Museum Musing

Allison Price, the Senior Director of Learning and Guest Engagement, took the time to meet with us today in arguably the coolest conference room I have ever been in. Sandwiched between two lion enclosures (on full display to the lions I might add), we spent some time learning about the values and scope of work for the Lincoln Park Zoo. This zoo is one of the three oldest zoos in the nation and the only privately run zoo offering free admission. Their continued commitment to remaining free has actually lead to increase donations! Price emphasized that because the community values the zoo and wants to support them in their decision to remain free and open to the public, the community contributes 34% of their revenue. 38% percent of their revenue is earned (through their cafe’s, gift shops, and paid parking). I found this financial breakdown fascinating. Because they don’t charge admission and therefore do not rely on ticket sales, they were largely unaffected by then COVID-19 pandemic. This was echoed by many of the other free museums we visited last week, proving that ticket sales aren’t the end all be all many other institutions think they might be.

The attention to detail given to animals of all shapes and sizes is truly heartwarming. From bugs to big cats, the LPZ designs spaces with animals in mind first and people second. That’s not to say that people are a complete afterthought. By no means. In fact, accessible spaces and programming are a built into the every day. From eliminating stairs and moving restrooms for wheel chair users to offering ASL interpreters at all programming from May to November, accessibility is at the forefront of the LPZ’s mind.

I would really like to take this idea of accessibility for human and non human creatures into my work. I deal closely with both people and animals in my current role and being able to offer accommodations (from the jump and not as an afterthought) for all the earth’s animals that I interact with absolutely needs to be the core of my work.

The Lincoln Park Zoo is probably one of my new favorite zoos. And I say all this having sat on a wet bench and getting stung by a bee (my fault not the bee’s or the zoo’s)!