My career working with animals began about 30 years ago. During these years, I have worked with many species, but the highlight for me has been working with marine mammals, including polar bears for the last 15 years at the North Carolina Zoo. Today I am the Animal Management Supervisor of that area.
When not at the zoo, I enjoy what I consider to be the simple pleasures; spending time with my wife, kids and grandkids, fishing, going to the beach, and auto racing. Outside the many incredible experiences I’ve had at the zoo, one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had is working eight years as a NASCAR official driving a pace car.
I’ve learned much about polar bears in my 15 years working with them, but I know there is much more to learn. The PBI Leadership Camp will be an exciting, intensive, once in a lifetime opportunity to expand my knowledge and apply the concepts to our polar bear program and expand our outreach to our commuity. Specifically I see my role as providing the leadership and tools that the staff will need to achieve the goals and spread the messages of PBI on polar bears, conservation, and global issues.
The status of polar bears in the wild, global warming, and other environmental issues are indeed serious and of great concern. On a positive note, I do feel there is progress being made on changing the mindset of people and moving toward a better planet earth. With continued efforts by PBI, zoo professionals, and others, I see continued progress in the next five years.
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