The blooloop 50 Zoo & Aquarium Influencer List 2023

Misha Body is a freelance leadership and organisational development consultant.  

Body has been working in zoos, aquariums and cultural organisations for over 20 years. Her work in conservation has been highly successful, however, it is her exemplary skills in leadership and people development which have defined her career.

One of the people who nominated Body said: “She sees the needs, and thinks deeply about addressing those needs. And she does so by convening people and lifting up others to share their perspectives; all while being completely approachable and pragmatic. She is a minority woman leader who is able to be herself - which unapologetically doesn't match the typical 'woman in leadership' mold - and in the most disarming yet reassuring way.”

Body set up her freelance consultancy in 2023, and is also director of Minorities in Aquarium and Zoo Science (MIAZS), an organisation which seeks to further aquarium and zoo science by diversifying its professionals and points of view. She is a professional fellow of AZA, where she is a member of the Ethics Board and annual conference programme committee, and advises the Professional Development Committee.

She was formerly director of wildlife care at San Diego Zoo where she oversaw the care of more than 6000 animals across some 700 species. Here, Body championed the highest quality of care and wellness for the animals while shaping the organisational culture. She continues to teach a graduate-level course for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and has supported over 200 students in developing their master planning skills.

Before this, she was director of husbandry at the California Science Centre, where she was the inaugural member of the Living Collections department.

One of the people who nominated Body said she created a culture which was “more collaborative, innovative, and supportive by modelling compassion and a people-first approach […] this leadership philosophy enabled teams to be more effective at providing excellent care to the animals, greater experiences for guests, and better partnerships across departments and campuses.”

Michael Clifford serves as the director of special projects for GLMV Architecture’s zoos and aquariums division, a leader in zoological conservation initiatives. He is also the strategy director for Reverse the Red, a global movement to unite governments, partners and experts to ensure the survival of wild species and ecosystems. In this role, Clifford is also a global advocate for innovation and conservation impact for GLMV projects.

Reverse the Red brings together a coalition of leading scientists, advocates and partners committed to using a data-driven and science-based approach to species conservation. The initiative provides the tools and expertise to empower governments, partners and communities to set and reach biodiversity conservation targets.

Clifford’s expertise and passion for zoos and aquariums have been key factors in the growth and success of the GLMV division. “Zoos and aquariums play an essential role in a coordinated global effort to reverse species decline. I’m deeply honored and very excited to be in a position to foster impact-driven strategic action for all types of organizations,” Clifford said. “My time with GLMV Zoos has been amazing, and I’m so thankful that I’ll be able to continue supporting the division as we support our zoological partners in the amazing work they do to ensure a thriving world for all living things.”

“Mike might have single-handedly influenced hundreds of zoo and aquarium leaders to think differently from the status quo and to push the boundaries, capacities, and impacts we face as conservation professionals,” said one person who nominated him.

“He has also been responsible for strategic consulting that has resulted in many zoos going through a thoughtful master planning process, often resulting in award-winning habitats known for innovative animal welfare and guest-oriented experiences.”

Karen Fifield MNZM was appointed chief executive of Wellington Zoo in 2006.

Wellington Zoo was founded in 1906 and is the oldest zoo in New Zealand. One person who nominated Fifield said: “Karen has led the transformation of Wellington Zoo into a globally recognised zoo. Wellington Zoo has won many awards since she became chief executive. Notably, Wellington Zoo won the inaugural WAZA Environmental Sustainability Award in 2018 and was the first Toitū carbon zero certified zoo in the world in 2013.”

Fifield has been elected as president of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), serving from October 2023. She has worked extensively with WAZA, as vice-president, a member of the Conservation and Environmental Sustainability Committee and as chair of the Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee. She has had a lead role in the development of the association’s sustainability guides, as well as policies including the WAZA 2023 Animal Welfare Goal, Protecting Our Planet, and WAZA Sustainability Strategy.

