaining for people of all ages.
• Manage our animal and plant collections in a way that supports our mission.
• Be innovators and leaders among our peers, pioneering fresh ideas.
• Foster a work environment where everyone feels connected, respected, appreciated and encouraged.
• Be a vital part of our community, deserving of its support.
• Be committed to responsible financial management and economic stability.
• Celebrate our successes.
• Set an example with environmentally responsible practices.
• Collaborate with others to achieve our mission.
• Contribute to local and international animal propagation, research and conservation efforts.
• Design our programs to reflect our audiences' diverse interests, learning styles, backgrounds, and knowledge.
• Be adaptable, responsive, and open to change.
• Assess our programs and operations and look for ways to maximize our resources.

Non-negotiables

• Quality animal care
• Quality customer service
• Safety
• Fiscal responsibility
• Conservation commitment
• Dedication to education
• Respectful relationships with our staff, volunteers, visitors, colleagues and community
• Adherence to our mission and values