The Call -: The Strategic Plan That Empowered San Diego Zoo Global to Lead the Fight Against Extinction

by Beth Branning

Do you struggle to balance the aspirations of your organization with the realities of its resources? Do you dream of exponential change but can't imagine how you will get your stakeholders to rally around your vision?

For many years, San Diego Zoo Global (SDZG) wrestled with its purpose...until it implemented a new breed of strategic plan known as The Call. This groundbreaking book details how SDZG transformed itself from an entity known primarily for its excellence in managed animal and plant care to a conservation organization focused on leading the fight against extinction. Written by SDZG's former chief strategy officer, Beth Branning, The Call provides engaging stories and time tested advise for leaders in any field who want to deliver on their organization's mission.

233 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 3, 2019

Reviews

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Studies show that this bond leads to a lifelong affinity for animals and a greater likelihood of taking a role in supporting them.” This quote is immediately placed within the book referring to sanctuaries that care for critically endangered animals. However there is no proof to this statement, and by that I mean it has no link to any study or scientific evidence about said survey. The book does have a very extensive section about the zoo, appendix of glossary terms, further reading data if the reader is so inclined, and an appendix for their strategic plan. They also have a section for notes that are essentially quoted sources but it doesn’t indicate to any direct area.

I wanted to like this book simply for the fact that it exists, but it’s pretty obvious that it’s just a marketing resale book for the zoo. The book does a good job hyping the author of the book, talking about how she is a journalist and a management professional, but what I truly cared about was that she simply worked with the zoo and has awards for caring for nature and animal conservation.

This book feels like a watered down college book on ethics and preservation, or an organization trying to convince the populace that caring for nature is important, so both.

The book’s mission statement and goal is to help the reader through its sharing of stories, plans, and methods that can help them bring about their vision and goals.

[Adam Rozenhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Call provides terrific advice, and frameworks for thought and action in developing a strat plan. I’m in the midst of this process right now in my organization and wish I’d read this book before we started our process.

[Eli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hands on, real world example of strategic planning. Good mix of background, pitfalls, and successes.