My Nonprofit Reviews
EmBee23
Review for Zumas , Littleton, CO, USA
Such a dichotomy at this non profit. Amazing animals on a beautiful property that you can enjoy as long as you are willing to ignore the actions of the founder/executive director. Actions that include discussing confidential staff management with volunteers, not responding to emails and texts, blaming others for things within her responsibilities (e.g, under weight horses / bad hay), 6 horse deaths in two years, making fun of volunteers for doting on the animals, the list could go on. For a place that advertises to be a place of healing for horses and humans, the ED caused such a hostile work place that most of the staff quit along with the board of directors. In the end of my days there, the ED was hostile to me as well.
You will do yourself good by volunteering and donating your money to one of the many wonderful rescues in Colorado. When you do, you will be surprised (or not so surprised) to find how many others have a similarly negative experience with the ED/founder at Zuma’s.
This is an angry person that is obviously associated with the former staff that were woefully underperforming their duties. On 6/21/2023 in an all hands staff meeting, the executive director asked the team to improve their performance or step aside and allow for new team members. Yes the entire team left after the staff meeting where the financials were presented, a 50% reduction in revenues. The horses were 100% under their care during 2022 -7/2023. Sadly their actions did cause some weight loss and as for colic, it happens under many circumstances. The leadership changed back to the founder and executive directors care 7/5/2023 and things have drastically improved, the herd, the facility and the general morale have returned to a healing and nurturing space for the herd, clients and volunteers . Sad for the formers that they can’t move on with their lives, they continue to try to cause damage to an organization that has selflessly provided a safe and peaceful place for all.
This is an angry person that is obviously associated with the former staff that were woefully underperforming their duties. On 6/21/2023 in an all hands staff meeting, the executive director asked the team to improve their performance or step aside and allow for new team members. Yes the entire team left after the staff meeting where the financials were presented, a 50% reduction in revenues. The horses were 100% under their care during 2022 -7/2023. Sadly their actions did cause some weight loss and as for colic, it happens under many circumstances. The leadership changed back to the founder and executive directors care 7/5/2023 and things have drastically improved, the herd, the facility and the general morale have returned to a healing and nurturing space for the herd, clients and volunteers . Sad for the formers that they can’t move on with their lives, they continue to try to cause damage to an organization that has selflessly provided a safe and peaceful place for all.
This message is from a former employee who was asked to leave along with the rest of the team due to poor performance. Unfortunately, during her and the team's time, six horses tragically passed away. While their deaths are indeed sad, it’s important to clarify that the responsibility for daily care fell to the staff, not the founder. The staff’s failures to provide proper care led to health risks for the horses, which is in part why they were ultimately asked to leave. Since their departure, it has been one of the best decisions for Zuma’s Rescue Ranch. It’s often said that family and business don’t mix, and we learned this lesson the hard way when we allowed a family member to take on leadership responsibilities. Before the family members' involvement, Zuma was thriving. Moving forward, we remain committed to ensuring the highest standards of care for the horses and upholding the mission of our organization.
