LOS ANGELES

May 5, 2020

zoo Honorable Members of the Budget and Finance Committee c/o Office of the City Clerk Room 395, City Hall Los Angeles, CA 90012“Creating

dynamic experiences to connect people and animals "

Council File No. 20-0300

FISCAL YEAR 2020-21 PROPOSED BUDGET: ZOO DEPARTMENT FURLOUGH IMPLEMENTATION PLANLos Angeles Zoo

5333 Zoo Drive Los Angeles California 90027 323/644-4200 Fax 323/662-9786 http://www.lazoo.org

Honorable Councilmembers,

In accordance with the Motion approved on April 29,2020, the Zoo Department is reporting back on the implementation of the furloughs contained in the Mayor’s 2020-21 Proposed Budget. The proposed furloughs will impact all Zoo employees and the programs and services that they provide. The combination of the furloughs, the additional salary reductions and the hiring freeze will impact the Zoo’s ability to deliver many guest-facing programs, and facility maintenance activities. We understand the need for furloughs and budget reductions and will work to prioritize our most essential services of ensuring the health and welfare of the animals and operating the Zoo in a manner that maximizes the safety of our staff, visitors, and animals.

Eric Garcetti Mayor

David E. Ryu Council Member 4th District

Zoo Commissioners

Karen B. Winnick President

In Fiscal Year 2020-21, the Zoo’s operations will follow prescribed reopening guidelines from the Mayor and designated health authorities. This may include establishing visitor capacity limits to maximize social distancing, reduced experiences that limit gatherings and increased cleaning and sanitization protocols. The Zoo’s seven days-a-week operation will require a staggering of furlough days among all staff to ensure that the priorities of animal health and welfare, as well as staff, visitor, and animal safety are never compromised within these constraints. With this in mind and understanding the need for furloughs and budget reductions, the Department is developing its reopening and furlough implementation plan with a restructuring of visitor experiences that minimizes the impact of furloughs while maintaining safety and animal welfare as the top priority.

Bernardo Silva Vice President

Margot Armbruster

Christopher Hopkins

Daryl Smith

Richard Lichtenstein ex officio member

Denise M. Verret Chief Executive Officer & Zoo Director Respecffhlly Submitted,

vDENISE M. VERRETChief Executive Officer & Zoo Director

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An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Member of the American Alliance of Museums

Member of the California Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums