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

Never Doing the Same Thing Twice: A Conversation with Pat Janikowski and Jim Brighton, Zoo Designers

Never Doing the Same Thing Twice: A Conversation with Pat Janikowski and Jim Brighton, Zoo Designers

Ever since playing an instrumental role in the habitat design of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, PJA Architects has been one of the principal zoo design firms in North America. The geniuses behind it are Pat Janikowski and Jim Brighton. They aspire to build revolutionary spaces for animals that allow them to exhibit natural behaviors and educate the public about their plight in the wild. Janikowski and Brighton are adamant they never do the same thing twice. Here is their story. @ P

Subtropical Paradise: A Conversation with Eric Stephens, Retired Director of Zoo Miami

Subtropical Paradise: A Conversation with Eric Stephens, Retired Director of Zoo Miami

Eric Stephens worked at Zoo Miami for the first 35 years of its history, 17 of those as director. He led the 324 acre zoo (the only one in the continental United States in a subtropical climate) through immense growth. Among Stephens' accomplishments were obtaining a $180 million bond, dramatically improving the zoo's attendance and business operations, building the 27-acre Amazon and Beyond (a massive departure from the zoo's previous habitats) and expanding the zoo's conser

Empowering Others to Help Wildlife: A Conversation with Ron Magill, Communications Director and Good

Empowering Others to Help Wildlife: A Conversation with Ron Magill, Communications Director and Good

If you grew up in Miami, you probably recognize the name and face of Ron Magill. He’s the face of Zoo Miami and uses his passion and enthusiasm to help people connect with the natural world through media appearances. Magill has worked at the Zoo for its entire 37 years at its current site and serves as its communications director. He also serves as the zoo’s goodwill ambassador and is known for his dedication to the conservation of the harpy eagle. Here is his story. @ Ron Ma

Conserving the Everglades: A Conversation with Carol Kruse, Director of Zoo Miami

Conserving the Everglades: A Conversation with Carol Kruse, Director of Zoo Miami

Opened at its present location in 1981, Zoo Miami has long been regarded as one of the best and largest zoos in the world. It takes full advantage of its subtropical climate and over 300 acres of land. It is unique for a number of reasons: large variety of large mammals and hoofstock in large open habitats, world-class Asian aviary Wings of Asia, conservation work with rare species such as harpy eagles and clouded leopards, impressive Amazon and Beyond featuring a wide variet

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

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

A Life Devoted to the Modern Conservation Zoo: A Conversation with Zoo Legend Rick Barongi

A Life Devoted to the Modern Conservation Zoo: A Conversation with Zoo Legend Rick Barongi

The year is 1990 and Disney wants to build a fourth Florida theme park around animals and containing a replicated African safari. However, there’s one problem: the Imagineers who design the park knew little about how to build naturalistic habitats for animals and meet their needs. When Disney consulted legendary Bronx Zoo director Bill Conway, he recommended contacting Rick Barongi, then Curator of Mammals at the San Diego Zoo. While others likely would have said a massive sa

I'm a 23-year old wildlife enthusiast, conservation and animal welfare advocate, environmental activist and zoo fanatic who aspires to work in zoo public relations or education. I am here to share some insight into the world's best zoos to show all the great things they are doing.

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© 2017 by Grayson Ponti