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The Center engages people in conservation and provides educational One of Stuart’s primary objectives was to create
opportunities for teachers, students, and under-resourced communities a dramatically more interactive and immersive
at home and abroad. It coordinates field work, such as the research of experience where guests come into direct contact
the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the longest-running study of with some truly exotic animals. This can be seen
a wild dolphin population in the world. Programs include: in HAMILL FAMILY WILD ENCOUNTERS and our
• Family Play—programs that connect children and their families Animal Ambassador program. They accomplish
to wildlife and nature based on the principles developed at this wonderfully.
HAMILL FAMILY PLAY ZOO

• Institute of Science Teaching Excellence—professional Randy Vickery
development and training classes in science and conservation SECRETARY OF THE CZS BOARD OF TRUSTEES
education for K-12 teachers
• Advanced Inquiry Program—a master’s degree program with
Miami University’s Project Dragonfly that combines web-based USING THE POWER OF
graduate courses with experiential learning at Brookfield Zoo HUMAN‑ANIMAL CONNECTION

• King Conservation Leadership Academy—an informal STEM Feeding a giraffe. Petting a corn snake. Locking eyes
(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education with a sloth. Strahl is a strong believer in the power of
initiative that engages children of all ages, particularly those in human-to-animal contact to inspire conservation action.
under-resourced communities, in nature and conservation
He expanded an Animal Ambassador program at the zoo.
Under Strahl’s leadership, CZS received more than 60 awards from Animal Ambassadors are zoo animals—mammals, birds,
local, national, and international organizations for its educational and amphibians, reptiles—that visitors can interact with and
conservation programs, and its inclusive practices. learn about in the presence of a staff member or volunteer.
These animals are trained to safely engage with guests.
Following the success of HAMILL FAMILY PLAY ZOO
when George Rabb was zoo director, HAMILL FAMILY
WILD ENCOUNTERS opened in 2015 to provide more
human-animal bonding experiences. Visitors can brush
goats, walk among colorful, free-flying parakeets in the
aviary, or wander among wallabies. The nearby BRAMSEN
ANIMAL AMBASSADOR PAVILION, constructed at
the same time, houses the animals. Both exhibits won the
prestigious Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Exhibit
Award for Innovation in 2016.
Strahl also instituted the popular Keeper Chat program.
While listening to knowledgeable staff members speak
about their animals, visitors have opportunities to ask
questions and often see the animals up close.
Strahl’s philosophy is reflected in GREAT BEAR
WILDERNESS, the zoo’s largest exhibit to date.
Opened in 2010, it houses iconic North American
species: bison, polar bears, brown bears, and eagles.
Although animal habitats were designed with the health
I’ve been very impressed with how the zoo has connected and welfare of the animals being a top priority, there
with young people through youth programming to build are also opportunities for human-animal bonding.
this next generation of leaders in this world. I’ve watched For example, huge viewing windows built underground
that and learned from Stuart. enable guests to experience swimming bears up close.
The theme of the exhibit is that each individual can
Arnold Randall make a difference in the lives of animals at the zoo, as well

GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT as their counterparts in the wild.
FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY

BROOKFIELD ZOO | FALL 2021 15