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

 



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.



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.



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 at Woodland Park Zoo

Supplier Diversity Registration

Guest Accessibility on Grounds

Community Led Conservation

Our Mission

Woodland Park Zoo saves wildlife and inspires everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.

Land Acknowledgment

Woodland Park Zoo recognizes that these are the lands of the Tribal signatories of the Treaty of Point Elliott. We acknowledge their stewardship of this place continues to this day and that it is our responsibility to join them to restore the relationship with the living world around us.


5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103   |  206.548.2500  |   zooinfo@zoo.org


Association of Zoos & Aquariums
Seattle Parks & Recreation
Humane Certification