Zoos with misinformation: the way to tackle this is write a cover letter
mentioning: that the cover letter is going to the (Put name here.)
Zoological Park Board of Directors and to the Curator of Small Mammals,
and that the Curator of Small Mammals is receiving detailed information.
Then list the things known to be presented which are incorrect, combined
with the reality.  In the curators pack put (if you can) a list of
knowledgeable individuals (when possible use professionals), and put a
copy of the Compendium of Animal Rabies Control http://www.avma.org
to show safety and the dedication of ferret owners to advancing veterinary
knowledge (Point out that ferret owners supplied the impetus for the
work -- from vaccine development onward and that ferrets have a low serious
bite rate compared to cats and dogs.), include the assorted FAQs from
Ferret Central http://www.ferretcentral.org being sure to not forget the
medical FAQs (for the hefty vet names -- professional weight) or the
natural history FAQs which will be of interest to a someone in that
curator's post.  Be polite since honey wins more converts than vinegar,
and point out that with so very many people now knowing pet ferrets bad
information will undermine any zoo in other regards.  When you can,
mention that you suspect that the errors were probably on the part of one
individual but that you know it is in the Park's interest to be aware of
such mistakes since they impact reputation and fund raising.  Send a copy
of the cover letter to the board, and one addressed to the Curator of Small
Mammals with the cover letter and the addition enclosures (which you also
listed in the cover letter), both at the zoological park address.  If you
can not include a list of professional references then mention in the cover
letter that an assortment of such individuals will be found within the
texts of the materials included.
[Posted in FML issue 2701]