The blooloop 50 Zoo & Aquarium Influencer List 2024

Grant Abel, CEO of Abel Conservation LLC, has made extensive contributions to marine biodiversity conservation and animal welfare throughout his career, including work at the Shimonoseki Marine Science Museum - Kaikyokan, Ocean Park Hong Kong, and the Seattle Aquarium in the USA.

Since the 1970s, Abel has dedicated his career to studying and preserving marine life. In a previous role at the Seattle Aquarium, where he was VP of life sciences, he was pivotal in advancing the institution’s mission to inspire the conservation of the marine environment. His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in developing and implementing numerous ex-situ and in-situ conservation programs that have had a significant impact on the Aquarium’s future and marine wildlife.

One of Grant’s notable achievements is his work on the new species recovery program at the Seattle Aquarium. This program focuses on the reintroduction and reinforcement of endangered species and includes establishing the Aquarium’s nursery for rearing pinto abalone for release into local waters—the Stegostoma tigrinum Augmentation & Recovery (StAR) project for Indo-Pacific leopard sharks and the Shark Ray 360 project for breeding and releasing Bowmouth guitarfish.

"The efforts of Grant Abel, focusing on establishing integrated conservation action plans with aquarium colleagues, international NGOs, partners and IUCN specialist groups, have contributed to the restoration of the populations and the preservation of those focal species," said one person who nominated him.

Abel has been a key player in global conservation initiatives. He continues to co-lead small cetacean conservation efforts worldwide, working with partners having diverse perspectives and backgrounds to advance integrated conservation planning and action that aims to prevent further extinctions. His dedication to these initiatives, exemplified by his leadership roles in the 2017 Vaquita CPR project and the Consortium for the Conservation of the Atlantic Humpback Dolphin (CCAHD), reflects his commitment to innovative and impactful conservation efforts.

Michael Farquhar is CEO of the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, South Africa. Under his leadership, the team is committed to raising ocean awareness through captivating exhibits, meaningful conservation programmes, and innovative educational offerings. One nominator said Farquhar is a “visionary leader, steering the institution towards excellence in ocean awareness, conservation, and education”.

They added: “Farquhar’s commitment to the wellbeing of our oceans is evident in every aspect of the aquarium’s operations. From the engaging exhibits that captivate visitors to the hands-on conservation efforts that make a tangible difference, his influence extends far beyond the walls of the aquarium. His dedication to raising ocean awareness has inspired action and fostered a deep connection between the community and the marine environment.”

In addition to his work at the aquarium, Michael Farquhar has been a driving force behind many community outreach projects, including mobile programmes that bring marine education to disadvantaged communities. These initiatives have made marine science accessible to a wider audience, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of marine life.

Farquhar has also played a crucial role in ensuring the financial viability of the Two Oceans Aquarium. His strategic leadership has enabled the aquarium to remain a self-sustaining visitor attraction.

Myfanwy Griffith has been the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) executive director since 2014. She has spent the last decade leading, progressing and catalysing the positive impacts of the largest regional association for the zoo and aquarium sector.

Griffith is a member of the Conservation Planning Specialist Group, IUCN Species Survival Commission, and IUCN Commission on Education and Communication. She also serves on the WAZA Council and the Board of Trustees for Species 360. 

Griffith began her career in zoos, first as a zookeeper intern and then in the education department at Chester Zoo. During this time, she discovered her passion for wildlife education and moved from zoos to animal management colleges. 

She joined EAZA in 2011 in the new position of EAZA Academy training officer, where she helped expand the number and range of training events and courses EAZA offers. After three years, she became manager at the EAZA Academy. She was then appointed executive director and has transformed EAZA by expanding roles and services to the membership and developing a new strategic roadmap.

One person who nominated Griffiths said: "For over a decade, Myfanwy Griffith has been a transformative force in the global zoo and aquarium community. As Executive Director of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), she has led the organisation through a period of unprecedented growth, complexity, and influence.

"Her leadership has not only elevated EAZA’s strategic vision but has also strengthened its role as a global standard-bearer for conservation, education, and animal welfare."

Another said: “Myfanwy is widely recognised for her calm, culturally sensitive leadership style and her ability to navigate complex challenges with clarity and compassion. Whether guiding members through crises or advocating for the role of zoos in global conservation, she brings authenticity, vision, and a collaborative spirit that inspires trust and action."

Amy Hughes is the director of communication, experience and conservation at Wellington Zoo, New Zealand’s first Zoo and Wellington’s oldest conservation organisation.

She began her career at Wellington Zoo in 2005 as a marketing and communications advisor and has since worked in various roles covering learning, visitor experience, marketing, conservation and sustainability. Over the past ten years, she has overseen both the physical development of the Zoo Capital Program and the experience transformation of the Zoo. Amy Hughes was a finalist for the 2014 Wellingtonian of the Year—Education.

Sheis an elected board memberforthe Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA) and serves as the regional representative for Australia and New Zealand on the International Zoo Educators Board of Directors.

