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 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

Mission Driven: A Conversation with Amos Morris, Deputy Director at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo

With nearly 30 years of experience in the zoo field, Amos Morris is the current Deputy Director/COO at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. From 2009 to 2017, he served as Director of the Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden in Evansville, Indiana. There he worked diligently to improve the quality and resources of the zoo. This summer, Morris joined Fresno’s team, one of the fastest growing zoos in the nation. There he works with the zoo’s director Scott Barton to build off of the momentum th

A Small Zoo That Does Big Things: A Conversation with Keith Winsten, Director of the Brevard Zoo

With the tagline ‘a small zoo that does big things,’ the Brevard Zoo is one of the best small medium sized zoos in the nation. Located in Melbourne, Florida, the zoo has established itself as a leader in conservation for zoos of its size especially in terms of Florida’s Atlantic coast. Nothing in the Brevard Zoo is over 25 years old and it has benefited from experiences such as kayaking and ziplining. The zoo is led by Keith Winsten, who comes from a zoo education background.

Promoting Animal Wellness, Growing Plants and Letting Tigers Go Over Your Head: A Conversation with

For decades Tony Vecchio has been one of the most well-respected directors in the zoo field. Responsible for immense growth and success at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence and the Oregon Zoo in Portland, he is now director of the Jacksonville Zoo. Although the Jacksonville Zoo was already a very good zoo when Vecchio took charge in 2009, he saw it as an “opportunity to come to a great zoo and make it greater.” He expanded on the success of the zoo’s former director D

New England's Finest Zoo: A Conversation with Jeremy Goodman, Director of the Roger Williams Par

The Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence has long been considered by many to be the best zoo in New England. Set on 42 acres in a beautiful park, it is one of the oldest zoos in the nation. Now it is a very nice medium-sized zoo featuring African elephants, giraffes, moon bears, snow leopards, harbor seals, bison, zebras, cheetahs, Komodo dragons, red pandas, takin and a variety of other popular animals. The zoo is especially known for its immense work with conservation of N