Zoo’s have always had a piece of my heart so when I had the opportunity to interview the head zookeeper from San Diego Zoo Global, I quickly thought up my questions.
Rick Schwartz( Zookeeper Rick) has worked with animals for over twenty years. As ambassador for the San Diego Zoo, Rick has a passion for wildlife and is eager to share all the work the Zoo does, both locally and globally, for conservation. Through their conservation work, San Diego Zoo Global hopes to create a future in which people and wildlife can thrive together.
(1) Tell us about you, how you got involved with the San Diego Zoo, and how you keep others excited about conserving wildlife?
I got start with the San Diego Zoo in 2000 as a part-time Keeper and worked up to a full-time position within 6 months. Then as a Senior Keeper, in 2009 I was selected to be the Ambassador for San Diego Zoo Global, the non-profit organization that oversees the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park and the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. Keeping people excited about conserving wildlife comes pretty naturally to me, as I love talking about it and inspiring others to make a difference. As Ambassador for SDZG I do many presentations at the zoo, off zoo grounds for other organizations, TV appearances and of course social media has become a great arena for sharing my passion.
(2) Tell me more about the SDZ Global Wildlife Conservancy and it’s aim for the future?
SDZG Wildlife Conservancy has one main goal to which all of our actions fall under: End Extinction. It is a big undertaking, but with a big job you simply take it one step at a time and we are doing it one species at a time. We have had success with many species so far and we are committed to continue with our work well into the future. Of course we cannot do this alone. We partner with other zoos, other conservation organizations and rely on the wonderful support of our members and global community.
(3) What Conservancy projects are the zoo currently working on?
San Diego Zoo Global is currently working on 100 different conservation projects across 35 different countries. To highlight a few, we are currently working in the Galapagos Islands to save the Mangrove finch from extinction. Of course there’s our on going work with the California condors, giant pandas, cheetahs, several frog species across the Americas, the ‘alala (or Hawaiian crow), pocket mice in southern California and so much more. And its worth noting, these projects include habitat restoration, education outreach and community involvement around the conservation sites.
(4) Which animals are most at risk for extinction right now?
Asked which animals are most at risk for extinction right now, sadly what comes to mind is the Northern White Rhino. Current population is 7. Yes, 7 individuals left on this planet and at least 2 perhaps 3 are believed to be too old to be reproductive. Given what we know about how the social dynamics of the rhino play a role in proper breeding, many scientists believe we will not see any additional Northern White Rhino born. Work has been done in the past to try to create a breeding population in zoos, but to this date is has not been successful.
(5) Do you have a favorite exotic animal zoo story or moment of your career with the zoo?
It is always really had for me to single out just one favorite moment from my career or animal that I work with. I’m one of the fortunate people who loves his job, so there are favorite moments everyday. If I can generalize it a bit, I guess for me personally I can say my favorite moments are time spent with the animals. I have always, (since childhood) loved the company of animals, for reasons I can’t put words to, it just feels right. Another favorite moment for me is working with kids. Big kids, small kids, just a few or a school full of them – I love it all! Kids still have the natural curiosity for wildlife that some adults tend to leave behind as they grow-up. I truly enjoy seeing that “awe” in the eyes of the kids and love answering their questions about animals & nature.
(6) What kind of animals do you work with on a given day?
On any given day I may work with mammals, birds and reptiles! The great thing about my job is everyday is a little different. And I really like the diversity of animals I have the pleasure of being around every day.
(7) and of course, how can WE help out with Wildlife Conservancy?
I think one of the biggest things anyone can do to help out with wildlife conservation is get involved! Would I love for everyone to donate to our Wildlife Conservancy? Yes, of course! As a nonprofit we rely greatly on the donations we receive. But there is more you can do!
Get involved in a beach, park or hiking trail clean up. Can’t find one to join? Start one! You can also volunteer at a local wildlife rehabilitation center or your local zoo. Start a recycling and or compost collection at your work or at school. Seriously, even though you may not “see” the results, every person doing a little bit greatly helps our efforts in conservation.
After that, I’m feeling pretty inspired. For more information about San Diego Zoo Global, or Wildlife Conservation be sure to check out their site here. What efforts have you made towards Wildlife Conversation? I’d love to hear them below.