Speaking to A Different View for the greenloop Narratives for Sustainability report, Fifield commented: “Procurement is critical to supporting the SDGs [sustainable development goals] – we have to be seen to be doing the right thing and so we have an ethically sourced supply chain – it is not about dollars, it is about the principle.”

Fifield also serves on the Tapui Aotearoa Governance Group, an organisation which is exploring ways to protect the biodiversity in New Zealand through biobanking.

She was honoured with the title Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Business and Animal Welfare in 2017. Fifield was appointed as a member of the Wellington Conservation Board, was elected as a member of the New Zealand Sustainable Business Council, and has been president of the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia. In 2010, Fifield was Wellingtonian of the Year in the Environment category.  

Pierre Gay has been director general of Zoo des Sables d’Olonne since 1998 and director general of Bioparc Zoo de Doué-la-Fontaine since 1973. He has spent his career dedicated to conservation and reintroduction programs, as well as overseeing the two zoological parks in France.

Gay participated in and organized the first EAZA Conservation Forum and also launched Nature Projects, which has been running and supporting NGOs all over the world since 2001.

In 1986, he went to India to discover the work of the Snow Leopard Trust with its founder Helen Freeman. She told him that “if we want to save nature, we must take into account and help local communities”, something that has resonated with Gay and with the in-situ conservation strategy of Bioparc. He went on to travel to Madagascar in 1999, where he supported the first actions of the NGO Antongil Conservation in protecting the rainforest in the northeast of the island.

Gay also travelled to Niger to save the last herd of West African giraffes and worked with Heinz Plenge in Peru on the spectacled bear conservation project. Since the end of the 1970s, Gay has taken it upon himself to exchange, discover and learn what is being done elsewhere, and how biodiversity is protected, conserved and even saved. In 2006, EAZA gave him an award for his commitment to the protection of nature.

“By presenting endangered species, Pierre sought to develop our field of action beyond the Bioparc and thus complete the circle between presence in captivity and support for wild populations, while including the natural environment and local populations in these projects,” said one nominator.

“For over 30 years, Pierre has thus enabled the community of zoos and aquaria, particularly in Europe but also worldwide, to consider and develop conservation from an innovative angle that makes sense today.”

Lyle Squire Jnr has been CEO and director of Cairns Marine for nearly 30 years.

Cairns Marine is one of the world’s leading suppliers of sustainably sourced marine life for aquaria. The firm is dedicated to excellence in marine species collection and has set the global benchmark for best practices in the field.

The firm supplies an extraordinary range of marine life, from sharks, sawfish and rays to smaller fishes and invertebrates. It serves domestic retail outlets, wholesalers and public venues from its location in northern Australia, which is well placed for the well-managed and sustainable environments of the Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea and Gulf of Carpentaria. Cairns Marine works directly with its fisheries to develop their management arrangements, is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Marine Aquarium Council certified, and is a GBRMPA Reef Guardian.

One person who nominated Squire said: “Lyle's unmatched hands-on experience comprises over five thousand dives in diverse marine habitats worldwide, yielding profound insights into ecosystems and inhabitants. This expertise extends to species acquisition, husbandry, sustainable fisheries practices, and environmental stewardship.

“His commitment to responsible practices led to transforming a small marine collection business into a global leader, innovating ethical transportation methods for marine and freshwater species worldwide.

“Lyle's contributions extend beyond business success. Advocating for sustainable fishing practices through international conferences underscores his dedication to preserving marine ecosystems. Representing Queensland's Marine Aquarium Fish and Coral fishery at global forums highlights his commitment to responsible collection and environmental stewardship.”

Squire is an adjunct research fellow with James Cook University on the Northern Australian Freshwater Turtle Project and is the president of Pro-Vision Reef, a representative body for the marine aquarium industry on the Great Barrier Reef committed to the stewardship of the marine environment. The organisation’s voluntary schemes outline how the marine aquarium industry will respond to climate change, including a groundbreaking Stewardship Action Plan. 

Vivek Menon founded the Wildlife Trust of India in 1998.

