America's Zoo Scoop » Interviews

Zoo Interview #10 – Jim Anderson, Fort Wayne Zoo

Jon Wassner — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:00:09 +0000

Jim Anderson, Director of the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is my 10th interview for the blog. In June, Fort Wayne opened their biggest addition in zoo history. Funny thing is African Journey is not an original new exhibit, rather a revamp. But, for anyone that had visited the old African Veldt at Fort Wayne, the new African Journey brought a big, pleasant surprise and an entirely new experience. Here is the updated zoo map showing the expansive African Journey addition. Jim touches on:

African Journey
his path to Zoo Director
future projects at the zoo
the prospect of Tasmanian devils coming back to Fort Wayne
and more!

Download audio file (jimandersonepisode10.mp3)

Sue Chin……fixed!!!!

Jon Wassner — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:21:22 +0000

I got several messages from various formats (e-mail, text, voicemail) that the Sue Chin interview was not working. Thanks for keeping me accountable. Sorry for the delay, but I’ve been in Montana (more on that later this week) and at the Columbus Zoo (ditto). Before I post on those trips; I finally got my convo with Sue working. You can scroll down, or just click here.

Zoo Interview #9 – Sue Chin, Wildlife Conservation Society

Jon Wassner — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 04:47:15 +0000

This week we step away from the Zoo Director role and view the zoo from a different angle. Sue Chin, Vice President of Planning and Design and Chief Architect for the Bronx Zoo based Wildlife Conservation Society has her hands full overseeing new projects at all 5 New York City WCS institutions. But that didn’t stop her from answering a few questions about her 20 year career in the Big Apple and particularly the new snow leopard exhibit at the Central Park Zoo.

Taking a few notes from Bronx’s excellent Himalayan Highlands, as well as input from the esteemed George Schaller (winner of the 2008 Indianapolis Prize), Sue and her staff did their best to re-create the mountainous misty terrain snow leopards are famous for hiding in. For those, like me, that live too far from NYC to see in person, the internet proves to be a valuable resource. WCS posted a minute long video of the exhibit on You Tube.

Sue also touches on Bronx’s recently LEED Certified 2008 project Madagascar, the budget crisis which included the World of Darkness closing, and future plans at Brooklyn’s New York Aquarium and Queens Zoo.

Download audio file (suechinespisode9.mp3)

It is truly amazing that a city, even one as big as NYC can have 5 zoos! What’s even better is that each is entirely unique, ensuring that a visit to one borough’s zoo will be as engaging as the next. That being said, the Bronx is certainly the crown jewel of the city and for many one of the world’s best. Bronx is definitely one of my favorites, if for no other reason than their exhibit design (thanks to Sue and co.) is extremely conducive for photography. Glass glare is limited and most exhibits have open views with beautiful backdrops. Maps for all 5 New York City Zoological Institutions are below, check out for yourself how different they are.

New York Aquarium

Queens Zoo

Prospect Park Zoo (Brooklyn)

Central Park Zoo

Bronx Zoo

Zoo Interview #8 – David and Tim Tetzlaff, Naples Zoo

Jon Wassner — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:45:42 +0000

We have a 2 for 1 deal here. Brothers David and Tim Tetzlaff, of Florida’s Naples Zoo took time to talk about Black Bear Hammock, this year’s addition to the zoo. As a small, but growing zoo in Southwest Florida, David and Tim take an interesting approach in educating their guests which derives from their rich family history with animals. Shows and keeper chats fill each day, so curious visitors are assured numerous learning opportunities. Some of the more interesting presentations include Snake Sunbathing and Planet Predator.

It’s rare to see two brothers working so closely together in such prominent positions at a zoo. The guys set the record straight about their unique relationship and individual role at the zoo. Also, in addition to the new Hammock, there is a lot more to see at Naples Zoo. Known for their carnivore (especially cat) collection, Naples also has a number of other species (virtual map) to discover. The most unique experience is the Primate Expedition Cruise, a guided boat tour of primate filled islands.

With two contributors, the interview did push to one hour. For your convenience, I am working on getting America’s Zoo Scoop on Itunes, allowing for more flexible listening opportunities. More updates to follow, but for now, enjoy hearing about the Naples Zoo!

Download audio file (tetzlaffsepisode8.mp3)

Photo by Larry W. Richardson

Zoo Interview #7 – Anne Baker, Toledo Zoo

Jon Wassner — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:15:32 +0000

A new philosophy on Children’s Zoos popped up in 2001 . Since then, several zoos have created their own version of an interactive play filled space for kids to learn and have fun at the same time. Nature’s Neighborhood, opened June 19th is Toledo Zoo’s answer to building a strong connection between next generation’s adults and the natural world.

Dr. Anne Baker, executive director of the Ohio institution answered a few questions about Neighborhood and everything else going on at Toledo this year. As always, I ask about her favorite animal currently at the zoo and on the wish list and Dr. Baker had an interesting take on the question. Don’t miss her intriguing answer.

Download audio file (annebakerepisode7.mp3)

Male bustard strutting his stuff

Is there a more recognizable individual rhino in America? Hard to miss that horn.

