Meet the Zoo Director - May - John Walczak, Louisville Zoo

Name: John Walczak

Actual title: Director of the Louisville Zoo

Name of your zoo or aquarium: Louisville Zoo

URL for your facility: www.louisvillezoo.org

Number of species at your facility: 300

Your favorite critter at the facility: Pygmy hippos because they are smart, defend their niche in the world and have managed to survive.
Siamangs because they define devotion, are a truly monogamous species with very soulful eyes.
Shingleback skinks are an amazing example of adaptation in how they protect and defend themselves by self-mimicry.
And then there are orangutans…….

Total number of animals or fish at your facility: 1,400

Number of visitors annually: More than 818,000

Number of employees: 138

Number of volunteers: More than 1,500

Annual budget: $12.9 million

Degree(s): Pennsylvania State University, 1978, Bachelor of Science, Animal Sciences. Continuing education includes course work in animal-related sciences and business management; 32 credits earned.

Experience prior to this position: I have worked in the Zoo field since 1979, when I began at Dreher Park Zoo in West Palm Beach, FL., as a Zoo Keeper. I went on to the Oklahoma City Zoo in 1982 as the Herpetarium and Aquarium Supervisor. Then in 1985 I began my career at the Louisville Zoo, rising through the ranks as HerpAquarium Curator, General Curator, Assistant Director and finally Director in 2004.

Favorite part of your job: The “magic connection.” The moment a child and guest understand how animals desperately need our help and connect with the Zoo’s conservation mission of “bettering the bond between people and our planet.”

One dream wish for your facility: That when people in our region think of conservation or have a conservation question, we are top of mind and they come to us seeking answers.

Family: Wife, Vicki; daughter Katie, 18; step-son Brian and wife Jennifer; grandsons Jordan and Trevor

Pets at home: Two rescued dogs – a lab/border collie mix and a sheltie/golden retriever mix

When you retire, you plan to: Retire, what’s that?! Seriously, I hope to continue working in a non-profit to unite conservation organizations to speak with one voice for positive change. Oh, and, fish and hike a lot.