Q&A: Zoo director talks job, animals

Editor's note: This is one in a continuing series of interviews with local officials. Stephanie Chavez is the new zoo director for Hillcrest Park's zoo.

Q: Summarize your job description: What does the zoo director do?

A: I provide strategic leadership for the zoo, overseeing day-to-day operations and guiding long-term planning.

I am dedicated to the well-being of our animal residents. This involves collaborating with curators and zookeepers to establish and maintain high standards of animal care, enrichment, health, and husbandry practices.

Fostering positive relationships with the community is a key aspect of my role. I oversee the development and implementation of educational programs that aim to inspire and inform visitors about the importance of wildlife conservation, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship.

I play a central role in formulating and executing strategic plans for the zoo's development. This includes identifying opportunities for expansion, enhancing visitor experiences, and adapting to industry trends to keep the zoo relevant and sustainable.

Q: You were a curator before. What does a curator do?

A: A zoo curator is in charge of animal health and welfare. This means training, enrichment, husbandry, and conservation and education. Curators play a pivotal role in ensuring the health of the zoo's animal population.

Q: What precautions are taken to ensure zoo employees are safe when interacting with the animals?

A: Our zookeepers undergo rigorous and continuous training programs to understand animal behavior.

Before any direct interaction with the animals, our team conducts thorough assessments of each individual animal's behavior and temperament.

Our staff is provided with and required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment when engaging with animals.

We have a well-defined emergency response plan in place, which includes protocols for handling unexpected situations involving animals.

Q: Do you have a favorite exhibit? What's special about it?

A: It is very hard to choose because I spend a lot of my time with each animal in every enclosure. On the days that I am not in the office, I am found all over the zoo.

Q: Which zoo resident has the most personality?

A: That is a tough one, but I would have to say our top contender is Alexander Camelton. This camel has such a bubbly personality. He knows to smile and he tends to have the zoomies (runs around his enclosure) when keepers are around.

Q: You've said you'd like to bring a male giraffe to Clovis. What is the timeline for that? How much will it cost?

A: My first priority is to expand the giraffe barn. This expansion will eventually involve putting a platform where the public will be able to engage and feed the giraffe.

After the barn expansion, we will be able to get a male giraffe which will roughly cost about $70,000 to $125,000.

Q: Share some short-term goals: What would you like to accomplish by this time next year?

A: By this time next year, I would like to have an ostrich barn, coati barn, two tamandua enclosures, wallaby barn, giraffe expansion, and three new animals.

Q: And what do you think Hillcrest Park Zoo will look like in five years?

A: Over the next five years, I plan to invest in the enhancement of existing exhibits and the creation of new, immersive habitats.

I am committed to expanding our role in global and local conservation efforts.

I envision a more interactive and educational experience for our visitors. Collaborative programs with schools, community events, and outreach efforts will be expanded to promote environmental stewardship and foster a sense of connection between our community and the diverse wildlife we house.

I plan to be Zoological Association of America accredited by the next five years and of course I plan to have flamingos by then.

- Compiled by Madison Willis, the Staff of the News