How Hemker Park and Zoo Transformed Operations and Advanced Conservation with RocketRez

The Challenge: Two Systems Creating Chaos

Before partnering with RocketRez, Hemker Zoo struggled with a fragmented approach to ticketing and operations that hindered both efficiency and their conservation mission.

"Prior to onboarding with RocketRez, we had two different systems here. We had an online booking system and then one here in-house, and it was just creating chaos between our guests and our staff," explained Jackie Poepping, Zoo Manager, who has been part of this family business her entire life.

Managing separate platforms for online and in-house ticketing created confusion and frustration for staff and guests alike. The zoo also lacked integrated tools to engage visitors in their conservation mission seamlessly, and coordinating birthday parties, animal feedings, and special events required manual effort across disconnected systems.

The zoo needed an all-in-one solution that could bring order to operations while supporting their core mission of conservation and education.

The Solution: Everything in One Platform

Hemker Zoo chose RocketRez for its comprehensive platform that consolidated all their operational needs into one seamless system.

"We decided that we needed to look at a system that had all of these components in one," Jackie shared.

RocketRez delivered exactly that—a unified ticketing platform combining online booking, in-house sales, and membership management.

But what truly set it apart was the innovative Roundup feature, allowing guests to donate to conservation efforts with every transaction. The platform also provided integrated scheduling for birthday parties, animal feedings, and events, plus a dedicated support team ready to assist at every step.

"The support team has been great. They have been there to work with us. They call us. They're there to assist us with whatever needs, and it's just been a great experience," Jackie noted.

The Impact: From Operations to Conservation

The transition to RocketRez was designed to be smooth and efficient, with support from the RocketRez team every step of the way.

Orderly Operations That Support the Mission

"Since we've implemented a more modern day ticket sales operation, it has allowed us to further our mission of conservation, education, and be able to have things orderly," Jackie explained.

The unified platform eliminated the chaos of managing two systems, freeing up staff time and reducing errors. This operational efficiency has allowed the team to focus on what matters most—animal care and guest education.

Conservation Funding Made Simple

The Roundup feature has become a game-changer for engaging guests in conservation efforts.

"Having that Roundup feature on our till systems so that our guests can be able to help out with our conservation mission here at the zoo has been a great impact. It has helped us be able to protect animals worldwide and also here at our facility," shared Anne Blenker, Educational Director.

Koshka's Story: Conservation in Action

One of the zoo's most meaningful recent projects involved Koshka, an Amur leopard who needed a new home when his California facility closed due to financial constraints. Through the Roundup feature, guests helped fund a state-of-the-art habitat for this endangered animal.

"We welcomed Koshka into our zoo as one of our family members, and by rounding up and having the public help us, we were able to provide him a state of the art facility," Anne explained.

Scheduling That Works for Everyone

"One of the features that I find most valuable on the RocketRez system on a day-to-day basis is the scheduling from birthday parties to our feedings and so forth. It allows our staff to know what is going to be happening, for us to plan accordingly, along with our guests to know what they're going to be doing when they're here to have a fun time," Jackie noted.

This feature has improved both staff coordination and guest satisfaction by ensuring everyone knows what to expect during their visit.

A Guest Experience Worth Recommending

By consolidating systems and modernizing operations, Hemker Zoo has created a smoother, more professional experience for visitors from booking through checkout.

"What I would say to other people that want to onboard to RocketRez is it is a great platform to use because it is a smooth transition to make sure that our guests have a great experience here at the zoo," Anne emphasized.

Looking Ahead: Technology Powering Conservation

With their operations running smoothly, Hemker Park and Zoo is focused on future expansion and conservation projects, including a new tiger habitat opening soon.

"The power of technology is unbelievable, and conservation is at the core of what we do. And being able to tie those in together has truly grown what we are able to do with our core values and spreading the word of how you can help right here in Minnesota," Jackie shared.

Conclusion

RocketRez has empowered Hemker Park and Zoo to do what they do best—care for animals and educate visitors—without operational headaches getting in the way. By consolidating their ticketing systems, streamlining scheduling, and making conservation donations effortless for guests, the platform has amplified this family-owned zoo's mission.

For Hemker Zoo, the right technology didn't just modernize their business; it strengthened a 50-year legacy of wildlife conservation and education.

Ready to transform your attraction's operations and amplify your mission? Discover how RocketRez can help your business.

Key Takeaways

• Unified Platform: Consolidated online and in-house ticketing into one seamless system
• Conservation Impact: Roundup feature enables easy guest donations, funding projects like Koshka's habitat
• Operational Efficiency: Streamlined scheduling for events, feedings, and parties
• Smooth Transition: Dedicated support team ensured seamless implementation
• Enhanced Guest Experience: Modern ticketing solution improves satisfaction from booking to visit