"Empowering People. Saving Wildlife."
The mission of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is supported by teams steeped in experience at levels only met by dedication for what they do. Each quarter, we'll highlight a Zoo employee who has been nominated by their team to receive well-deserved recognition...not only for their role at the Zoo, but for the person they are as well.
Featuring stories filled with reflection, anecdotes, and laughter, you'll want to check back every quarter to read about the incredible people that work here.
Meet Laura Straka
Adventure is everywhere, including at work.
While Laura describes herself as optimistic, straight-forward, and resilient, she is also an adventurer who loves all-things discovery. And discovery, as she reminds us, isn't far away...it could be at a local festival, art fair, park, and even your local zoo!
She also has dreams of seeing the world, with Greece, England, Italy, Norway and New Zealand at the top of her list. "I need to travel more often," she says. "I'd love to visit historical wonders all over the globe!"
Work is also an adventure of sorts for Laura. As an HR Specialist for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Laura helps welcome new employees to the team, ensuring their first days and months at the Zoo are seamless. From full-time to seasonal, and zookeepers to ride operators...almost every employee beginning their journey at the Zoo is greeted by Laura.
She thanks her family for supporting her career at the Zoo, including husband, Brandon, and son, Stanley. "I would not be able to do what I do without their support and ability to navigate me," Laura said. "I think anyone who knows me knows my favorite subject to talk about is my son." Let's not forget the animals in Laura's life, too! Dogs Kal El and Kara Mae play huge roles with their support.
We asked Laura...where else do you seek adventure or relaxation? "I'm an artist," she said. "I can lose myself in drawing and painting. I also love reading and being outside on the patio. I can even find calmness in planning and organizing and love a good planner."
When asked what her favorite memory is while working at the Zoo, the answer was easy for Laura. "Meeting a moose named Oji. I started in my role at the Zoo in February 2015, and Oji joined the family just a few months later. My heart melted, and I knew this is where I wanted to be for a long time."
The work Laura does for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, The Wilds, Zoombezi Bay, and Safari Golf Club is invaluable, and we appreciate her unwavering support of our mission and values.
