Rob Yordi has more than 30 years’ experience in the zoological field and has helped to administer the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens conservation fund grants for the past decade. He started his career at Marineland of the Pacific in California as an animal care staff member, working with marine animals such as orcas, walruses, penguins, dolphins and sharks. He then became a part of the zoological team that opened SeaWorld San Antonio, where he worked for 16 years in the aviculture department.
Yordi spent the next four years as Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s zoological manager. He oversaw grey wolves, ambassador animals and Clydesdale horses. Yordi went on to lead the zoological plans for SeaWorld’s Dubai expansion concept. When the project ended in 2010, he became the curator of zoological operations at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. There, he was responsible for tigers, orangutans, rhinos and elephants.
“Rob is truly connected to the zoo and aquarium industry around the world. His passions lie in both terrestrial and aquatic animals and he loves to share his passion. Rob has also influenced many institutions with his animal care philosophies, insights, and practice. On top of all of this, Rob is willing and emotive when sharing his passions and thoughts. He will talk to anyone and bounce ideas around in a fun, collaborative way,” said one person who nominated Yordi.
Through SeaWorld’s conservation fund, Yordi has visited projects in Panama, Uganda, Cambodia, South Africa, Brazil and the US. He is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the International Marine Mammal Trainers’ Association, the Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA), and the American Association of Zoo Keepers. Additionally, he is the vice chair for the Southern Tamandua SSP, and is a board member for Service Dogs, Inc. in Texas.