Welcome to our new blog series highlighting the recipients of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Director’s Award, which honors exceptional talent, leadership and performance. This year, eight individuals received the award, based on projects they completed in 2016 that were broad in scope, complex and had a notable positive impact on zoo operations and/or the guest experience; or showed significant costs savings or added tangible value to a process or park operation or animal husbandry in general.
Today, we’ll hear from Jay Pratte, behavioral husbandry and welfare manager, who was recognized for overseeing the Advancing Bear Care 2016 conference, which was held at the zoo October 6-9, 2016.