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Remember the last time you had
to plan an event? All of the details, the phone
calls, email, errands to run, items to buy, people to
invite. Now imagine you had to do this while keeping over
2,000 animals healthy and thousands of guests happy! It’s
not an easy task for our employees who plan special events
at the Zoo all year long.
We plan an average of 12 public events throughout the
year. In addition, many people or companies rent areas
of the Zoo for private occasions—weddings,
picnics, corporate parties, anniversaries, and other
events. The planning and coordination is enough to
make a family reunion look like a piece of cake!
Special Events coordinator Judy Thompson (right)
is shown at our holiday "Snack with Santa" event. |
“The animals of course! Also, having the opportunity to interact and work
with so many different individuals on the events.”
Judy Thompson, Special Events Coordinator
“It’s fun to see the excitement of brides
and grooms or corporations being able to have private
use of a public space, especially one with animals and
very different backdrops.”
Cheryl Tait, Sales and Event Planning Coordinator |
“Animals don’t always like their evenings interrupted, and there
are interesting restrictions such as no balloons, rice, streamers, fog, or bubbles.
As in nature, anything can happen, such as a loud “roar-shriek” from
a red ruffed lemur right in the middle of a ceremony or speech!”
Cheryl Tait, Sales and Event Planning Coordinator
“Planning a December holiday event in July!”
Judy Thompson, Special Events Coordinator
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If you're interested in a career in special events planning,
it is helpful to have a four year college degree that includes
classes in Communication, Marketing, and Public Relations.
If you are specifically interested in event planning at
a zoo, it can be be helpful to take some science courses
as well. A Bachelor of Science
with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management
is helpful if you want to focus on planning
events like weddings and parties. And, of course, it helps
to be outgoing and able to cope with unexpected occurrences!
Here's a list of some of the skills our special
events coordinator thinks are particularly important for
her job:
• Oral and written
communication skills.
• The ability to prioritize under pressure.
• Organizational skills.
• Knowledge of program planning and development.
• Promotions and event planning skills.
• Self-motivated and able to work under strict deadlines.
• Financial planning, budgeting, and fiscal management skills.
• Positive attitude!
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