These employees, who oversee critical wildlife collection records, regulatory compliance, and animal transaction tracking, launched their campaign after observing the success of fellow staff members. Their decision follows a June vote by veterinary technicians to unionize with the same local chapter. Jeremy Hodges, a registrar involved in the effort, noted that the group sought union representation to ensure their specialized labor is matched by appropriate benefits and a stronger voice in institutional policy.

Local 481 now represents approximately 1,800 workers across the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, covering roles from retail to horticulture. Secretary-Treasurer Erin Borgardt described the vote as part of an accelerating momentum, citing the union's ongoing 2025 contract campaign as a primary motivator for non-unionized staff. With this addition, the union continues to expand its footprint in the San Diego area, where it currently maintains 4,000 members across diverse sectors including logistics and automotive services.