Meet the Zoo Director - August, 2009 - John Chapo, Lincoln Children's Zoo

Name: John Chapo

Actual title: President & CEO

Name of your zoo or aquarium: Lincoln Children's Zoo

URL for your facility: http://www.lincolnzoo.org/

Number of species at your facility: 101

Your favorite critter at the facility: “Tibet” our 23 year old female Bactrian camel

Total number of animals or fish at your facility: 350

Number of visitors annually: 175,000+

Number of employees: 17 full-time

Number of volunteers: Literally HUNDREDS, we have 350 youth volunteers, 200+ volunteer train engineers, gardeners and others…

Annual budget: $1.6 million

Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Public and Environment Affairs, Associate degree in Business Administration

Experience prior to this position: I spent 10 years at the Potawatomi Zoo, beginning in the concession stands and worked up to Zoo Director.

Favorite part of your job: Watching children really connect with an animal. When you see that amazement hit them and truly capture their interest, that is what it is all about.

One dream wish for your facility: $10,000,000 endowment – our Zoo receives NO TAX dollars, so we are 100% dependant on the generosity and participation of our community.

Family: Tracie Lynne married me 21 years ago and is a high school biology and environmental studies teacher (she was a zookeeper – YES, we met here at the Zoo and I married an employee!), 3 sons - Ian 17, Kyle 16, Erik 15.

Pets at home: 3 big hairy mutts (81 pounds, 85 pounds and 100 pounds) all rescued in one way or another.

When you retire, you plan to: Visit my sons and their families wherever they land, and garden – it is my therapy.