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And what happened that you decided to leave Topeka?… Read More

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I applied for a curatorship in Indianapolis’ old zoo. And I was accepted. So after three years and three months, I moved to another town in the Midwest. That was Indianapolis. Read More

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Why did you want to move up to a management position?… Read More

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It’s fine to stay with the animals on daily basis, but eventually, there are things you want to do something you cannot do as a keeper. You have to have some control over the animal collection. Acquiring new animals, or improve animal care. That you have to step up to… Read More

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Yes. I began to drive around extensively in the Midwest area. Chicago included, of course. And began to visit zoos. There are steps to learn the zoo trade. One is to watch animals extensively. Another one is to visit other zoos, and make a communications channel with other zoo people. Read More

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Journals and books. That was before the internet era. So I read books, and I read journals. Read More

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What’s this with me?… Read More

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So, no. I had to learn two S’s. Speed and slang. So that was all I needed to add, as far as the conversational English. Read More

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Were you able to visit other zoos when you were in Topeka?… Read More

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Did you have an issue with the language?… Read More

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That’s a different story. In the educational system in Japan, English, or any foreign language, is almost a secret code. And with no relationship to sound or practical everyday conversation. (coughs) Excuse me. So I was rebellious about everything. About family, school, society. Being so rebellious, I went against the… Read More

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Yes. Read More

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Example?… Read More

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For example, elephants. How dangerous they are. And how you relate the zoo to the general public. He was a genius public relations guy, and the connection with the radio station, and so forth. So I learned a lot from him. Read More

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So Gary Clarke was the director of the Topeka Zoo?… Read More

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Mm-hmm. Read More

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And did he, during your time there, give you insight into the zoo profession?… Read More

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It start with the top. In Japan, the zoo directorship is just another municipal department head position. And they’ll put someone with absolutely no idea about biology or zoos. A guy who can’t tell a moose from a mouse into the zoo directorship. Just for two, three years. Another, shouldn’t… Read More

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They kept the fire going. Not anymore. Now it’s a new middle class is emerging there. But zoo directors are mostly still non-professionals. Read More

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You go to Topeka, and you are essentially an animal keeper?… Read More