The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation/Phoenix Zoo joins with others in outrage and sadness at the inhumane treatment and ultimate murder of George Floyd and so many other victims of senseless brutality charged by racism.  Our organization stands in unity with our community leaders, encouraging a peaceful response and further, we express affirmation that Black Lives Matter. 

As a science-based organization, when we think about humans from a biological perspective, we recognize that humans are part of Earth’s ecosystems. It is clear that all ecosystems depend on diversity for their sustained success.

On a daily basis we strive to ensure the protection of wildlife and inspire people to care for the natural world.  We fervently recognize that more fundamental than this, we should also be inspiring people to care for each other. 

In the coming months, specific measures we plan to take include:

1. When actively recruiting for employees, board members and volunteers, we will strive to better reflect our diverse community.
2. We commit to staying relevant in our training for all employees and volunteers to strengthen our existing diversity and inclusion practices.
3. Zoo leadership will reach out to local leaders to become more involved with solutions and programs to address disparity within our community.
4. Understand the experience gaps that exist in our community and take deliberate steps to remedy our deficiencies.
5. As we move forward, we will be transparent in progress that we make toward these goals.

As a community asset, we take pride in remaining accessible and safe for all, though, in self-reflection we recognize there is more that we must do and pledge to take action against systemic racism going forward. 

Be well,

The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation/Phoenix Zoo