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The work of Zoos Victoria to prevent extinction of species is critical and challenging. Emotionally difficult work has the capacity to distract an organisation from its task, yet Zoos Victoria is able to focus and deliver on its primary purpose. The article expands on Jane Chapman's theory of “Corruption and hatred of task” (1999) and “Guarding against corruption” (2019) to understand how well Zoos Victoria organises itself. I propose that the theory may be extended in two ways:
First, ambivalence may contribute to the hatred of task. Workers both enjoy and hate holding animals in captivity.
Second, the worker's practices introduce an extension to Chapman's framework for guarding against corruption of task. Staff are aided by animals in coping with the challenges of the work.
Chapman's theory contributes to understanding why Zoos Victoria remains true to purpose and is able to carry out its work effectively. This extension also provides understanding for improving the experiences of workers in general.
Climate change is increasing the intensity of challenge and disruption for many organisations worldwide. As a case study Zoos Victoria offers a signal for other organisations needing to meet these emerging challenges.