Name: Chris Waldron
Zoo Job: Sustainanble Operations Manager
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A paleontologist.
What is your favorite animal at the Philadelphia Zoo?
Polar bears.
What do you do at the Zoo?
I am in charge of making the Zoo 'greener' by improving our recycling program, improving energy efficiency in all of our buildings, helping to conserve water, making it more convenient for people that want to ride their bikes here or take public transportation, etc.
What is the coolest part about your job?
I get to help improve the Zoo in many ways and interact with a lot of people. Being from Philadelphia, I am glad I can help do things to make the Zoo and the community a better place!
What is the hardest part about your job?
As with many things, projects like the ones I'm working on often cost a great deal of money. So finding ways to pay for these things is probably the biggest challenge. One example is the new recycling containers we're buying for the Zoo - each one costs over $1,000! We need 50 of them, so that's a lot of money!
How does your job help animals or help people learn more about wildlife?
Part of our conservation program involves planting trees in places like Borneo, where elephants and orangutans live. The trees help absorb bad chemicals in the atmosphere, so the more trees we plant, the more healthy our planet will be. In addition, by planting trees, we are creating new habitat for these very endangered species.
How can I get a job like yours?
I have a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Penn State. There are also new school programs that deal with conservation and sustainability, so there are lots of opportunities to study these programs in college now.