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Insuring a World-Renown Zoo
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Dave Matthias, director of risk management, San Diego Zoo, shares how the unexpected is actually the expected in his everyday life at the zoo. |
Dave Matthias, director of risk management at the San Diego Zoo, gave ICAE participants deep insights into the behind-the-scenes world of the zoo. More importantly, he positioned participants for impressive wins in any game of zoo trivial pursuit with his esoteric information and one-of-a-kind anecdotes. Simply put, between the animals, the visitors, and the employees, Matthias finds the unexpected is expected in his everyday life.
Zoo as a secure site
With more than 2,000 employees (900 on site) and 3,000 animals, security for two and four legged beings is a top priority. The zoo employs a significant security force, 25 individuals at the zoo and an additional 23 at the park. Due to the inherent risks found at any zoo, the San Diego Zoo’s security force works closely with staff and visitors to prevent incidents.
When incidents do occur, the security force is trained and ready to handle everything from credit card fraud to individuals who want to get to know animals on an up-close and personal basis. The security force follows up on any incident with a detailed report – whether for insurance or the police. The training of the security group is a true value-add. The number of fraudulent lawsuits has diminished significantly and (here’s an eye-opener) when the City of San Diego needs backup, it calls the San Diego Zoo security force!
In its 90-year history, the zoo’s security and safety programs have evolved and continue to improve. In addition to the usual risk-management programs, the zoo has a safety incentive program that is so popular employees request the annual information in advance so they can be thinking about it.
Most common issues
As wonderful as the zoo is, some individuals feel the need to take advantage of this piece of paradise. With almost 50,000 visitors annually, Matthias pointed out that some visitors use the first aid station like a family doctor, inappropriately using the services of the professionals who staff the facility. Other incidents include “actors” who try to blame to the zoo for accidents that occurred elsewhere.
Zoo as a knowledge center
The zoo is committed to contributing to the body of knowledge on animals. Cared for during life, all animals that die on the zoo premises have an autopsy performed – continuing their contribution to the zoo’s knowledge. Matthias shared several examples the zoo’s activities or contribution in the vital worldwide work to save endangered species.
Zoo as an insurance client
With the vast array of sites, valuable items and myriad activities, the zoo has an equally wide array of insurance policies. In addition to general, business-oriented policies, the zoo has additional coverage for:
- The trees, because some trees are actually more valuable than the animals;
- Builders risk policies, because of the amount of building on and off sites (the zoo is more than just one facility);
- General liability, monitored carefully because the slip-and-fall potential is enormous;
- Professional liability policies and Workers’ Compensation that also covers visiting workers; and.
- A Lloyds’ panda mortality policy on the new panda cub, which goes into effect at 100 days of life and also covers transit insurance for another panda going to China.
- Veterinarians carry their own professional policies, as many work beyond the zoo.
Although, not an actual insurance policy, the zoo also has an extensive loss-control program, especially important for the varied in-kind donations the zoo receives from animal lovers around the world (houses, works of art, even a yacht in the Turks and Caicos!).
Zoo as host
Armed with knowledge and insights, the ICAE participants discovered the San Diego Zoo is deserving of its world-class reputation.
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