Gina Ferrie, PhD

Vice President of Collections and Conservation

Gina Ferrie, PhD, joined Zoo Atlanta as Vice President of Collections and Conservation in 2024. In her role, she oversees the Zoo’s Animal Care and Research divisions while leading Zoo Atlanta’s conservation initiatives in keeping with the Zoo’s established objectives as outlined in the organization’s Conservation Strategic Plan.

 

Dr. Ferrie joined Zoo Atlanta from Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where she served most recently as Science Operations Manager. During her more than 16 years at that organization, she also served in the capacities of Research Manager and Population Biologist and Research Associate. Her prior professional zoological career also includes husbandry of both terrestrial and aquatic species.

 

The author or co-author of more than 30 peer-reviewed publications in applied zoo and aquarium science, biology, and conservation journals, Dr. Ferrie brings a passion for applied scientific and evidence-based practices that enhance animal care, wellbeing, and conservation efforts at Zoo Atlanta.

 

Dr. Ferrie has a PhD in Conservation Biology from the University of Central Florida, a Master of Science degree in Conservation Biology from Columbia University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Evolutionary and Environmental Biology from Dartmouth College. Her academic teaching experience includes Zoo Biology and Management and Population Management at the University of Central Florida and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Professional Development School.

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