Dallas Zoo competitors

Cristián Samper (born September 25, 1965) is a Colombian-American tropical biologist specializing in conservation biology and environmental policy. Since 2012, he has served as President and CEO of WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society). He was acting secretary of the Smithsonian from 2007 to 2008, the first Latin American to hold the position. From 2003 to 2012, he was the Director of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, the world's largest natural history collection. In April 2015, Dr. Samper was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

As President and CEO, I lead the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club and the Wilds conservation center with a focus on inspiring people to make a difference for wildlife and wild places. Annually more than 2.8 million people visit the Columbus Zoo and its other entities making it one of the most successful zoological institutions in the country and a significant economic engine in central Ohio. I have more than 30 years experience gained by first working as zookeeper and then advancing through every aspect of zoo management - from animal care to exhibit design to financial management to strategic visioning. I became the youngest zoo director in the country when tapped to manage Niabi Zoo in Illinois in 1995 and guided that zoo to gain national accreditation for the first time. I strive to use storytelling and my love of education to help inspire people to join the Zoo’s mission to protecting animals globally and locally. I have traveled with Jack Hanna for education programs, zoo promotions and national television appearances for more than 20 years, and do regular speaking engagements and television appearances, as well as speaking on behalf of state and federal legislation that affects wildlife. I place a high priority on animal welfare and conservation, and have had the opportunity to travel to several countries where the Zoo supports programs that help people help protect wildlife including a program helping save mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Africa. Globally, the Zoo has more than 100 conservation projects in 46 countries that are supported by $4 million raised through public donations and fundraisers each year.

• Highly accomplished senior leader with over 30 years of experience in the management and daily operation of conservation organizations• A diverse educational background combining business experience (Master of Business Administration) and conservation biology (Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences)• Extensive business expertise incorporating entrepreneurial and philanthropic ventures including business plan development, fundraising, strategic planning, budgeting, staff and volunteer management, working with a board of directors• Proven ability to lead a coalition of regional educational facilities, regulatory agencies and other stakeholders in support of conservation activities. Development of research projects including report writing and statistical data analysis in peer reviewed journals to assist conservation biology, endangered species management and educational programs

Nik Dehejia is responsible for the smooth running of almost every aspect of the Zoo. From raising money and managing it to marketing and education, to safety and rides, Nik’s long, varied experience at the zoo grounds his approaches to leadership and problem solving in the realities of running such an ambitious and diverse organization. This grounding has resulted in the successful completion of a number of high priority Zoo projects, such as the California Trail, a three-stage, multi-million dollar project that includes anew Veterinary Hospital (opened in 2012), a Biodiversity Center (opened in 2013), and the Gondola and California Trail (opened in 2017/2018). Prior to Oakland Zoo, Nik worked in both the public and non-profit sectors. At the World Resources Institute and World Bank he worked in international public policy, focused on corporate responsibility at Business for Social Responsibility, and worked in a more traditionally commercial role at Levi Strauss & Co. Nik holds an MBA from U.C. Berkeley and an undergraduate degree from Vassar College. A 23-year resident in the Bay Area and a father of two, Nik lives in Alameda.

Kevin Bell is a Chief Executive Officer at Lincoln Park Zoo.