Kids can strap these on and make animal tracks in the sand

Underwater viewing allows for great views of these skilled swimmers

Kids can put on costumes and pretend to be bees in Nature's Neighborhood

Zoo Interview #6 – Yvonne Strode, Peoria Zoo

Jon Wassner — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:38:23 +0000

The Peoria Zoo was not featured in America’s Best Zoos, but a big change has put the small Illinois zoo into national attention this year. The opening of Africa! on June 6th is by far the largest ever project at the zoo. Peoria’s director, Yvonne Strode took a few minutes to discuss the new addition and helps familiarize us with the rest of the zoos’ offerings.

Download audio file (yvonnestrodeepisode6.mp3)

Mixing species can bring more active animals

Young playful lions

Mom, wife, aunt. These three lucky ladies joined me in Peoria

Smallest foxes have biggest ears

Zoo Interview #5 – Mike Crowther, Indianapolis Zoo

Jon Wassner — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 06:53:47 +0000

Mike Crowther, CEO of the Indianapolis Zoo is my latest interview guest. Komodo dragons dominate the zoo news in Indy, as a pair of the giant lizards are the newest residents, so we talk about the intended visitor impact. As always we delve into the personal journey to zoo head, and other happenings around Indianapolis including:

Artificial insemination with African elephants
Opening of cheetah exhibit next year
Conservation programs in which Indianapolis participates
the Indianapolis Prize….and more!

One more thing – maybe it’s because I live 15 minutes from the zoo, but Mike and I went a little longer than normal (55 minutes) with the interview. That should make up for going 2 weeks without posting an interview.

Download audio file (mikecrowtherepisode5.mp3)

One of two grizzly cubs orphaned in Alaska now living at Indy

These noisy birds were moved to make room for cheetahs.

Summer time brings three daily opportunities to feed sweet potatoes to giraffes

Lemurs are a conservation focus at Indy

Zoo Interview #4 – Randy Wisthoff, Kansas City Zoo

Jon Wassner — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:18:30 +0000

Randy Wisthoff, Director of the Kansas City Zoo is my guest for interview #4. KC celebrated its 100th birthday by opening Tropics on May 1st. Filled with primates from three continents, Tropics has been a huge hit so far. Randy talks about the components of the newest addition, as well as other events at the zoo.

The book signing on May 31st was the most successful to date, and I had the pleasure of meeting some great KC Zoo supporters and volunteers. Wildlife photography is a hobby of mine, so it was a treat when several members of the KC Zoo Photo Club stopped by. The large open exhibits in Africa present numerous opportunities for great photos. I posted a few of my own below, but their website has many many more.

Download audio file (randywisthoffepisode4.mp3)

Unique viewing of otters and gibbons. Visitors can see otters swim underneath the path and gibbons can swing overhead.

Saki monkeys are in the new Tropics building

Kansas City has 6 elephant cows roaming a long expansive exhibit

Hammerkops are one of many bird species in a walk through African aviary

Warthogs have a dry riverbed exhibit in front of a trio of cheetah sisters

Zoo Interview #3 – Mark Reed, Sedgwick County Zoo

Jon Wassner — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:02:19 +0000

Interview #3 is with Mark Reed, Executive Director of the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas. Among other prestigious accolades, Mark is a former President of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and has lead Sedgwick since 1991. Mark graciously gave me an extensive tour of every part of the zoo, proudly showing off the wonderful place he’s built. Having never visited before, I was stunned at the animal collection and quality exhibits for lions, tigers, gorillas, penguins, and birds in a 32 year old rain forest.

Memorial Day Weekend is widely considered to be the beginning of “zoo season” and Sedgwick started it off with a bang. Slawson Family Tiger Trek, opened May 22nd, brought tigers back to the zoo after a 10 plus year gap. Red pandas and rare Eld’s deer are tiger neighbors. Trek is another great addition to Sedgwick, a truly amazing zoo in an unlikely place.

Mark and I discuss:

the unique features of Tiger Trek
how the economic downturn has affected the zoo
the importance of community support and how it has led to Sedgwick’s success
Mark’s involvement in AZA
future projects at Sedgwick…..and more!

Download audio file (markreedepisode3.mp3)

From an elevated boardwalk, visitors can see the larger of the 2 tiger habitats and one for deer

Tigers may be the main attraction, but this red panda has been a huge hit in Wichita

Sedgwick has a long boat ride passing North American and African animals, including this pelican island.

Inside the Jungle, a colony of fruit bats dangles above visitors.

An otter mom was busy teaching her four pups how to swim.

Zoo Interview #2 – Bruce Bohmke, Woodland Park Zoo

Jon Wassner — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:18:02 +0000

Bruce Bohmke, Deputy Director of Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo is my guest for episode #2. Woodland Park opened a spectacular new penguin exhibit on May 1st! Penguins adds to the rich history of stunning habitats already found at the zoo. The exhibit itself, and the story of its construction are fascinating and we discuss both. Bruce also touches on the elephant controversy at the zoo, as well as the upcoming new West Entry. Enjoy!

No photos to post this time! The zoo has their own site with great pictures and video. The media kit is also an extensive resource. To find out what else is going on at Woodland Park, check out their blog.

Download audio file (brucebohmkeepisode2.mp3)