Workers at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park are expressing frustration over their wages as executives at the organization see significant salary increases.
The latest union contract for zoo workers expired in January, after which employees—from zookeepers to admissions clerks and groundskeepers—have been rallying for higher wages and guaranteed pay increases to keep pace with inflation.
According to the union’s recent contract, salaries for rank-and-file zoo workers have risen less than 2% on average each year since 2021.
In stark contrast, Paul Baribault, the recently departed CEO, saw his compensation more than double to nearly $2 million, as indicated by IRS forms filed by the zoo for 2023, the latest year available.
Other executives also enjoyed substantial raises, with their compensation increasing by approximately 50% during that same period.
In interviews with KPBS, three zoo employees described the struggles they face trying to make ends meet in one of the most expensive regions in the U.S.
One zookeeper from the Safari Park stated that the job is a career and a lifelong goal, but it is disappointing that they are not compensated with a living wage.
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA), the nonprofit operating the zoo and safari park, declined to provide an interview but stated via email that the union had rejected a contract proposal that aimed to raise worker wages by more than 23% on average by 2028.
In the email, an unnamed spokesperson reiterated SDZWA’s commitment to returning to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair agreement.
The spokesperson emphasized that the organization values its employees’ dedication while aiming for long-term success.
San Diego has consistently ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the country by U.S. News & World Report, with a study from Chapman University labeling it as “impossibly unaffordable.”
Estimates from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s living wage calculator suggest that a single adult in San Diego County with no children must earn $30.71 per hour, or approximately $64,000 annually, to support themselves.
However, according to the union’s most recent contract, most union positions at the zoo earn below this threshold.
For instance, animal food preparers make $17.27 per hour, equating to about $36,000 annually.
Grounds workers earn $20.26 (about $42,000 annually), while horticulturists make $24.03 per hour (roughly $50,000 annually).
Zookeepers earn $27.18 per hour (around $57,000 annually), and senior zookeepers receive $30.58 per hour (about $64,000 annually).
Zoo employees have voiced concerns over the inadequacy of these wages.
One employee noted that they have heard of several co-workers relying on SNAP benefits and seeking food pantry recommendations due to financial strain.
Additionally, many workers often take on second jobs to get by.
While turnover at the zoo is common, many employees remain because they are passionate about their work.
“We would all starve before we would let any harm happen to these animals,” said one worker, expressing concern that leadership might be taking advantage of that dedication.
Rong Zhao, an assistant professor at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College-CUNY, stated it is not uncommon for nonprofits to underpay employees who are passionate about their jobs, classifying it as “exploiting their idealism.”
“When I look at the (zoo’s) wage table, I was surprised by how low workers were paid,” Zhao remarked.
The Teamsters Union Local 481, which represents zoo workers, did not respond to requests for comment.
The rise in executive compensation at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance raises eyebrows when compared to the workers’ wages.
Baribault, who started as CEO in 2019 with a total compensation of $821,000, saw his pay soar to $1.86 million by 2023, according to the organization’s financial statements.
He stepped down as CEO in late March, stating that the time was right to “pass the baton” and seek a new adventure.
While Baribault did not respond to interview requests, his compensation was not an isolated case.
Chief financial officer David Franco’s salary rose from $516,000 to $753,000, while chief operating officer Shawn Dixon experienced an increase from $507,000 to $815,000. Dixon is currently serving as the interim CEO.
The organization’s board of trustees informed KPBS that it reviews market data and consults with external experts to set executive salaries.
The board maintains that to attract and retain high-caliber leadership, they adhere to a responsible compensation philosophy.
Zhao acknowledged that many nonprofits feel pressure to offer competitive executive pay to rival for-profit companies but cautioned against pay inequities that can lead to employee frustration.
“They have all the rights to feel angry about this disparity,” she said. “It’s definitely not right.”
Following a period of negotiation, the union and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance returned to the bargaining table last week.
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