Zoos

Strategic Leisure has a unique and valuable perspective on zoos. We knows zoos intimately, having been engaged by three major zoos, resulting in extensive Strategic Design consulting across a wide array of responsibilities, reporting into the chief executives.

At the same time, Strategic Leisure is not "of the zoo world." While we have been enchanted by cheetahs, up-close and personal with walruses, and charged by penguins, we did not start our careers as keepers. We do not view "not-for-profit" as a perpetual state of being in financial straits, but simply as a privileged status with the IRS. Though we understand any Board of Directors to be prudent trustees, we know that to flourish, and not parish, in the future that is today, not-for-profit businesses must act with "smart money" strategic zeal.

All of this has left us with an understanding of both the importance of being zoo, and that zoos, like baseball, face a challenging future.

Strategic Leisure’s first consulting engagement was to the Minnesota Zoo, for whom we worked for five years. The firm also worked for the Baltimore Zoo for five years, developing a strategic plan, leading the development of schematic plans, and leading the Zoo through the design & construction team selection. Strategic Leisure has also completed a major strategic plan for The Phoenix Zoo.

Why Are Zoos Like Baseball ?

As a result of three long-term zoological engagements, Strategic Leisure has professionally toured and critiqued 23 zoos throughout the country, many several times, including: