There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) found between the net income (total revenue minus total expenses) of each facility type. The average net income for facilities with compensated intern programs was $5,465,159, while the average for facilities with uncompensated intern programs was $3,191,352. This data suggests that facilities with multiple operating budgets and overall net income can compensate interns.
Eighty-six out of the ninety-six total facilities reported income from admissions fees in Part VIII’s ‘Program Service Revenue’ section. Facilities with compensated intern programs had significantly higher (p = 0.048) income from admissions fees than facilities with uncompensated intern programs. The minimum income from admissions in both categories was $0, suggesting that a high income from admission fees is unnecessary to support a compensated intern program.
While it appears that, on average, facilities with compensated intern programs spend more on animal care, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between these two values. It is expected that all of the zoos and aquariums included in this study have expenses in this category, as they need to provide food and veterinary care for the animals. However, this category is optional to include in the ‘Other Expenses’ section, and only sixty-seven out of ninety-six facilities recorded animal care expenses. Therefore, it is assumed that facilities that did not specify animal care expenses included it in other categories such as supplies or equipment.
Average employee salary was determined by dividing the total amount spent on salaries and wages by the number of listed employees. The highest reported salary was also recorded. Facilities with compensated intern programs had both a significantly greater average employee salary (p < 0.001) and average highest reported salary (p = 0.007). It is interesting that even though there was no significant difference in the total revenue (Table 2), there was a significant difference in salaries (Table 3). Perhaps certain facilities overall prioritize paying their staff (both regular employees and interns) a better wage than others do.