Blogger Profile: Rick Schwartz
Rick Schwartz is a senior keeper who also serves as the ambassador for the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. He joined San Diego Zoo Global in 2000 as a part-time keeper in the San Diego Zoo’s Children’s Zoo. He advanced to a senior keeper in 2004. As a keeper for San Diego Zoo Global, Rick is responsible for the care of many different species of birds, mammals and reptiles. He works with keepers and veterinary staff to care for and improve the physical and psychological well-being of the animals. As ambassador, Rick has traveled across the country and around the world representing the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Making appearances on local television stations and national morning shows like CBS’s "Early Show," he shares with the public all that the Zoo and Safari Park do, locally and globally, for conservation. During his many television and radio interviews, Rick’s passion for wildlife and conservation are surpassed only by the many charismatic animals he brings with him.
A Koala Kwest: Part 3
To have a better understanding of what we are looking at on St. Bees Island, we have to go back to the 1930s. Records show that is was around that time in the history of St. Bees, humans introduced a little over a dozen koalas and an undetermined amount of swamp wallabies to the island. read more
A Koala Kwest, Part 2
Once down, the koala is placed in a soft canvas bag for its safety and ours. Another interesting note: when placed in the bag, they completely relax. Some researchers believe the bag triggers a natural response based on the sensation of being in a pouch. read more
A Koala Kwest, Part 1
Having never been to Australia before, I was thrilled when I was told I was being sent “Down Under” to work with some of our staff and researchers from Queensland University on a wild koala study! read more
Meeting Famous Galápagos Characters
The headquarters of the Galápagos National Park (GNP), located on the island of Santa Cruz, houses not only the main breeding facility (which I will tell you more about later) but also a couple of famous characters. read more
Greetings from the Galápagos Islands
Imagine a place where four ocean currents come together from four different parts of the world. Those currents converge and collide among a collection of volcanic islands, some 600 miles away from any mainland. This would create a very unique place indeed… read more
