San Francisco Zoo leadership this week announced a “structural reorganization” that will include the cutting of a “small number of positions,” according to an internal email obtained by the Chronicle. In a letter to zoo employees, CEO and Executive Director Cassandra Costello said the organization has faced increased financial challenges in recent years and cited rising operational costs and dwindling attendance and revenue patterns as the reason for the move.
The restructuring is happening as the zoo prepares for what leadership described as a “pivotal year” in the letter. It also comes on the heels of scandals that shook the zoo and may have damaged its credibility among visitors, leading to declining ticket sales.
A 2024 investigation by the Chronicle revealed serious concerns about animal welfare at the 100-year-old zoo, as well as the safety of employees. In one case, a grizzly bear got into an employee area and chased a zookeeper. The investigation also found internal turmoil and staffing issues, with multiple employees alleging poor management practices, compromised care standards and a loss of trust between rank-and-file staff and zoo leadership…