The Birmingham Zoo Announces Senior Team Expansion

The Birmingham Zoo proudly announces Chris Pfefferkorn as the new Senior Vice President. Pfefferkorn has over 20 years of Zoological experience, which includes serving as the Deputy Director of Living Collections at Oregon Zoo, General Curator at Oregon Zoo, General Curator at Ellen Trout Zoo, Zookeeper/Behavior Management Coordinator at San Antonio Zoo and Zoological Curator and Zookeeper/Horticulturist at Glen Oak Zoo. Pfefferkorn will oversee the Zoo’s Senior Staff and work with them on the major operations and management of the Zoo. He will develop strategic short term and long term planning, and will oversee conservation and research efforts of the Birmingham Zoo. Pfefferkorn will provide supervision, evaluation, guidance and direction for the animal care staff.

Mr. Pfefferkorn earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois. Pfefferkorn completed the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) School for Professional Management of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA Studbook School, AZA Elephant Managers School, AZA Populations Management Course and AZA Principles of Elephant Management for Institutional Directors. In addition, Pfefferkorn completed the AZA Executive Leadership Development Program, a program designed to train the next generation of zoological executive leaders.

Pfefferkorn has spent over 15 years devoting himself to conservation initiatives including research on the flora and fauna of Zimbabwe, Africa. As the Executive Director of Chipangali CRI USA, he helped with the formation and attainment of non-profit status in order to support conservation and research in Zimbabwe. Pfefferkorn worked on grant writing and fundraising, budget formation and oversight, participation in field research activities, dissemination of field research information and leadership of the non-profit’s Board of Directors. Chipangali CRI USA provides environmental education to the underserved school children of western Zimbabwe through its Environmental Programs Involving Children (EPIC) Kids program.

“We are delighted to have Chris join the Birmingham Zoo staff. We are confident that his extensive experience will take the Zoo to the next level,” says Dr. William Foster, President and CEO of the Birmingham Zoo.

For the press release, please click here.