Animal loss and grief in zoos: Qualitative insights to inform organizational support for zoo professionals and volunteers

Abstract Zoo professionals and volunteers frequently face significant emotional strain due to animal losses, yet structured organizational support for processing grief remains limited. This study explores the perspectives of US-based zoo professionals and volunteers on organizational responses to animal-related grief, aiming to identify areas to enhance support and foster a grief-affirming culture. Data were collected through an anonymous online survey with open-ended questions regarding organizational-level grief support. A purposive sample of 1695 zoo professionals and volunteers was recruited, with responses from 182 participants (135 animal care and health professionals, 12 volunteers, and 35 other staff) selected for qualitative analysis. Thematic analysis identified three primary themes: creating an organizational culture supportive of grief expression, increasing organizational response mechanisms and resources, and enriching human resource policies to support grieving zoo professionals and volunteers. Many participants reported that insufficient grief support led to feelings of isolation, shame, and burnout. Findings underscore the importance for zoos to prioritize the development of comprehensive grief-affirming policies, including grief training for leadership, expanded access to mental health resources, and development of communication protocols for timely, compassionate responses to animal loss. These recommendations aim to foster empathetic organizational cultures that support staff and volunteer well-being and effective animal care.