Case Study: San Diego Zoo achieves a performance-driven, accountable culture with Saba

San Diego Zoo redefined corporate culture to focus on employee performance

San Diego Zoo Global, a 90‑year‑old nonprofit that operates the San Diego Zoo and related conservation programs, faced a business challenge after reaching new revenue milestones: modernize operations and create employee accountability. The Zoo’s old, paper‑based review process was inconsistent and poorly tracked, leaving managers and staff without clear goals or feedback; leadership needed an easy‑to‑use performance management system that linked individual goals to organizational objectives and to compensation.

After evaluating more than 20 vendors, the Zoo selected Halogen Performance for its user‑friendly interface and functionality, and involved managers across the organization to define competencies and cascade goals. The fast rollout drove adoption among 210 managers, lifted appraisal completion from about 50% to 100%, and established a pay‑for‑performance culture—resulting in clearer goal alignment, higher motivation and morale, and stronger employee accountability.

San Diego Zoo

Tim Mulligan

Chief Human Resources Officer