A ZOO FOR ALL

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion

OUR VISION

Woodland Park Zoo aims to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and valued for their identities and lived experiences. We examine how power, bias, race, and other aspects of identity impact our organization. We work to build a culture of continuous learning and improvement toward a vision of equity and belonging for all staff, volunteers, and audiences. All people should have safe access to the zoo and culturally affirming and responsive experiences with our staff, programs, and curriculum.

Antiracist Commitment

WPZ is committed to being an anti-racist organization centering on the experiences of people and groups most impacted by oppression, advancing racial equity, and developing equitable policies, practices, programs, and ways of being.

Wellbeing Commitment

WPZ is committed to increasing employee wellbeing as an aspect of DEAI, focusing on reducing organizational barriers to wellbeing and providing grief support, wellness coaching, training, and programs for improved wellbeing.

2024-2029 Action Plan

WPZ’s Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion Plan was informed and developed with our Woodland Park employee community, staff Diversity & Inclusion Council, employee resource groups, independent consultant reporting, feedback sessions, and DEAI-focused programs and roles.

Read the plan

Our Approach

A person with short purple hair sits among rocks and greenery in a lush, indoor setting, holding a plant with exposed roots and smiling slightly, surrounded by various leaves and natural elements.

People

We will invest in long term DEAI support, education, learning and development tools for all staff. This includes leading with wellbeing practices, building culture, and improving social dynamics and relationships among staff, volunteers, guests, and partners.

A person wearing a winter hat, gloves, and reflective vest crouches on a paved path, using a yellow spirit level to check the ground’s evenness near green plants and grass.

Practices

We will implement better ways to collect data to help us track our progress toward our DEAI goals while avoiding any negative impact on affected groups. DEAI will be fully integrated into all aspects of our people, culture and organizational practices.

Aerial view of the zoo with dense trees in the foreground, residential neighborhoods in the middle, and a city skyline with tall buildings and a lake in the distance under a clear sky.

Places

We will invest in physical infrastructure and technology that prioritize universal design and accessibility, promoting equity and addressing the DEAI needs of people. We will also continuously improve and expand how people experience zoo spaces.

Additional Information

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Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led groups that aim to foster community and help create connections.

Currently staff have formed three Employee Resource Groups including:

Rainboas ERG (LGBTQIA+)
BIPOC ERG
Disability ERG

Supplier Diversity Registration (PDF coming soon!)

Learn about access at the zoo on our accessibility page.

Interactive Accessibility Map

Community Conservation