NZP staff recognized at annual conference

Every year, the American Association of Zoo Keepers recognizes outstanding individuals in the animal care profession. At this year’s Awards Ceremony held Aug. 29, several National Zoo staff were honored.

Lifetime Achievement, AAZK Professional Service Award

Kathy Brader (Bird House)
(Photo by Bill O’ Brien)

Certificate of Merit, Zookeeper Education

Chelsea Grubb (American Trail) and Hilary Colton (Amazonia) and  for ongoing Ethics Discussions program. (Photo by Bill O’ Brien)

Lee Houts Advancement in Enrichment Award

Department of Nutrition Commissary team: Brian Cannon, Chelia Char, Tyrone Savoy, Albert Olson, Chris Stout, Coral McDonald, Stephen Schulze, Brittany Hudgins, Mike Kirby, and Lori Smith for exceptional work in creating enrichment items. (Photo by Bill O’Brien)

Nikki Maticic (Great Cats and Kids’ Farm) for her improvements to the Kids’ Farm chicken enclosure. (Photo by Bill O’Brien)

Certificate of Merit in Exhibit Renovation

Reptile Discovery Center team: Matt Neff, Lauren Augustine, Michael Miller, Robin Saunders, Kyle Miller, Matt Evans, Alan Peters for the design and development of the Jewels of the Appalachia exhibit. (Photo by Bill O’Brien)

Certificate of Appreciation

Presented to Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park in sincere appreciation for serving as the Host Institution for the 44th National Conference of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. held August 27 – August 31, 2017 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Bill O’Brien)

Distinguished Service Award

Presented to National Capital AAZK Chapter, Washington, D.C., in recognition of outstanding service in furthering the growth of AAZK by hosting the 44th National Conference.

Certificate of Recognition

Presented to Denny Charlton for acting as Interim National Board Member and for serving as co-chair for the 44^th National Conference

Certificate of Recognition

Presented to Kenton Kerns for serving as Chair for the 44^th National Conference

AAZK’s mission is to advance excellence in the animal keeping profession, foster effective communication beneficial to animal care, support deserving conservation projects, and promote the preservation of our natural resources and animal life.