REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF BIG BEAR VALLEY RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
August 20, 2024
FROM
NOEL CASTILLO, Director, Department of Public Works - Special Districts
SUBJECT
Title
Out-of-Country Travel Request
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Approve out-of-country travel request for Curator, Jessica Whiton, and Lead Keeper, Katie Kennedy to travel to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to represent the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District - Big Bear Alpine Zoo at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Annual Conference, at an anticipated cost of $3,280 per representative, for the period of September 14, 2024, through September 19, 2024.
(Presenter: Noel Castillo, Director, 387-7906)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Promote the Countywide Vision.
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District (District) - Big Bear Alpine Zoo (BBAZ) is funded mainly by entrance fees and proceeds from sale of items at the gift shop. The estimated cost of the trip to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Annual Conference is $3,280 per representative, which will be fully funded by the District. Sufficient appropriation and revenue are included in the District’s 2024-25 budget.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. AZA represents more than 235 facilities in the United States and overseas, which collectively draw more than 200 million visitors every year. AZA accredited zoological facilities meet the highest standards in animal care and welfare and provide a fun, safe, and educational family experience. In addition, they dedicate millions of dollars annually to support scientific research, conservation, and education programs. The AZA Annual Conference presents a valuable opportunity for the BBAZ as they work towards achieving accreditation from AZA, the highest standard of animal care in the industry.
Attending the AZA Annual Conference will enable the BBAZ staff to make important connections, gather invaluable information, and stay updated on the latest advancements and best practices in animal care. This experience will contribute significantly to the ongoing efforts to enhance the well-being of the animals under the care of BBAZ. The knowledge and insights gained from this conference will allow the BBAZ staff to implement industry-leading practices, improve the standards of animal care, work towards achieving AZA accreditation, and thereby ultimately ensuring the betterment of the zoo, care for the animals, and the public benefit.
Per County Policy No. 08-04, prior approval for travel outside of the United States for County business must be authorized by the Board of Supervisors (Board), acting as the District’s governing body and its Board of Directors.
The District recommends the approval of the out-of-country travel request for Curator, Jessica Whiton, and Lead Keeper, Katie Kennedy to attend the AZA conference. Attendance at the conference aligns with the strategic goals of the District by strengthening the position of the BBAZ as a leader in animal welfare and conservation efforts. It will enhance the educational and recreational experiences offered to the public and ensure that zoo staff become more knowledgeable and experienced through important connections, invaluable information, and the latest advancements and best practices in animal care learned at the conference.
PROCUREMENT
N/A
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by (Aaron Gest, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on July 30, 2024; Finance (Jessica Trillo, Administrative Analyst, 387-4222) on July 31, 2024; and County Finance and Administration (Paloma Hernandez-Barker, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on August 5, 2024.