You know, he never had any problems because he got the tigers or any thing. I mean, he had some disagreements with (indistinct) in Michigan dealing with white tigers in later years. But they were still friends. I used that as it progressed and evolved and standards changed and so… Read More
Do you think your father was anxious to have those or did he accept that they’re gonna come to the National Zoo, nothing I can do?… Read More
No, he was very anxious. I mean, there were a lot of people that came out that wanted him real bad in addition, but my dad knew all along that the tradition of all national presentations to the children and the president of the United States had always gone to… Read More
His rep?… Read More
Actually, no. I never felt that. Realistic, he had his strengths and weaknesses, I had mine. I knew we were gonna be different type of zoo directors at different zoos. I did have the funny story. I was asked to apply for the job at National Zoo after the Lucy… Read More
I said, “I can’t wait to tell him I got asked.” And I said, “I have absolutely no interest.” Now, your dad was involved, we talked about white alligators. Your dad was involved at the National Zoo and the white tigers for $10,000 were acquired in 1960. Read More
Did he have problems with other zoos because of the tigers?… Read More
Well, how would you like to be remembered, your legacy?… Read More
I used to look at the whole thing, you know, the Sedgwick County Zoo. I’m hoping that people look back and say, you really did some neat things for the community and they feel proud about their zoo, that I helped make it that way with their help. But you… Read More
And the first one is, and this is for you, early in your career, did you ever feel– In your career as a zoo person, did you ever feel overshadowed by your father’s position?… Read More
What do you know about the profession that you have devoted so many years of your life to?… Read More
I know that it will endure because of the passion and people that are involved with it. There is something unique about zoo people. I’m proud to call ’em all my friends and colleagues. While it’s not expressed by some, they all have a passion for what they’re doing and… Read More
They’re faced with some of the same issues, but. Read More
Oh, I think– What direction will help them?… Read More
There’s no question, they need to understand their market. No question. They’ve got to understand the taste of what the public wants. We’ve gotta ask the public what they want. They do have a say in it. The zoos and aquariums will stand a test of time. I have no… Read More
It will continue. For the very reason of it’ll be a place of the wild for some people. Unfortunately, but it’ll be their connection. And I personally judge all communities based on their zoo or aquarium. If I think it’s a crummy zoo, I think it’s a crummy community. I… Read More
We always tried to make sure we had 24 hour access when the weather is permitting. Always had outdoor exhibits for ’em so they could get natural sun, even in holding areas. So if you had to cut ’em out then they still had access to the outside. That was… Read More
Are you concerned about zoos and aquariums staying viable and pertinent and relevant in the next 25 years?… Read More
We don’t have anybody at that level right now. And I mean, there’s some people that fill certain parts of it, but yeah, there’s no question that’s something that’s been discussed for a long time is we need that. And we just don’t have it in our industry right now. Read More
I have been with her a couple times in various meetings or social functions when we were at in LA and so forth. At the WAZA meeting, she was quite a character. I really liked her. Read More