Hi
My name is Jonathan. I have been a zoo enthusiastic since earliest memory, visiting the Baltimore Zoo each week with my Dad from the time I was two-years-old. I am now blessed to live near the Bronx Zoo and to be working on a graduate degree (after a full career as a clergyman) across the street from the zoo. An old veteran keeper named Leon welcomed me and my dad to visit behind the scenes of the old small mammal house in Baltimore, one sultry Sunday morning when I was seven years old (perhaps more reflections on that defining experience some other time). Since that magical day, I have felt a special kinship to the men and women who--often at great material sacrifice--devote their working lives to caring for the creatures in zoos. They are my rock stars, and they--from student keepers to Directors-- have generously engaged me in conversations in zoos all around the world. Knowing that so many of them participate in this site is thrilling!
I have always made zoos the cornerstones of my travel and have been privileged to visit some of the great zoos of the planet. When he was alive, I sent my dad a postcard from each, with thanks for the gift of this life-long passion. I admit to being inspired, if somewhat daunted, by the great seriousness and precision of some of the legendary zoo aficionados who post here. They remind me that I have a world of learning ahead of me.
If any professional zoo folks or serious zoo chatters plan to visit New York to see our zoos, I would be delighted to be of assistance in any way I might.
Blessings
Jonathan
My name is Jonathan. I have been a zoo enthusiastic since earliest memory, visiting the Baltimore Zoo each week with my Dad from the time I was two-years-old. I am now blessed to live near the Bronx Zoo and to be working on a graduate degree (after a full career as a clergyman) across the street from the zoo. An old veteran keeper named Leon welcomed me and my dad to visit behind the scenes of the old small mammal house in Baltimore, one sultry Sunday morning when I was seven years old (perhaps more reflections on that defining experience some other time). Since that magical day, I have felt a special kinship to the men and women who--often at great material sacrifice--devote their working lives to caring for the creatures in zoos. They are my rock stars, and they--from student keepers to Directors-- have generously engaged me in conversations in zoos all around the world. Knowing that so many of them participate in this site is thrilling!
I have always made zoos the cornerstones of my travel and have been privileged to visit some of the great zoos of the planet. When he was alive, I sent my dad a postcard from each, with thanks for the gift of this life-long passion. I admit to being inspired, if somewhat daunted, by the great seriousness and precision of some of the legendary zoo aficionados who post here. They remind me that I have a world of learning ahead of me.
If any professional zoo folks or serious zoo chatters plan to visit New York to see our zoos, I would be delighted to be of assistance in any way I might.
Blessings
Jonathan
