Zoophoria!

The Story of the Modern Conservation Zoological Park as Told by its Leaders

"As a past interviewee for Zoophoria, I believe it to be a very valuable and factual documentation of the passion and commitment of the many fine people that are involved in zoo-based conservation. Over the past 20-30 years, accredited zoological parks have undergone a transformation from historical menageries to active participants in the global conservation community. Zoophoria is a great testimonial to this conservation revolution."

Rick Barongi

Former Director, Houston Zoo

A Zoo Without Borders: A Conversation with Beth Schaefer, General Curator at the Los Angeles Zoo

Since 2014, Beth Schaefer has served as General Curator of the Los Angeles Zoo, making her responsible for 1100 animals of over 250 species and their caretakers. She also serves as co-chair of the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education (GRACE) Center's Animal Care and Welfare Advisory Group, which benefits Grueller's gorillas. Schaefer has previously worked at the Houston Zoo, Disney's Animal Kingdom, the Center for Great Apes, the Kansas City Zoo and the Charles

The Evolution Into a Modern Zoo: A Conversation with Larry Sorel, Director of the Seneca Park Zoo

Opened in 1894, the Seneca Park Zoo is located in Rochester's Seneca Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. For the last twenty years, the zoo has been directed by Larry Sorel. His immense animal knowledge, leadership and cooperation with Monroe County and the Seneca Park Zoological Society has allowed the zoo to flourish and grow. Currently, the zoo is undergoing a major expansion and renovation that will bring species like giraffes, zebras, gorillas and red pandas to the

A Conversation with Chuck Mayes, Architect Principal at The Portico Group

For over thirty years, the Portico group has been creating some of the very best zoo habitats ever built. The group has helped raise the bar of how zoos exhibit animals and give them environments to thrive. From savannas for lions and elephants to frigid waters for penguins and polar bears, Portico has done it all. One of the geniuses and founders of the Seattle based design company is Chuck Mayes. Here is his story. @ Portico Mayes started his zoo career at Jones and Jones,

Reimagining Spaces for Animals: A Conversation with Jon Coe, Legendary Zoo Designer

Jon Coe has been at the cutting edge of zoo design since helping to establish immersion habitats in the 1970s. Throughout the years he’s been the one to break the mold with revolutionary ideas for animal habitats: a space where gorillas live in a lush replication of the African rainforest, an African savanna where you can’t see other people looking out at the animals, animals such as tigers and orangutans rotating in a series of habitats and even trails that let animals explo

The Ark in Griffith Park: A Conversation with Michael Dee, Retired General Curator at the Los Angele

Michael Dee’s career at the Los Angeles Zoo spanned from its first year in 1967 when it was almost all concrete to 2008 when it was in the middle of completing a master plan to revitalize the zoo. He worked as curator of mammals for many years before becoming general curator in 1998. Few individuals have cared for such a variety of rare mammals as Dee. Among the rarities he has worked with include four out of five species of rhino, every species of tapir, giant pandas, koalas

Building a Great Zoo for People and Animals: Conversation with Jason Jacobs, Director of Reid Park Z

The Reid Park Zoo is one of the best medium sized zoos in the nation. Located on 24 lush acres in sunny Tucson, Arizona, its crown jewel is Expedition Tanzania, one of the best habitats for African elephants at any zoo. A familial herd roams four acres that brilliantly recreate the savannas and watering holes of Africa and several interpretive and educational features help visitors learn about these pachyderms and the need for their conservation. The zoo also has white rhinos

Zoophoria!

The Story of the Modern Conservation Zoological Park as Told by its Leaders

Rick Barongi

Former Director, Houston Zoo

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