R. Marlin Perkins Award Recipient: 1990

Paul S. Chaffee, DVM

AZA President 1980-1981
Fresno Zoo (renamed the Chaffee Zoological Gardens)

Paul was born in Port Huron, Michigan, in 1928. He earned a DVM from Michigan State University School of Veterinary Medicine. He practiced veterinary medicine for two years in Chicago before establishing his own veterinary hospital in California. He then became the Veterinarian for Roeding Park Zoo in Fresno and a few years later became its Director.

He oversaw the development of a small collection of wildlife into a medium-sized facility with significant programs in education and conservation. The Roeding Park Zoo changed its name to the Fresno Zoological Gardens and then, shortly before his death, to the Chaffee Zoological Gardens of Fresno.

As a member of AZA, Paul served on the Accreditation Commission (Vice-Chair 84-85, Special Interest, ISIS Task Force (Chair 89-90), Western Subcommittee (Vice-Chair 85-87), Ethics Board (Chair 85-86), Membership Committee (Vice-Chair 83-85), Special Funds (Vice-Chair 83-84), Policy Advisory Group, and Advisor to the Animal Welfare Committee. He was also President of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians. During his term as President, the issue of roadside zoos and exotic wildlife auctions was discussed with the recommendation that AZA zoos not dispose of their surplus animals to these facilities, exhibit standards were considered as was a standardized breeding loan agreement, consideration was given to publishing a zoo journal (but no action was taken), an animal contingency plan (in case of natural disasters and emergencies) was discussed, and the AZA Conservation Office opened in Apple Valley, Minnesota (1981). In 1990, Paul was the recipient of AZA’s highest honor, the R. Marlin Perkins Award.

Dr. Chaffee died on October 20, 1990.