Wellington Zoo is working to improve its digital sustainability and has reduced its website's CO2 emissions by more than 25 percent. It worked with San Francisco-based digital design company AKQA to reduce the CO2 emissions from its website by 550,644gm, equivalent to the amount of carbon as 3,931 kilometres of driving.

“Once our web agency presented the idea of digital sustainability to me and Zel Lazarevich, our marketing and communications manager, we knew that it was something we wanted to tackle,” said Hughes of the project.

“So little attention is paid to our online carbon footprint, so it really opened our eyes. The best part of going through the process with AKQA was ensuring we still retained the functionality and the look and feel of our website, as animal pictures and bright colours are an integral part of the design.

One nominator called Hughes a "sought-after subject matter expert on diversity and accessibility initiatives as well as sustainable tourism and sustainability actions...She is well respected in the zoo and aquarium community and has always given back to our profession."

Jim Mackie is an animal training and behaviour officer at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). He joined as ZSL’s first animal training and behaviour officer in 2012 after demonstrating the value of trained behaviours to improve husbandry and welfare in the zoo’s living collections. While working as part of ZSL’s animal display department, Mackie realised that the techniques associated with training animals for demonstrations could be transferred to the whole living collection.

Mackie has worked for ZSL for nearly 25 years, and has contributed to the care and welfare of countless animals across a wide range of taxonomic groups. Beyond his work at ZSL’s London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo, Mackie has contributed to several species recovery programmes. These include in-country field programmes such as supporting the management of the Asiatic lion in India, as well as UK species projects with Natural England.

“This drive for innovative ideas and collaboration is central to Jim’s work. He has established strong links with partners across the globe that bring innovative behaviour management principles to many audiences, with numerous benefits to associated animals,” said a nominator.

Jim Mackie also founded the BIAZA Animal Behaviour and Training Working Group and is a member of the EAZA Animal Training Working Group. He organises conferences and workshops, providing CPD and coaching sessions across multiple zoos. One of his more recent successes was to drive the creation of a practitioner course with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council. This has enabled a formalised accreditation process for zookeepers and aquarists for the first time in the UK.

“His contributions and expertise are recognised across the globe, with invites to present keynote presentations and run workshops at conferences across continents,” the nominator added.

Kim McIntyre is executive director of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP), a coalition aimed at inspiring collective action for ocean and freshwater conservation. She has been working at the intersection of ocean conservation, climate change, policy and sustainability for more than 20 years, building cross-sector coalitions with governments, non-profits, academia, and industry.

Established by several major US aquariums, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Shedd Aquarium and the National Aquarium, the Aquarium Conservation Partnership was created in 2016 to align public aquariums across the US with a mission to inspire conservation and action for ocean and freshwater ecosystems and wildlife. The organisation addresses issues such as habitat protections, climate change, plastic pollution and environmental equity.

McIntyre understands aquariums' collective impact. She has championed the creation and adoption of environmentally friendly practices across all member aquariums, including a climate commitment with carbon neutral targets. These initiatives align with the ACP’s conservation goals and set a high standard for other institutions in the field.

“The Aquarium Conservation Partnership exists because conservation work isn’t possible without doing things collectively and collaboratively,” McIntyre told blooloop. “It’s the collective impact of numerous different and diverse organisations coming together that can make the change we’re all trying to push toward for our future.”

One person who nominated Kim McIntyre said: “Through strategic planning, impactful collaborations, and a commitment to public engagement and sustainability, McIntyre has strengthened the role of aquariums in marine conservation. Her leadership has not only enhanced the effectiveness of ACP’s member institutions but has also set a high standard for conservation efforts within the aquarium community. McIntyre continues to inspire positive change and drive forward the crucial work of conserving our planet’s marine ecosystems.

“She is a dynamic leader who co-creates and leads at the same time while producing innovative initiatives and implementing groundbreaking models that the Aquarium Conservation Partnership members utilize to move their institutions into the 21st century.”

Mark Penning is vice president of animals, science and environment at Disney Experiences, the theme parks division of the Walt Disney Company. Penning began his career as a veterinarian specialising in birds and reptiles. His experience includes developing bird and reptile parks, and leading research organisations that have contributed to oceanographic data and the preservation of the marine environment.

A recent example of his team’s work is Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, where he has ensured that “everybody involved is thinking about nature, wildlife, and habitats and making sure our impact is, to the greatest extent possible, a positive one”. Disney Cruise Line has aimed to minimise the environmental impact of the design and construction of Disney Lookout Cay, in line with its commitment to preserving the Bahamas’ natural beauty. The cruise line has developed and will operate the island destination sustainably in accordance with the Walt Disney Company’s 2030 environmental goals.

“One of our key decision points was bringing on board Bahamian scientists,” MArk Penning told blooloop. “They understood the landscape, the habitats and the animals, as well as people’s attitudes and how people think about that nature. We gained remarkable insights from them.”

