While thinking about working at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, an animal-related role probably comes to mind. Beyond our animal care and health teams, our organization consists of many valuable departments working together to achieve our mission of "Empowering People. Saving Wildlife."

As Director of Corporate Partnerships for the Zoo, Caitlin Garling has an incredibly important role that directly impacts our mission. We recently sat down with her to learn more about her role and ambitions.

How long have you worked at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium?

I’ve been here for 10 months, which has gone by incredibly fast... but it also feels like I've been here forever! It was easy for me to get into a rhythm, and working here is like being part of a big family that I’ve always belonged to.<

How did you find out about job opportunities at the Columbus Zoo?

I’m from Hilliard (go Panthers!), and it’s always been a dream to work at the Zoo. Every year since I graduated from college, I would check the Zoo’s website to see what was out there, and right around this time last year, I came across a posting for Activation Coordinator. I applied, and the rest is history!

What is your favorite animal/habitat at the Columbus Zoo?

That’s a hard one! Every week, I fall in love with a new animal... but Brian the rhino has my heart. Brian is so funny to watch, especially when he chases his giant boomer ball around his yard and then tosses it in the air until it goes over the fence.

What is your favorite event held at our parks?

I normally steer clear of scary things, but ZOMBIEzi Bay is my favorite event. During my first week, I attended the kick-off meeting for ZOMBIEzi Bay, and it was cool to see that event come to life. From August to the end of October, it’s a constant stream of zombies, creepy pictures, and screams from haunts!

To help me mentally prepare for "everything scary", I toured one of ZOMBIEzi Bay’s haunted house in the daytime, which was still a spooky good time. I am looking forward to experiencing the new and exciting features coming to ZOMBIEzi Bay in 2023!

Tell readers about your team...  What is Corporate Partnerships?

Corporate Partnerships is similar in function to fundraising and philanthropy, but this department works with companies rather than individuals.  Any of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s events that are sponsored, such as Boo at the Zoo or Wildlights, are a great example of our corporate partnerships.

Describe a typical workday for you.

When I first started working for the Zoo, my role as Activation Coordinator was to ensure we were fulfilling our end of partnership contracts. This ranged from meeting with our partners, discussing promotional opportunities for future events, working with our social media team on campaigns, and organizing photoshoots.

In my current role as Director of Corporate Partnerships, my goal is to nourish new partnerships. It can mean anything from answering inquiries via email from companies interested in a partnership to reaching out to local businesses to see if a collaboration with the Zoo would fit their needs. I have a nice balance of being at my desk, meeting with internal teams, and being out on Zoo grounds to look for inspiration and where a partnership can make sense.<

Are you currently taking part in any major or exciting projects?

Because our partnerships affect so many areas of the Zoo and our other parks, I know about a lot of the projects that we have in development. Right now, I am excited for the >North America construction to begin and see that area change over time!

What is your favorite Zoo memory so far?

The Seal and Sea Lion Experience that I took part in was fantastic! I enjoyed seeing our pinnipeds behind the scenes and witnessing the close relationship that our Pinniped keepers have with the seals and sea lions. As majestic and graceful as our seals are in the water, they are not quite like that on land. If you don’t know what galumphing is, please watch this video!

What do you think makes our team culture unique?

I can go to anyone on our team and ask a question, and they’ll take the time to help me find the answer. I’ve always felt incredibly loved, supported, and valued, and that doesn’t happen at every organization. We're a family!

How does your job tie to the Zoo’s mission of "Empowering People. Saving Wildlife."?

Our whole purpose in Corporate Partnerships is to connect the partner's mission to our own.

One example is our partnership with Kroger. The signage in our aquarium talks about Kroger’s commitment to sustainable fishing. Guests can go from watching the fish to learning about steps Kroger is taking to make a difference in the world.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you that they’d be surprised to find out?

It was always my dream to work at Disney World as a princess! Unfortunately, they have height requirements, and I’m too tall. I have requested to try on one of our Character Ambassador suits, so maybe I’ll make a surprise appearance during one of our events!

If you could travel back in time to send yourself a message, what would you say?

Take chances and risks, and don’t settle. It’s okay to pivot because you are never too far down one road to find your way to another. Find the place where your passion meets purpose, and run hard towards that.

What are you grateful for?

I believe the adage “It takes a village” applies just as much to our career growth as it does to raising a child. Thank you to my village, both here at the Columbus Zoo and in my previous career roles, for helping to raise me up... because I couldn’t do it without you!