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Leaders & Experts

You’d be surprised how many individuals, talents and backgrounds it takes to run the Zoo! Zoo Atlanta employs an outstanding team of experienced professionals in a variety of departments. Check out brief reference bios below. For more information, please contact the Public Relations and Communications Department.

Meet The Experts

Gina Ferrie, PhD

Vice President of Collections and Conservation

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Sam Rivera, DVM

Vice President of Animal Health

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Kate Leach, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

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Megan Watson, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

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James Ballance

Senior Curator of Ambassador Animals, Birds, and Herpetology

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Jodi Carrigan

Curator of Primates

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Kenn Harwood

Curator of Mammals

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Robert Hill

Curator of Herpetology

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Lauren Wilson

Curator of Birds

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Rebecca Young

Curator of Ambassador Animals

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Joe Mendelson, PhD

Director of Research

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Marieke Cassia Gartner, PhD

Director of Animal Welfare

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Remembering Dr. Jennifer Mickelberg

Zoo Atlanta was devastated by the tragic passing of Jennifer Mickelberg, PhD, our Vice President of Collections and Conservation, on October 31, 2023.

Her loss is keenly felt throughout the Zoo Atlanta family, from the teams of animal care professionals she led, to the close colleagues with whom she worked regularly, to all those beyond Zoo Atlanta who knew and were touched by her, both professionally and personally.

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