Aerial view of WildLife Zoo with diverse habitats and visitors

About WildLife Zoo

Discover the story behind our mission to connect people with wildlife through conservation, education, and unforgettable experiences.

Our Story

Historical black and white photograph of WildLife Zoo opening day in 1948

From Humble Beginnings to Global Conservation Leader

Founded in 1948 by renowned naturalist Dr. Eleanor Bennett, WildLife Zoo began as a small sanctuary for injured and orphaned local wildlife. What started with just three acres of land and a handful of dedicated volunteers has grown into a world-class facility spanning over 200 acres and home to more than 3,000 animals representing 500 species from around the globe.

Through the visionary leadership of Dr. Bennett and her successors, our zoo evolved from a simple animal exhibition to a cutting-edge conservation center. In the 1970s, we pioneered some of the first natural habitat exhibits in the country, moving away from traditional cages to more spacious and enriching environments that mimic animals' natural habitats.

The 1990s marked a turning point as we established our first international conservation programs, focusing on habitat protection and endangered species breeding. Today, our research teams work in 18 countries across 5 continents, collaborating with local communities to protect wildlife and their habitats.

Throughout our history, we have remained committed to Dr. Bennett's founding philosophy: "To foster understanding between humans and animals is to create a world where both can thrive." This principle continues to guide everything we do at WildLife Zoo.

1948

Foundation

Dr. Eleanor Bennett establishes WildLife Sanctuary on three acres of donated land.

1972

Natural Habitat Revolution

Introduction of first natural habitat exhibits, revolutionizing animal care standards.

1994

Global Conservation

Launch of first international conservation programs in Southeast Asia and Africa.

2015

Modern Expansion

Completion of major expansion, doubling exhibit space and adding state-of-the-art research facilities.

Our Mission & Values

Zoo staff working with school children on conservation education

Our Mission

At WildLife Zoo, our mission is to inspire conservation of wildlife and wild places through immersive experiences, innovative education, and groundbreaking research. We strive to be a global leader in animal care, environmental stewardship, and conservation action, creating meaningful connections between people and the natural world.

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Conservation Leadership

We believe in taking active, measurable steps to protect endangered species and their habitats both locally and globally. Conservation is not just what we do—it's who we are.

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Scientific Excellence

Our decisions are guided by the latest scientific research and evidence-based practices. We contribute to wildlife science through our own research initiatives and collaborations with academic institutions worldwide.

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Community Engagement

We believe that conservation success depends on community participation. We foster partnerships with local communities, governments, and organizations to create sustainable solutions that benefit both wildlife and people.

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Environmental Stewardship

We are committed to minimizing our ecological footprint through sustainable practices across all operations. From water conservation to renewable energy, we aim to be a model of environmental responsibility.

Meet Our Team

Our dedicated staff brings diverse expertise in zoology, veterinary medicine, conservation biology, education, and more. Meet some of the key people who make our mission possible every day.

Dr. Marcus Chen, Zoo Director

Dr. Marcus Chen

Zoo Director

With over 25 years of experience in wildlife conservation and zoo management, Dr. Chen leads our institution with passion and vision. He holds a Ph.D. in Conservation Biology from Cornell University and has led field projects in Southeast Asia and Africa. Under his leadership, WildLife Zoo has expanded its global conservation initiatives and strengthened our commitment to creating naturalistic habitats.

Dr. Sophia Okafor, Head Veterinarian

Dr. Sophia Okafor

Head Veterinarian

Dr. Okafor leads our veterinary team in providing world-class care for our animal residents. She specializes in exotic animal medicine and has pioneered several innovative treatment protocols for endangered species. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, she has published extensively on preventative health practices for zoo animals and lectures internationally on wildlife medicine.

Rafael Mendoza, Conservation Programs Manager

Rafael Mendoza

Conservation Programs Manager

Rafael coordinates our global conservation initiatives, working closely with partner organizations in 18 countries. With a Master's degree in International Conservation from the University of Oxford, he brings expertise in community-based conservation approaches. Before joining our team, Rafael worked with conservation NGOs in Central America and has been instrumental in developing our community engagement models for wildlife protection.

Amara Patel, Education Director

Amara Patel

Education Director

Amara oversees all educational programming at WildLife Zoo, reaching over 100,000 students annually through school programs, camps, and outreach initiatives. With a background in environmental education and a Master's in Science Communication from Imperial College London, she has transformed our education department to incorporate interactive technology and experiential learning approaches. Her innovative programs have received national recognition for excellence in STEM education.

Our Achievements

Over the years, WildLife Zoo has made significant contributions to conservation, education, and animal welfare. Here are some of our proudest achievements.

California condor breeding program with chicks and parents

Endangered Species Breeding

Our breeding programs have successfully produced over 2,500 offspring from 42 endangered species, including the California condor, Amur leopard, and Sumatran orangutan. Many of these animals have been reintroduced to protected areas in their native habitats, significantly boosting wild populations.

  • Hatched 48 California condors since 1994, contributing to species recovery
  • Pioneered artificial insemination techniques for endangered felids
  • Developed specialized nutritional protocols for captive breeding success
Local community members participating in habitat restoration project

Habitat Protection

Through our conservation fund and partnerships, we have helped protect over 500,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat globally. Our approach combines land acquisition, community-based conservation, and sustainable development initiatives to create lasting protection for wilderness areas.

  • Established 3 community-managed conservation areas in Southeast Asia
  • Funded anti-poaching units in East Africa, reducing poaching by 78%
  • Restored 1,200 acres of wetlands in our local watershed
Interactive educational exhibit with children learning about ecosystems

Educational Impact

Our educational programs reach more than 1.2 million people annually through on-site visits, outreach programs, and digital platforms. Independent evaluations have shown that participants in our programs demonstrate significant increases in conservation knowledge and pro-environmental behaviors.

  • Developed curriculum materials used by over 3,000 schools nationwide
  • Created award-winning distance learning programs reaching rural communities
  • Trained over 8,000 educators in conservation teaching techniques

What People Say About Us

"As a biology professor who has visited wildlife facilities worldwide, I can confidently say that WildLife Zoo stands among the very best in animal care and habitat design. Their naturalistic exhibits and focus on animal welfare set a gold standard for the industry. My students gain invaluable insights during our field trips here, and many have gone on to pursue careers in conservation because of these experiences."

Dr. Miguel Alvarez, Biology Professor at State University

Dr. Miguel Alvarez

Biology Professor, State University

"Our partnership with WildLife Zoo has been transformative for our village in Tanzania. Through their community conservation program, we've established sustainable livelihoods that reduce pressure on wildlife while improving our economic security. Their approach respects our cultural values and traditional knowledge, making conservation truly collaborative. The zoo staff don't just talk about community engagement—they live it through long-term commitment to our region."

Esther Kimani, Community Conservation Partner

Esther Kimani

Community Conservation Partner, Tanzania

"As parents of a child with autism, we cannot overstate how meaningful WildLife Zoo's accessibility programs have been for our family. Their sensory-friendly mornings, specialized tours, and trained staff have created a safe space for our son to connect with animals in a way that works for him. For the first time, we can enjoy a family outing without anxiety, and watching him develop a passion for wildlife has been incredible."

The Nakamura Family, Zoo Members

The Nakamura Family

Zoo Members Since 2019

Be Part of Our Conservation Journey

There are many ways to support our mission, from visiting the zoo to joining as a member, volunteering your time, or contributing to our conservation fund. Together, we can make a difference for wildlife and wild places.

Contact Us Learn More About Our Mission