Workers at San Francisco Zoo express no confidence in Executive Director Tanya Peterson

Concerns over leadership and working conditions at the San Francisco Zoo took center stage during a recent government meeting, as representatives from Teamsters Local 856 voiced their frustrations regarding Executive Director Tanya Peterson. Corey Hallman, a union representative, highlighted that workers have expressed a second vote of no confidence in Peterson, citing ongoing issues related to animal husbandry and unsafe working conditions.

Hallman pointed out that the zoo staff feels deliberately understaffed, which has raised alarms about both employee safety and animal welfare. The union's previous vote of no confidence was prompted by the handling of a gorilla's death, among other issues. Despite these serious concerns, Hallman noted that the Zoological Society's executive board has agreed to meet with the union and has initiated an internal investigation into the allegations.

The union is hopeful that this investigation will lead to meaningful changes, especially as they question the decision to invest in new exhibits while existing staffing and animal care issues remain unaddressed. The meeting concluded public comment on the matter, leaving the future of the zoo's leadership and operational conditions in the spotlight. The outcome of the investigation and subsequent actions by the executive board will be closely watched by both workers and the community.