Dr. George Rabb & Okapi

Photo courtesy of Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo.

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.

Looking for something specific, try our new search system, designed to find exactly what you are looking for.

Interview Categories

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

Interview | Director

Mark Reed

Mark Reed served as General Curator of the San Antonio Zoo in 1974, then moving to the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas as Assistant Director. In 1991 he assumed the directorship of the Sedgwick County Zoo retiring after 25 years at the helm. Watch the full Interview

Interview | General Curator

Brad Andrews

Brad Andrews an animal keeper at Marineland of the Pacific as well as the Chief Zoological Officer responsible for all animal programs in SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Parks. Watch the full Interview

Interview | Assistant Director

Dennis Meritt

With a background in research Dennis’s first zoo position was as zoologist at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo in 1967.Watch the full Interview

In Memoriam

Nov 7, 1936 - Dec 4, 2022

Interview | Director

Walter “Pat” Quinn

Founder of the Gulf Breeze Zoo and the Zoological Association of America, the second largest trade association for zoos in the United States.Watch the full Interview

Interview | General Curator

Mike Sulak

Mike Sulak began his career in zoos working in the Farm-In-The-Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. He soon fell in love with the profession and would go on to be a zoologist at the Mesker Park Zoo in Evansville, Indiana, where he would serve as interim director for a time. In 1979, Sulak was recruited by director Saul Kitchener to be a curator at the San Francisco Zoo and would spend most of his career there.Watch the full Interview

Interview | General Curator

William Xanten

Bill’s roots with the National Zoo run deep. As a young boy interested in reptiles he would visit with National Zoo director William Mann. His dream of working at the zoo came to pass when in 1956 he was hired as an animal keeper.Watch the full Interview

Interview | Director

Charles H. Hoessle

Charlie’s first experience with exotic animals was not at a zoo but in the pet shop industry. His passion was with the reptiles and in 1963 joined the Saint Louis Zoo as a reptile keeper.Watch the full Interview

Interview | Director

Don Farst

Dr. Farst started his career as a private practitioner but in 1969 took a position as veterinarian at the Columbus Zoo. Dr. Farst was named Managing Director of the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville Texas four years after his arrival.Watch the full Interview

In Memoriam

Nov 15, 1943 - Mar 11, 2021

Interview | Director

Stephen Wylie

Steve was passionate about his zoo career, conservation, international travels, birding, hunting and fishing. He was Director of the Oklahoma City Zoo from 1985 until his retirement in 2000. During his 15 year tenure at the Oklahoma City Zoo, Steve was a builder. He dramatically increased community support and created numerous major renovations, upgrades and new exhibits.Watch the full Interview

Interview | President

Karen Sausman

Although Karen’s degree is in computer science, she started her animal career working with horses in the Chicago area. She was able to land a volunteer job at the Lincoln Park Zoo working in the zoo nursery, which eventually lead to part-time keeper work.Watch the full Interview

Interview | Director

John “Jack” Frederick Hanna

Jack Hanna served as director of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium from 1978 to 1992 and is viewed as largely responsible for elevating the zoo’s quality and reputation. He currently serves as director emeritus.Watch the full Interview