Today we’d like to introduce you to Rick Schwartz.
Rick, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was hired on as a part-time zookeeper at the San Diego Zoo in 2000. Prior to that, I had about 7 years of experience working with animals specializing in their care and behavior. Within 6 months of working as a part-time keeper, I was fortunate enough to apply for, and get a full-time keeper position. I have always enjoyed talking with people about animals and conservation, so when the Zoo opened up a position for a temporary ambassador in 2009, I applied. After a series of interviews and auditions, I was selected for the position.
By 2010 I was asked to stay on full-time as the Ambassador & Spokesperson for San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Over the years the position and has grown and evolved. In the last 8 years as Ambassador, I have visited our conservation sites in Botswana, Kenya, Australia, & Hawaii to name a few. And I am fortunate enough to have been a guest on many local and national TV programs including the Today Show, GMA Live, Live with Kelly, Access Hollywood and many more. Although these national shows are a lot of work and a lot of fun, the best part is being able to reach an even larger audience to educate them about animals and inspire them to help with conservation.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For the most part, and in the traditional way of thinking about it, it has been a smooth pretty road. For me, the challenges have been the long global flights, (I can never get comfortable enough to sleep on a plane.) Or very early call-times for TV shows while also dealing with jet-lag.
San Diego Zoo Global – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
San Diego Zoo Global is the non-profit organization that runs the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. SDZ Global also oversee all of many conservation programs (over 130 at most recent count) all around the globe.
My role in the organization is primarily as a spokesperson, telling the public about the work we are doing to save species around the world through various forms of media, public presentations and even social media as well.
I am proud to work for an organization that has such a deep and rich history, not only in San Diego but worldwide as well. It seems no matter where I travel, everyone knows about the San Diego Zoo – Either they have a fond memory from their visit, they want to go visit, or they are thanking me for the work that SDZ Global does for conservation.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment for me was when I was asked if I would like to stay on as the permanent Ambassador for the organization. Prior to that, the position was considered temporary and I expected to go back to being a zookeeper when the role was done. And I was completely happy with that plan, I had worked many years as a zookeeper and absolutely love the job.
So having had the opportunity to be a temporary Ambassador for the World Famous San Diego Zoo was an honor in itself. But when I was offered the position as a permanent Ambassador I was very honored that such an amazing organization would entrust me to be the voice and spokesperson.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA
- Website: www.sandiegozoo.org
- Phone: 619-231-1515
- Email: publicrelations@sandiegozoo.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zookeeperrick/, https://www.instagram.com/sandiegozoo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZookeeperRick/, https://www.facebook.com/sandiegozoo/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZooKeeperRick, https://twitter.com/sandiegozoo
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/rickschwartz
Image Credit:
San Diego Zoo Staff photographer
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
