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Q&A continued
Meet Dr. Copper Aitken-Palmer
Aitken-Palmer joined the Brookfield
Zoo team in May 2016. She is world-
renowned for her work advancing Q: Let’s start with how you first
reproduction in giant pandas, a species became interested in animals.
that, with the help of science, is no longer
consideredendangered. A: I cannot remember a time when I didn’t want to work with
animals—even though I was allergic to them when I was
young! I read National Geographic magazine and knew I
would pursue a career somehow focused on wildlife.
Q: What would make your job more
rewarding or easier?
A: My job would be easier with a limitless flow of support
from the human race and compassion and concern about
all endangered animals, not just the iconic species. My
colleagues and I were successful in boosting giant panda
populations in part because conservation programs for
them were highly funded. It was a priority. To drive
success comparable to giant pandas, we need individuals,
governments, and others to help support similar efforts for
other species—salamanders, penguins, and frogs, forexample.
14 GATEWAYS | Q&A WITH CAREGIVERS
