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

SSPs, TAGs and Permits: A Conversation with Alan Shoemaker, Retired Collections Manager at the River

For the first 28 years of its existence, Alan Shoemaker was a staple of the Riverbanks Zoo team. After serving as Curator of Mammals for several years, he became Collections Manager. Along with Director Satch Krantz, Shoemaker helped the zoo grow both in size, scope and reputation and become heavily involved in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In the zoo industry, Shoemaker became regarded as an experts in writing permits for animal acquisitions. He also was instrumenta

A Gateway to the Appalachians, Education and Nature Play: A Conversation with Chris Gentile, Directo

With over two decades of zoo experience, Chris Gentile serves as Director of the Western North Carolina Nature Center and has led a renaissance there. Additionally, he has previously won awards as a zoo educator and serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Gentile is determined to use the WNC Nature Center as a gateway to locals and tourists understanding the natural diversity and ecological value of the Appalachian Mountain ecosystem. Here

Riverbanks: A Conversation with Satch Krantz, Retired Director of the Riverbanks Zoo

For over forty years, Palmer “Satch” Krantz led the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina. He became director when the zoo was just two years old and struggling financially. He helped elevate it into a very nice mid-sized zoo that now hosts over 1.3 million visitors a year. Krantz was very involved in the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is often considered one of the best zoo directors of all time. He finally retired this summer but has left a rich legacy

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

Zoophoria!

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

Rick Barongi

Former Director, Houston Zoo

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