DEAI Statement
DEAI Position
Binder Park Zoo strives with intention, to ensure that every staff, volunteer, guest, and member feels welcomed and valued. We respect, encourage, and embrace our differences and the qualities that make us unique not only because it is important to us and the community we serve, but because it also elevates our work to conserve the vast diversity of animal species and their habitats. Conservation of the natural world begins with how we interact in the places where we live and work. We recognize that the ongoing celebration of the diversity of all people is vital to creating meaningful and authentic connections with them. Diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion remain fundamental priorities as we work to maintain Binder Park Zoo as a desirable place to work and visit, and where we can create an inspired and empowered community of champions for conservation.
DEAI Defined
Diversity – How people differ in terms of color, ethnicity, race, and beliefs (but not limited to religious beliefs or lack thereof), age, gender, gender expressions, identities and expressions, sexual orientation, physical appearance and physical abilities, mental abilities, language, education, income level, socioeconomic status, marital status, military and veteran status, culture, values, political beliefs, background, experience, ideas, and perspective.
Equity – The fair and just treatment of all members of a community that requires a commitment to priorities, resources, respect, and civility, as well as ongoing action concerning opportunity and treatment.
Access – Providing equitable access for each person and their characteristics through policies, practices, attitudes, and actions that result in fairness, opportunity, treatment, impacts, and outcomes for all.
Inclusion – The intentional, ongoing effort ensuring that all are welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.
