(SAN FRANCISCO) —Teamsters Local 856 applauds San Francisco Supervisor Myrna Melgar’s motion this week directing a comprehensive performance and management audit of the San Francisco Zoo.

The audit request comes after recent scathing reports concerning worker safety, animal wellness, inadequate staffing levels, nepotism, and retaliation at the San Francisco Zoo. 

Teamsters 856 represents more than 100 frontline employees at the zoo, including animal keepers, dieticians, guest services representatives, environmental services techs, accounting clerks, gardeners, office assistants, and maintenance workers. In April, more than 93% of represented workers voted they have no confidence in San Francisco Zoo Executive Director Tanya Peterson’s ability to effectively lead.

“Zoo leadership, including the organization’s executive board, has repeatedly refused to acknowledge, let alone resolve, a multitude of concerns we have raised, which we believe grossly affects animal, worker, and public safety and enjoyment,” said Teamsters 856 Representative Corey Hallman. 

“We are grateful that the San Francisco Board of Supervisors have heard our concerns and are conducting a much-needed audit of the management of the San Francisco Zoo and are hopeful that this transparent and public process will address these alarming issues and bring necessary improvements to the Zoo,” Hallman said.

Founded in 1949, Teamsters Local 856 is affiliated with the 1.3 million-member International Brotherhood of Teamsters and has grown to become one of the largest Teamster Locals in California with over 20,000 members.