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R. Marlin Perkins Award: 2003
AZA Honorary Member
Charles H. Hoessle
AZA President 1989 - 1990
Saint Louis Zoo
Charlie was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 20, 1931. He received an Associates of Arts Certificate from Harris Stowe Teacher's College and has been awarded three honorary doctorate degrees (from Maryville College 1986, St. Louis University 1990, and the University of Missouri-St. Louis 1994).
After operating an exotic animal business for ten years, Charlie joined the staff of the Saint Louis Zoo as a reptile keeper in 1963. The next year, he was appointed Assistant Curator, during which time he established the zoo's Education Department. Four years later, he was appointed Curator of Reptiles and of Education. In 1969, he was appointed General Curator, in 1972 he became Deputy Director, and in 1982, Director.
As a member of AZA, Charlie served as a Board Member (1984-1991) and has been a member of the Strategic Planning Task Force, Antivenom Committee, Surplus Animal Committee, Special Interest Committee, and Nominating Committee. He also served as the AZA representative to the Species Survival Commission and is a member of the International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens, the steering committee for the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, the International Species Information System (ISIS) Board of Trustees, the Pan African Association of Zoological Gardens in South Africa, and numerous other natural history and community organizations.
While President, his theme concerned "Youth and Training," whereby young and new AZA members were encouraged to become active in the Association and in joining committees. In addition, the first Conservation Academy was established, followed by the Elephant Training Workshop. He also began a phase of the Long-Range Planning effort. The AZA Conservation Office was moved to Bethesda, Maryland (from Apple Valley, Minnesota) and employment of a Director for Conservation and Science was planned.
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