The Interviews

Each interview of a zoo and aquarium director, curator, animal keeper or other individual, captures their life experiences as a professional dealing with the management of animals in captivity. They share their wisdom and knowledge in the hopes of better educating and conserving the worlds animal populations.

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Dr. George Rabb & Okapi

Photo courtesy of Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo.

Interview Categories

Interview | Director

Christen M. Wemmer

As a scientific advisor, Dr. Chris Wemmer has worked in 12 countries, making 24 visits to Myanmar (Burma). He has an extensive record of publications and edited volumes and was a co‑founder of the Zoo Biology training course, designed to train zoo professionals from developing countries.Watch the full Interview

Interview | Vice President

F. William (Bill) Zeigler

As General Curator at the Metro Miami Zoo, Bill played a pivotal role in the zoo's response to Hurricane Andrew and the extensive damage it inflicted on the facility and its animal collections. Drawing on this experience and his management expertise, he has since served as a national consultant on emergency preparedness and disaster response for zoological institutions. Watch the full Interview

Interview | Director

Rick Barongi

During his tenure as director of the Houston Zoo, he guided the transition from being a city-operated facility to that of a private, non-profit organization. He is an active member of the conservation community and has been in the profession for over 50 years. Watch the full Interview

In Memoriam

Jan 10, 1942 - Oct 4, 2025

Interview | Director

Gunther Nogge

Dr. Gunther Nogge’s professional experience is unique. While director of the Cologne Zoo, he was a lecturer in zoology at Kabul University and scientific advisor to the Kabul Zoo. At the University of Bonn he lectured in parasitology and entomology. Watch the full Interview

Interview | General Curator

Douglas Richardson

Douglas Richardson has taken his skill set and works as an independent zoological consultant, advising wildlife facilities around the world.Watch the full Interview

Interview | Director

Steve Taylor

With over 40 years of experience in the zoological profession, Steve Taylor was director of the Sacramento Zoo and the Cleveland Zoo. He has visited over 400 institutions, giving him a great resource to draw upon as a leader in the world of animal management. Watch the full Interview

Interview | President

John Chapo

With over 45 years working in the zoological profession, John has done it all - starting with concessions and moving through the ranks of animal keeper, until becoming President of the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. His education included classes in wildlife conservation and captive management programs at the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust.Watch the full Interview

Interview | Vice President

Jim Robinett

Jim Robinett served 40 years at the world-famous John G. Shedd Aquarium. He has held every job from that of an Aquarist, Curator of Marine Mammals, Director of Animal Collections and Senior Vice President. Watch the full Interview

Interview | Veterinarian

Tom Meehan, DVM

Dr. Tom Meehan has over 40 years as a veterinarian working with exotic animals. During his professional career he achieved many milestones, such as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians.Watch the full Interview

Interview | Director

Dr. David Jones

In his long career as a veterinarian and then director, Dr. David Jones led the London Zoo and the North Carolina Zoo. These positions allowed him to share his knowledge with a wide variety of animal facilities around the world.Watch the full Interview

Interview | Director

Larry Killmar, Ph.D.

Larry’s long career not only includes his time as director at Zoo Tampa, but 38 years in positions with the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Wild Animal Park from 1969-2007. Watch the full Interview

Interview | Director

Bernard Harrison

Bernard has had the unique opportunity to design, develop and manage one of the major world-class zoological gardens. He and his team developed the groundbreaking Night Safari, which was a first of its kind nocturnal animal attraction.Watch the full Interview

Interview | Director

Janice Schweitzer

Jan Schweitzer was associated with one zoo throughout her professional career. Rising through the ranks, she ultimately helped transform the institution, including giving it a new name. In this interview, she provides insights into the all-important role of women in the zoological field. Watch the full Interview

Interview | General Curator

Ken Kawata

An accomplished writer, Ken has contributed numerous articles to zoo-related publications around the world. His lengthy zoo career has involved work both internationally in Japan and the United States.Watch the full Interview

Interview | Director

Barbara Baker D.V.M.

Barbara served as the long time director of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium but honed her skill in the profession as a veterinarian from 1982-1990 at various zoos. Her leadership helped the Pittsburgh Zoo to develop international programs dealing with wildlife.Watch the full Interview

Interview | Director

Palmer “Satch” Krantz

Satch Krantz is unique in the zoo profession. His entire career of over 40 years was spent working at one zoological park. Watch the full Interview

Interview | Curator

Elizabeth “Bess” Frank

During her zoo career Bess dealt with a wide variety of animals, from elephants to giant pandas. She brings both a zoologists experience as well as that of a historian to her knowledge of the zoo profession. Watch the full Interview

Interview | Director

William “Bill” Boever D.V.M.

Dr. Boever holds the unique distinction of being the first full-time veterinarian for the Saint Louis Zoo. During his many years of service at Saint Louis, he rose through the ranks to ultimately hold the position of Director.Watch the full Interview

In Memoriam

May 5, 1940 - Jan 31, 2024

Interview | General Curator

Jim Doherty

Jim was the General Curator of the world-famous Bronx Zoo, he designed over 21 major exhibits and advises governments and zoos around the world on captivity management. Watch the full Interview

Interview | Curator

Mark Rosenthal

Marks zoo career started at Lincoln Park Children’s Zoo in 1967, continuing as an animal keeper then zoologist. In 1975 he became Curator of Mammals. In 2003 he retired as Curator of Large Mammals. He is also the author of "Ark in the Park", the History of Lincoln Park Zoo.Watch the full Interview