Pros
The animals and many of my coworkers who are wonderful people who genuinely care
Cons
Like other reviewers have said, Gene is a huge problem. In fact, all the higher ups seem to brown nose each other even having monthly staff meetings to congratulate each other on all their “great work.” Gene has big, unrealistic ideas that always get pushed through regardless of how much it costs, how it affects the people on the ground, or what the people who will be directly involved think about them. In my opinion, these plans are not accessible, not mission-aligned, not environmentally-friendly and not well thought out. Gene is clueless, narcissistic and out of touch but the board and upper management give him unwavering support despite the catastrophic effects. Even though many of us push for an increased commitment to social justice initiatives, we’re met with radio silence. Most of the leaders who cared appeared to be forced out, leaving Gene and his friends to pretend that they care but refuse to take any real action. Those of us on the ground have to fight for a living wage and essential equipment while those at the top make 6 figure salaries. There have been layoffs and budget cuts for many departments, but somehow there’s always enough money to support Gene’s erratic (and expensive) decisions. Also, echoing others that the new “leaders” of animal care are clueless and going to run this place into the ground. They care more about “research” and writing papers than about actual animal care which is evident in their ideas as well as the differences in pay/access to resources between caregivers and research staff. We’re talked down to and treated like we’re stupid even though we’re the ones doing the work and seeing the animals every day. The people making decisions that impact our day to day visit the sanctuary at most a few weeks out of the year but are convinced that they know more about the residents than those of us who care for them. I really feel that some of the animals are suffering as a result, but we’re powerless to stop it since any concerns are invalidated and many of us fear retaliation.