Meet the Zoo Director - April - David Tetzlaff, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

Name: David Tetzlaff 

Actual title: Executive Director

Name of your zoo or aquarium: Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

URL for your facility: www.napleszoo.org

Number of species at your facility: 85

Your favorite critter at the facility: Leopard

Total number of animals or fish at your facility: 230

Number of visitors annually: 260,028 

Number of employees: 54

Number of volunteers: 12

Annual budget: 3.7 million

Degree(s): None

Experience prior to this position: My first public appearance with animals was with my parents (Lawrence and Nancy Jane Tetzlaff aka Jungle Larry and Safari Jane) before I was old enough to remember. I cut my teeth doing zoo work beginning when I was 14, working at the Zoo in Florida and Jungle Larry’s Safari at Cedar Point doing keeper work and presentations. Stayed with it ever since.

Favorite part of your job: I enjoy presenting shows and interacting with zoo guests.

One dream wish for your facility: See fulfillment of $70 million Master Plan before retirement with its coastal themed areas for Africa, Asia, and Tropical Americas.

Family: Wife Kelly and three sons

Pets at home: Two dogs, two guinea pigs, two bearded dragons, and eight snakes

When you retire, you plan to: Haven’t gotten that far yet.