Pay is too low for tough work - Education Assistant Chattanooga Zoo Employee Review

Fun activities, bonding with other counselors, not much prep work, every day is different

there aren't many cons, but I think more coordination with the rest of the zoo staff would help establish the summer camp

-Wide variety of animals -Mostly friendly staff

The management staff have definitely chosen favorites among the animal care staff. I saw many situations where one staff member would be corrected on something, and then other keepers just do it anyways with no feedback from management. They overwork the staff to the bone, and trying to plan anything in advance is a nightmare with the lack of communication. The higher ups also seem disconnected from the animal care staff, where they would make decisions not in the best interest of the animal, but rather the guest experience viewing the animal. Most animals don’t have a space they can hide away from guest, and there isn’t enough signage to dissuade guest from banging on the exhibits. The pay is pretty low for the cost of living in the area, and raises are very few. It overall seems to have some dated practices, and very poor communication.