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are places for recreation and fun, but they are also powerful
conservation centers that work globally to protect animals and
the environment. Our audience already loves animals—we just
have to show them how they can help.
Brookfield Zoo has always been a leader in the field. As we
approach the centennial celebration of the zoo’s opening in 2034,
I want to ensure we are as much a leader today as the day we first
opened our gates. I look forward to building new habitats for our
animals that promote the best care and welfare possible, while
also engaging our guests like never before. I want to create animal
encounters that really allow people to develop a caring connection
with our animals. I’m eager to expand our scientific programs
that support care and conservation. I am also extremely excited
for CZS to continue building new innovative education and com-
munity programs that touch the lives of those in the Chicagoland
area and beyond.
Furthermore, I want CZS to expand our footprint in conserva-
Above: Dr. Adkesson monitors anesthesia of Hudson polar bear during the animal move to
GREAT BEAR WILDERNESS in 2010. tion of wildlife. We already operate incredible conservation
programs that directly benefit wildlife such as dolphins in Sarasota
Bay and Humboldt penguins in coastal Peru. Not only would
Q: How are zoos helping to save wildlife? I like to see us expand our global conservation footprint, but

The world is currently witnessing an extinction crisis on a global through our incredible partnerships with the Forest Preserves of
scale with more animal species becoming endangered every year Cook County and other agencies, we have an opportunity to aid
due to habitat loss and human impacts on the environment. wildlife right here in the Chicago region.
Zoos and aquariums play a major role in saving species through
scientific research, conservation, and education programs. Q: What specific changes do you plan to make?
At Brookfield Zoo we are able to truly touch the hearts and
minds of our guests in a way that imparts compassion and care I will be working very closely with our Executive Team, staff, and
for the natural world. Our conservation programs also directly other stakeholders in the months ahead to complete a new master
help protect wildlife and habitats around the world. Our resources plan for Brookfield Zoo. This master plan will chart the course
are not endless, however, which forces us to make difficult deci- of the organization in the years ahead with regards to new habitats
sions about what species and regions we are able to help. With and species for the zoo, renovations of existing buildings, and new
so many pressing needs around the world, this is a major challenge. amenities for our guests.
In the next few months, I’ll also be doing a lot of work
Q: Will you continue to teach? Why has that with staff and stakeholders to evaluate CZS’s strengths and
opportunities as we begin to draft our next five-year strategic
been important to you? plan. I believe the future for CZS is very bright and I look
Teaching and sharing my passion for wildlife and conservation forward to sharing more details in the months ahead.
is a major part of our mission at CZS. This can come from
holding classes for students and educators, mentoring the next Q: Who will fill your shoes leading CZS's
generation of zoo veterinarians, or educating the children of veterinary program?
Peruvian fishermen about a precious ecosystem and how they
can help conserve it. The hospital at Brookfield Zoo has always been one of the
Although I won’t be able to continue the day-to-day most advanced facilities in the zoo and aquarium world. I plan
management of those educational programs, I’m leaving them to provide for its continued excellence. I’m excited to announce
in the good hands of our incredible team of veterinarians. I plan the return of Sathya Chinnadurai, DVM, MS, ACZM, ACVAA,
to maintain my adjunct faculty status with the University of as our new senior vice president of Animal Health and Welfare.
Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and hope to have time Dr. Chinnadurai worked at Brookfield Zoo for many years before
for the occasional lecture. leaving to become the director of Animal Health at the Saint
Louis Zoo. His strong background in anesthesia helped us
Q: What is your vision for CZS and the zoo? develop the first zoo-focused veterinary Anesthesia, Analgesia,
and Pharmacology program. Among other things, we will
I passionately believe that zoos play a powerful role in shaping continue to work to make anesthesia and pain management
society’s views on wildlife, nature, and conservation. Zoos safer for animals.

20 GATEWAYS | NEW PRESIDENT & CEO