Episode 396: Anne Shimerdla talks about balancing recreation with education, animal welfare standards, and who she believes is the least important person at the zoo
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Anne Shimerdla is the CEO of Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa. Her career began with an internship at the zoo nearly three decades ago, leading her through various roles in education, operations, and HR before stepping into her current leadership position. Blank Park Zoo is a 30-acre, AZA-accredited nonprofit zoo that engages approximately 500,000 guests annually and is driven by a mission centered on conservation, education, research, and recreation. In this interview, Anne talks about balancing recreation with education, animal welfare standards, and who she believes is the least important person at the zoo.
Balancing Recreation with Education
“We cannot do our mission without the attractions component.”
Anne explains that the zoo’s mission—to foster conservation, education, and research—is intrinsically linked to its ability to attract and engage visitors. She emphasizes the importance of balancing the business and ecological aspects of the organization, drawing on her background in both ecology and business administration. By making the guest experience enjoyable and memorable, the zoo creates a pathway for people to connect with its mission. From offering unique experiences like feeding giraffes to developing inclusive programming and exhibits, Blank Park Zoo aims to captivate diverse audiences and deepen their appreciation for animals and conservation.
This dual focus means the zoo must cater to both the physical and intellectual needs of guests. Whether it’s interactive exhibits, educational signage, keeper chats, or social media storytelling, every touchpoint is designed to spark curiosity and inspire conservation action. Anne notes that engaging experiences are critical not only for education but also for generating the revenue necessary to support animal care and the zoo's long-term sustainability.
Animal Welfare Standards
“The emphasis on animal welfare has really evolved… not only are we meeting the physical needs of the animal, but really focusing on that social and mental need.”
Anne highlights the zoo’s commitment to the comprehensive well-being of its 3,000 animals. Over the past two decades, animal care has shifted from simply meeting physical needs to also prioritizing mental and emotional welfare. For example, the zoo carefully considers whether animals are social or solitary, and designs habitats and routines to reflect natural behaviors. Staff members conduct daily observations and periodic welfare assessments that include input from zookeepers, veterinarians, educators, and guest services.
She also addresses a common challenge: public misinterpretations of animal behavior. For instance, lions naturally sleep up to 20 hours a day, a fact that may be misunderstood by guests as boredom or poor welfare. To combat these assumptions, the zoo uses multiple educational tools—from signage to social media to personal interaction—to convey accurate information and promote transparency. Anne sees social media as a particularly powerful tool that serves both marketing and education purposes, helping demystify zoo operations and engage guests before, during, and after their visit.
The Least Important Person
“I firmly believe I am the least important person here.”
Anne’s leadership philosophy is rooted in humility and a deep respect for her team. Despite her title, she views her role as one of support and barrier removal, rather than command. She emphasizes that it’s the educators, zookeepers, and guest service staff—those on the front lines—who are the most essential to delivering the zoo’s mission. Her goal is to empower staff by encouraging innovation, supporting new ideas, and fostering a collaborative environment.
This mindset was especially impactful during the challenges of 2020, when the zoo faced closures and operational shifts due to the pandemic. Anne leaned into flexibility and teamwork, reallocating staff to care for animals and maintain operations. Her approach ensured that morale stayed high and the zoo continued to serve the community—even turning parking lots into drive-through experiences and launching virtual programming. Anne's ability to lead with empathy and curiosity has made a lasting impact on Blank Park Zoo’s culture and resilience.
To learn more about Blank Park Zoo, visit BlankParkZoo.com or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube. For direct inquiries, you can reach out through the zoo’s social media channels or the contact information provided on their website.
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