Ok, just trying to get some objective opinions from people who have been to the zoo about your general likes/dislikes, what you think the zoo needs to do better at / what the zoo does well.. basically some feedback about the zoo from a visitor standpoint.

I'm applying for the vacant Zoo Director position, so I'm just trying to understand how people view the zoo.

I worked at the Zoo for 6 years, so I have my own opinions.

ZooGuy, your ready to leave Chattanooga?

To be a director of a zoo, of course!

I wasn't looking for the position - someone called me and told me about it, and since I do have experience there, I'd be stupid not to apply. Plus, it's an 80% pay raise.. so it's a no brainer.

I thought of you when I saw this the other day

http://www.scaryideas.com/print/2889/


I'm a big fan of the Zoo
I don't go that often now that my kids are older
well, I didn't go that often when they were younger, but
it is a wonderful asset for Abilene
excellent facilities and animals for a town like Abilene

and I mean a town like Abilene,
our size our location etc

Well, I can appreciate a good pay raise too. I came to TN for 60%, so I guess I would come back to be within 5 hours from College Station and 80% more money...!

Yeah, I kind of miss West Texas too. I had this saying about Abilene - it sucks you in like a black hole. It seems that everyone who leaves there eventually ends up back in Abilene.

I liked feeding the giraffes.

It's a pretty freakin' sweet zoo.

I always wanted more activity from the alligator. Perhaps live feeding or something would do the trick.

Maybe an aquarium tank where you could see him swim from below as well as above would be sweet. Probably pretty costly though.

good zoo. not fort worth good, but damn nice

I went there about 10 times in my younger years. It's obviously smaller than your DFW/San Antonio Zoos... but I have great memories of it. Seems like it would be a good place to work.

It's a great place to work, sans the management who is now leaving.

Been members of it for the past couple of years. We live close to it and like the facilities but probably won't renew our membership since my son (5 yrs. old) doesn't seem too interested in animals (He would rather play sports).

What is the job status now?

I haven't heard anything, which probably means I don't have a shot in he$$.

Oh well, at least I tried, right?

Hey, if you didn't get the job, let me and Mrs.EMc77 buy you a beer at Big River....

Bummer. We could always use more Aggies in Abilene.

Zooguy,

I've been there several times. Pretty good zoo for a town the size of Abilene.
My kids love to feed the Giraffes on the bridge.

If you are looking for improvements, spend alot of time at the FW Zoo. They really do a nice job of tieing it all in together.

Another suggestion: More shade areas for visitors while looking at the animals.
It's hot out here.