This non-profit organisation works with communities and government agencies to protect wildlife in India, with a particular focus on endangered species and threatened habitats. When it began, it employed just three members of staff and has since grown to become one of the most important Wildlife Trusts in India.

Menon is a well-known wildlife conservationist, environmental commentator, author and photographer, who has a passion for elephants. He has been working in conservation for over 35 years, during which time he has led five NGOs dedicated to environmental conservation issues.

He is a councillor of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), where he is chair of both its Governance and Constituency Committee and its IUCN Asian Elephant Specialist Group. Menon is also a member of the Advisory Board for the IUCN Strategic Initiative on the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, and a member of the Species Survival Commission Steering Committee and the IUCN Conservation Translocation Specialist Group.

IUCN follows a science-led approach to provide knowledge, resources, and initiatives to public, commercial, and non-governmental organisations. This seeks to support the coexistence of society, economy, and nature. The resources supplied by IUCN include data, assessments and analyses, recognised standards, impartial convening fora, and capacity-building tools. The IUCN has over 1,500 member organisations, across 160 countries, and a network of over 15,000 scientists and experts.

In addition, Vivek Menon is the global chair of the Amphibian Survival Alliance (ASA) and has been a senior advisor to the CEO of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) for over 10 years. He is the winner of the 2019 Clark R Bavin Award, the 2018 Whitley Continuation Award, the 2017 Round Glass Samsara Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2001 Rufford Award. He has written 10 best-selling books, including Indian Mammals: A Field Guide, Wildlife Crime: An Enforcement Guide, and On The Brink: Travels in the Wilds of India.

Erin Meyer serves as the Seattle Aquarium’s vice president of conservation programs and partnerships. In her role, she directs conservation programming across three main areas – science, policy and sustainability. Before working at the Seattle Aquarium, she served as a senior scientist and senior program manager at the California Ocean Science Trust.

Meyer earned a PhD in integrative biology from the University of California, Berkeley. Her doctoral research focused on ecology, conservation and the management of coastal fisheries in the wider Caribbean. She also holds two BSc degrees from Rutgers University in biological oceanography and conservation ecology.

Additionally, Meyer has carried out research on kelp forest ecosystems at the University of Alaska Southeast, coral and seagrass ecosystems at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, and bivalve biodiversity and ecology at Burapha University in Thailand. She has taught and developed curriculum for courses in conservation biology, invertebrate zoology, marine biology and oceanography.

Meyer helped build the ReShark global coalition in response to the growing disappearance of sharks and rays due to fishing and habitat loss. She also chairs the project’s steering committee. “Aquariums have been advocating to protect ocean health, mobilizing communities and educating people about endangered marine animals. We can also help reverse the exponentially increasing number of species listed as endangered or critically endangered,” said Meyer.

“For some endangered species, protecting and restoring habitat areas isn’t sufficient. Because if their numbers get too low, they can’t successfully reproduce. And that’s where aquariums can step in because we are the organizations with the expertise and experience in breeding, rearing, feeding and caring for these animals in ways that no other organization can do. It’s an incredible opportunity to put our knowledge to work to restore threatened species in the ocean.”

Jo-Elle Mogerman, Philadelphia Zoo’s president and CEO, previously served as director of the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park. Before that, she was the vice president of learning and community at the Shedd Aquarium and spent nearly 14 years in leadership roles at the Brookfield Zoo. As director of the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park, which is due to open to the public in 2027, Mogerman was responsible for leading and planning the development of the 425-acre destination close to Saint Louis Zoo.

”Dr Mogerman’s impressive career and accomplishments speak for themselves, but it was her clear commitment to community, animal welfare, staff development, and operational excellence that made her the right fit for our renowned zoo,” said Joanna McNeil Lewis, chair of Philadelphia Zoo’s board of directors.

“I look forward to leading Philadelphia’s exceptional team to advance the zoo’s mission and further its impact on the region while also contributing to conservation in ways that are meaningful locally, regionally and nationally. There’s a lot of amazing work underway at Philadelphia Zoo and together with the community and the zoo team, I am certain we will catapult the nation’s first zoo into a model for zoos of the future,” said Mogerman.

