Representatives from Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo, along with nearly 200 zoos from around the world, will be traveling to Texas for the 78th annual American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) Conference, hosted by the Fort Worth Zoo, from Sept. 10-14.
During the five days, conference delegates will learn how to be more effective in their careers, whether they are an elephant keeper, development director, conservation biologist or revenue operations director.
“As host of the event, several employees are presenters and facilitators in the sessions, roundtable discussions and meetings,” said Michael Fouraker, director of the Fort Worth Zoo. “It is quite an honor to share our industry knowledge with so many of our peers – and to share everything our great city of Fort Worth has to offer.”
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is in the midst of a construction/expansion boom – including a new visitor entry, a new Asia Forest Sanctuary Exhibit, a new amphitheater, children’s zone, new signage and pathways and an animal hospital.
The project is being funded by a $35 million bond issue approved by Tacoma voters in 1999.