Silver Spring, MD – The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has recognized 15 exemplary professionals within the zoo and aquarium community with Animal Program Leader Recognition Awards, and 18 individuals who have made exceptional contributions as leaders with Outstanding Service Awards at the Association’s recent Annual Conference.“AZA-accredited aquariums and zoos are important centers for conservation within local communities and collaboratively work to have a positive impact across the globe,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “Each of these award recipients has contributed greatly to these wildlife conservation initiatives through leadership, dedication, and passion and is extremely deserving of this recognition.”
The lists of award recipients are as follows:
Animal Program Leader Recognition Awards
Animal Program Leader Recognition – 30 Years of Service
Frederick Beall, Franklin Park Zoo
Wattled Crane Studbook Keeper
Dennis Meritt, Jr., PhD
Chacoan Peccary SSP Coordinator
Peter Siminski, The Living Desert
Mexican Gray Wolf Studbook Keeper
Mark Warneke, Chicago Zoological Society - Brookfield Zoo
Callimico Studbook Keeper
Animal Program Leader Recognition – 25 Years of Service
Elizabeth Bahner, Philadelphia Zoo
Geoffroy’s Marmoset Studbook Keeper
Elizabeth Bahner, Philadelphia Zoo
Micronesian Kingfisher SSP Coordinator
Gail Brandt, Chicago Zoological Society - Brookfield Zoo
Humboldt Penguin Studbook Keeper
Mark Myers, Woodland Park Zoo
Laughing Kookaburra SSP Coordinator and Studbook Keeper
Animal Program Leader Recognition – 20 Years of Service
Linda Bachers, Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens
Yellow-Backed Duiker SSP Coordinator and Studbook Keeper
Dr. Andrew Baker, PhD, Philadelphia Zoo
Pied (Bicolor) Tamarin SSP Coordinator and Studbook Keeper
Michael Macek, Saint Louis Zoo
Picifor
mes TAG Chair
Deborah Olson, International Elephant Foundation
African Elephant Studbook Keeper
Steven Sarro, Smithsonian National Zoological Park
African Penguin SSP Coordinator
Thomas Schneider, Detroit Zoo
European White Stork SSP Coordinator and Studbook Keeper
Thomas Schneider, Detroit Zoo
Penguin TAG Chair
Outstanding Service Awards (Including Retiring Committee Chairs)
Danny Morris Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Steve Martin Steve Martin's Natural Encounters, Inc.
Don Moore Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Beth Branning San Diego Zoo Global
Robin Keith San Diego Zoo Global
Jackie Ogden Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Kris Vehrs Association of Zoos & Aquariums
Paul Boyle Association of Zoos & Aquariums
Retiring Committee Chairs
Jim Anderson
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
Chair of the Accreditation Commission
2014 – 2015
Pam Dennis
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Chair of the Animal Health Committee
2010 - 2015
Christopher Kuhar, PhD
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Chair of the Animal Welfare Committee
2014 – 2015
Dale Schmidt
National Aquarium
Chair of the Business Operations Committee
2007 – 2015
Dwight Scott
San Diego Zoo Global
Chair of the Ethics Board
2014 – 2015
Rick Barongi
Chair of the Honors and Awards Committee
2009 – 2015
David Brady
Houston Zoo
Chair of the Marketing Committee
2013 - 2015
John Chapo
Lincoln Children’s Zoo
Chair of the Membership Committee
2011 – 2015
Chris Gentile
Western North Carolina Nature Center
Chair of the Professional Development Committee
2014 – 2015
Tammy Rach
San Diego Zoo Global
Chair of the Volunteer Management Committee
2013 - 2015
About AZA
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and seven other countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.