President and CEO of Saint Louis Zoo, Dwight Scott, added: “To say it’s been a privilege to work with Dr Mogerman is an understatement. She’s a strategic leader and visionary, a dedicated conservationist, and a tremendous project manager and problem solver. While she’ll be missed here in Saint Louis, we look forward to partnering with her and her colleagues in Philadelphia.”

Mogerman has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Macalester College, and a master’s degree in conservation biology from the University of Minnesota. Additionally, she has a doctorate in biology from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

John Racanelli joined the National Aquarium in 2011. This organisation works to “inspire conservation of the world's aquatic treasures”. To this end, it runs a world-class attraction in Baltimore, US, which welcomes 1.2 million visitors each year, along with a worldwide conservation programme. Under Racanelli’s leadership, the National Aquarium is also working to establish a groundbreaking oceanside dolphin sanctuary.

Speaking to blooloop shortly after his appointment, Racanelli explained the importance of marine conservation, saying,  “Earth is an ocean planet.  The ocean is our life support system. Every four out of five breaths you take are coming to you courtesy of the phytoplankton in the ocean. It generates significantly more oxygen than all the rainforests and land masses combined.”

Before joining the National Aquarium, Racanelli spent ten years at Racanelli Partners, Inc., a consulting firm which he founded to advise nonprofit leaders around the world. In this work, he supported organisations such as the Sylvia Earle Alliance/Mission Blue, International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Surfrider Foundation, and worked with Dr Sylvia Earle to launch Google Ocean, which brought the ocean to Google Earth.

He has extensive experience in aquaria across the US, and was formerly CEO at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa, vice president of marketing and development at Monterey Bay Aquarium, and worked as a diver and aquarist while at college. He told blooloop: “ “I never really contemplated any kind of profession that didn’t involve the ocean and conservation.”

One person who nominated Racanelli said: “In his roles, John has a clear focus on the future and how aquariums need to develop to fulfil their missions in this changing world. His unique style is considered and eloquent, although with purpose and clarity. Always willing to help and share learnings to create experiences that effectively engage and inspire new generations of ‘hopeful conservationists’.”

Originally from Cork, Ireland, Kieran Stanley now lives in Berlin. Here, he plans and designs zoos and leisure parks across the globe. After completing his architectural studies at Trinity College Dublin, Stanley travelled to Hannover in Germany to work for an architectural firm commissioned to develop the masterplan for the Hannover Zoo. This masterplan approach became an important milestone in the development of European zoos. 

In 1999, Stanley established the dan pearlman Group, a leading brand and experience architecture group, in Berlin. Serving as CEO and creative director of dan pearlman’s experience architecture division, he has worked alongside some of the biggest brands in the world. He develops sustainable projects for parks and resorts, educational attractions, and zoos and aquariums.

Stanley is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), the German Leisure Park Association and the European Waterpark Association (EWA).

Some of his major projects include developing the masterplan for the Berlin Zoo, Chester Zoo’s ‘Islands’ project, South Korea’s first-ever Giant Panda habitat at Everland Resort, and the Rhinoceros Pagoda project at Berlin Zoo.

Discussing his approach with blooloop, Stanley said: “Designing a zoo is a complicated process since essentially we have to cater for three clients’ needs: The animals and their welfare, staff operations and the visitors. I prefer to collaborate closely through co-creative workshops or individual sessions with the curators, education team, marketing, retail or operations to get their input. That way, we can ‘bottom up’ the design, involving all the teams creating a holistic design.”

On Chester Zoo’s ‘Islands’ project, he said: “The teamwork and collaboration between all disciplines, whether zoology, education, operations or management, was very close and intense at times, but absolutely necessary in order to achieve such a result where all needs were satisfied and the visitor learns and experiences something unique.”  

Nicole Srock.Stanley, the co-founder of dan pearlman Group, said: “Kieran is passionate about animal welfare. He wants to inspire people to fall in love with wildlife in order to help protect nature.”