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.