One the people losing their jobs is Vicki Scout Valentine…the zoo’s education coordinator. The 53-year-old opted for an early retirement rather than being laid off. 

On Insight Thursday she said people who visit the zoo won’t notice any changes with the animals.

“The animals will still get the exceptional care that they always have gotten. It’s just we won’t have education staff there. But we’re very hopeful that in a short period of time we’ll be able to re-look at that.” 

No education staff means no one to take animals into Folsom schools for classrooms visits. It also means other outreach programs will be cut.

In all, the zoo is losing six positions – two zoo keepers, three education staff and a clerical person.