Layoffs at the Memphis Zoo have come amid “budgetary constraints” in decisions “not easy to make.”
An email shared with the Memphis Flyer shows news of layoffs went out to some employees Thursday from the zoo’s human resources director Steven G. Rodriguez. The valediction of the email reads “very respectfully.” An image below that and Rodriguez’s signature shows giraffes munching leaves and “#BESTDAYEVERRR!”
Amanda Moses, public relations and communications manager for the zoo, would not confirm whether or not the email was an example of one sent to employees who were laid off. Instead, Moses sent this statement from the zoo attributed to Memphis Zoo leadership.
“The recent move was the result of a comprehensive reorganization of our education department,” reads the statement. “We reduced the part-time component of our exhibit guide program and reorganized our animal interpretive team to be more effective and efficient as we focus on guest experience while being fiscally responsible.
“Our organization remains deeply committed to our mission of conservation, education, and animal welfare. We believe that the changes enable us to continue delivering outstanding experiences to our visitors while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our institution.”
Moses would not say how many were laid off, nor would she answer any questions around “budgetary constraints.” When asked for these details, Moses said only, ”Memphis Zoo stands by the previous statement.” When asked to provide the zoo’s recent (last three years) nonprofit tax information, Moses said, ”I cannot facilitate this request, the information you’re requesting is public record and can be found via an internet search.”
The email to employees, allegedly from Rodriguez, sheds only a little more light on the situation.
“The Memphis Zoo has been facing many challenges in the last few years that have forced us to closely examine how we model our business,” reads the email shared with the Flyer. “Budgetary constraints and other business considerations require that the Memphis Zoo eliminate certain positions within our current team.
“Unfortunately, your position is one of the positions selected for elimination. This decision was not easy to make and we realize the impact it can have on you and your fellow team members.”
The zoo’s finances have been erratic from 2017 to 2021, according to tax documents. Three of those years ended with losses, including a $5 million loss in 2021. Gains were made in 2018, of a modest $374,235 and again in 2020, in which the zoo cleared about $10.5 million.
Employee counts have risen from 361 in 2018 to 593 in 2021.
As expected, the zoo’s salaries have expanded in those years from $8.3 million in 2017 to $13.5 million in 2021.
During these times, C-suite employees made the most money. CEO Chuck Brady made $275,846 in a total compensation package in 2018. CEO James Dean made $204,396 in total compensation in 2019. In 2020, Dean made $323,543 and zoo CFO Mary Ann Biel made $92,866 in total compensation.
The government mandates that only salaries of nonprofit employees paid above a certain threshold be reported on tax documents. In 2021, the zoo reported five. Dean made $323,543 as president and CEO; Matt Thompson, also listed as president and CEO, made $179,427; Chief Development Officer Michelle Correia made $117,843; Biel made $128,835 as CFO; and Chief Marketing Officer Nicholas Harmeier made $108,669.
As for those employees recently laid off, they will be given “top priority” to interview for other positions now open at the zoo. If they choose to apply for another job later, the zoo will make them “eligible for re-hire.”
”The Memphis Zoo does not take this decision lightly and will work with those affected to alleviate the adverse impact that this may have on you,” reads the email from Rodriguez.
Those laid off were also instructed to return their uniforms, keys, and other zoo property.
