(SAN DIEGO)– Registrars at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) have voted to join Teamsters Local 481, becoming the second group of workers at SDZWA to organize with the union this year.
Local 481 represents approximately 1,800 workers at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, from retail and concessions to wildlife care specialists and horticulturalists. In June, veterinarian technicians joined their colleagues and organized with Local 481.
“We joined the Teamsters because we’ve seen firsthand the benefits that union representation brings to other employees at SDZWA,” said Jeremy Hodges, a registrar at SDZWA and new member of Local 481. “As registrars, we’re proud of the specialized work we do, and we want to make sure our compensation, benefits, and voice in the workplace reflect the value of that work.”
Registrars manage the zoo’s wildlife collection record-keeping systems, regulatory compliance, and animal transaction tracking. The group began organizing earlier this year after meeting with SDZWA Teamsters stewards about their 2025 contract campaign, which caught the attention of the San Diego community and nonunion zoo workers.
“We’re proud to welcome the registrars to the Teamsters,” said Erin Borgardt, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 481. “The momentum is building at SDZWA as more workers recognize the power of standing together. We look forward to welcoming more workers into our union and fighting for one strong contract.”
Teamsters Local 481 represents 4,000 members across the San Diego area in building supply, automotive, UPS, and at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. For more information, visit teamsters481.org.
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