November 2010
Teamwork Makes a Partnership It’s not a required part of the Zoo director’s job to join the Platypus Society and financially support the Zoological Society of Milwaukee (ZSM). And with all the hours that Chuck Wikenhauser puts in as director of the Milwaukee County Zoo, it would be remarkable if he hung around after hours to attend Platypus Society events. Yet he does. In the public-private partnership between Milwaukee County and the not-for-profit Zoological Society to support the Zoo, Wikenhauser is often the face of the public sector. He exemplifies the dedication of many county Zoo employees. Chuck and Trish Wikenhauser both have been members of the Platypus Society for 20 years, since Chuck became Zoo director in 1990. “We have always felt strongly about giving back to the community, and that starts right here at the Zoo,” says Chuck. “The missions of both the Zoo and Zoological Society are very similar, and whether it is supporting Zoological Society events by participating in them or facilitating their successful outcomes, we just want to help.” Adds Trish: “I consider myself an ambassador for the Zoo and for the animals and for the staff who provide daily care for the animals. I cannot imagine it in any other way. That’s why we’re Platypus members.” Besides attending all Platypus Society events, Chuck and Trish have come to every Zoo Ball, the ZSM’s largest annual fund-raiser, since 1990. Trish has helped recruit Platypus members, such as Gary and Sally Sprenger. Chuck has led safaris to Africa for the ZSM. His safari participants often have become much more interested in animals and in supporting the Zoo through the ZSM. Chuck takes time to present Zoo news at every ZSM Board meeting, at donor events, at some ZSM staff meetings and at events for Zoo Pride, the ZSM’s volunteer auxiliary. “Everyone appreciates ‘insider’ news,” he says. “That is why I really enjoy providing updates.” He also makes his animal staff available at Platypus and Zoo Pride events to talk about wildlife and conservation. “Arranging for other Zoo staff to speak to those groups really enhances the members’ experience with the Society – either as a volunteer or a donor – and makes their participation much more meaningful.” Teamwork between the county staff and Zoological Society has made their public-private partnership so admired in Wisconsin. That teamwork starts at the top. Chuck Wikenhauser works jointly with Dr. Robert Davis, Zoological Society CEO, on many projects, such as presentations to significant donors. “The inter-organizational communication and sharing of information has greatly increased with Dr. Bert,” says Chuck. Adds Dr. Bert: “Chuck is great to work with and is really supportive of the Zoological Society.”
Wikenhauser says he is thankful that the Zoological Society has provided millions of dollars each year to support the Zoo. That includes thousands of dollars to allow Zoo staff opportunities for professional development such as participating in conservation projects and attending conferences. “The public-private partnership is so successful because we truly have the same goals: to make the best Zoo that we can, to support conservation and to educate people.” Chuck asks zookeepers and other staff to give presentations to children attending classes and camps run by the Zoological Society, which built an eight-classroom facility on Zoo grounds. “We have the best education programming out there as far as cultural institutions in Milwaukee,” he says. Chuck asks his staff to provide information for ZSM publications, which in turn promote Zoo events and explain Zoo projects. His staff make it possible for the ZSM to run an annual behind-the-scenes event for people who sponsor animals; the ZSM’s Sponsor an Animal program raises money for the Zoo’s animals. The Zoo staff help make possible the ZSM’s Kids’ Nights in July, Platypus Society/ VIP premieres of new exhibits, special Zoo tours for Platypus Story continued on back page