Various long-term conservation initiatives are being delivered at Disney Lookout Cay. These include the first-ever tagging and tracking data project for land crabs in the Bahamas. Disney has also developed a new coral rehabilitation programme in partnership with the Perry Institute’s Reef Rescue Network Program. This is in addition to its ongoing coral monitoring programme, which works to mitigate the widespread effects of stony coral tissue loss disease.

“That’s one of those global issues. It’s so much bigger than Disney or the Bahamas. Stony coral tissue loss disease is caused by a combination of things. Possibly the warming of the oceans and persistent changes in temperature, but also agrochemicals and a lot of factors that are causing these corals to die off,” he told blooloop.

David Rosenberg is the executive vice president of ventures, growth, and experience for SSA Ventures, a partner entity of SSA Group, a best-in-class provider of integrated guest services for cultural attractions such as zoos, aquariums, and museums. In this role, he is responsible for driving the company's strategic growth initiatives, fostering innovation, and enhancing guest experiences across SSA’s portfolio of venues.

With a background in hospitality and entertainment, Rosenberg is experienced in creating immersive and engaging experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. He focuses on identifying new opportunities for expansion, developing partnerships, and leveraging emerging technologies to enhance the visitor experience. His work involves not only expanding SSA's business reach but also ensuring that the company's offerings remain cutting-edge and aligned with evolving consumer expectations.

Rosenberg is known for his forward-thinking approach, combining business acumen with a deep understanding of creating meaningful and memorable visitor experiences. Before joining SSA Group, he was with Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, where he began as director of guest experience in 2007 and moved to the role of general manager in 2013. He served as the aquarium's vice president from 2016 until joining SSA Group in June 2024.

His experience also includes serving in leadership positions at Walt Disney World and Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

David Rosenberg was the global chairman of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), the chair of the Aquarium Affairs committee for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and an AZA accreditation inspector. He has alsoserved on numerous international and local boards of directors.

He is a passionate advocate for sustainability and responsible business practices within the sector, often emphasising the importance of creating experiences that are not only enjoyable but also environmentally conscious and educational. Rosenberg's commitment to sustainability is reflected in his work at SSA Group, where he encourages integrating eco-friendly practices into the company's operations.

Peggy Sloan is the chief animal conservation officer at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois. In this role, she oversees Shedd’s commitment to its animals, ensuring world-class care. “Connecting people with animals is a privilege and a pleasure. When we successfully create moments of wonder and awe, and if these translate to curiosity, compassion and conservation, then we’re making a difference for our natural world,” says Sloan.

Sloan works with the aquarium’s animal care, veterinary and research teams to lead the integration of animal care, conservation and science into all areas of Shedd’s operations. Beyond her work at the aquarium, Sloan served on the board of directors of AZA, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, between 2013 and 2020. She was AZA’s chair in 2019. Currently, she serves on the board of the Southeast Zoological Alliance for Reproductive Conservation (SEZARC). SEZARC saves endangered species through reproductive science.

“From coral polyps to beluga whales, Sloan is fascinated by animals. She loves working alongside passionate professionals to expand the community of humans who value and respect our natural world,” the Shedd Aquarium says.

Before joining Shedd, Peggy Sloan was director of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. She has received many awards for outstanding service through AZA. Also, the North Carolina Aquariums created a professional development scholarship for women in honour of Sloan to recognise and encourage future women leaders in animal care, conservation and science.

One nominator said: “Responsible for all animal and related ex-situ and in situ conservation activities at the Shedd Aquarium, she is advancing best practices and intent within her organization, in addition to aquariums at a global scale.”

Shedd is preparing for a $500 million redesign to improve the visitor experience with a focus on conservation. The new Shedd Aquarium will focus on animal biology, behaviours and biodiversity, replacing the current geographical-based experience.

Philippe Vallette has been recognised for his outstanding contributions as the former CEO of Nausicaá, the largest public aquarium in Europe. Vallette's “visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to marine conservation have left an indelible mark on both the institution and the global community”, said one person who nominated him.

During his tenure, Vallette transformed Nausicaá in Boulogne sur Mer, France from a regional attraction into a world-renowned centre for marine education and conservation.  His innovative approach to aquarium management focused on the display of marine life and the importance of ocean conservation. Under his leadership, Nausicaá expanded its exhibits to offer experiences that educate visitors about the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the urgent need for their protection.

“Philippe’s dedication to marine research and public awareness has been instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding of the ocean’s role in sustaining life on Earth. He spearheaded numerous initiatives that brought together scientists, educators, and policymakers to address pressing environmental challenges. His efforts have inspired countless individuals to become advocates for marine conservation, ensuring that future generations will continue to benefit from his legacy,” the nominator added.

Beyond Nausicaá, Philippe Vallette has collaborated with international organisations in a bid to protect marine biodiversity, and his work has been recognised with many awards. Vallette also chairs the International Aquariums Network’s (IAN) steering committee. The IAN oversees the International Aquarium Congress, which is being held in Guadalajara, Mexico in 2024.

The International Aquarium Congress brings together professionals to discuss, reflect and exchange ideas on the rebuilding of ecosystems and living creatures.