Zoos: A Historical
Perspective from Smithsonian Institution Libraries
The
National Zoological Park is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
Lisa Stevens, Curator, Primates and Pandas, Department of Animal Programs
Animals
Education
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. Bachelor of Science Degree, Zoology/Pre-Veterinary Medicine, 1977
AZA School for Professional Management Development for Zoo and Aquarium Personnel, 1986
Professional History and Interests
I have a diverse background working with animals in many different settings. Prior to my arrival at the National Zoo, I held positions as a field research assistant, in pet and aquarium retail, veterinary clinic operations, insect zoo husbandry and interpretation, and riding stable management. I have been a horse owner for more than 22 years.
At the National Zoo, I have been working with a diverse collection of mammals including primates, ungulates, pachyderms, bears, cats, marine mammals, and a variety of small mammals. I have managed all aspects of the Zoo's giant panda program for 20 years. I am responsible for all aspects of the daily operations, personnel supervision, budget, long-range planning, record keeping, exhibit design, and construction. I have specialized experience in pinniped training and public presentation. I have been the giant panda spokesperson for the past 20 years, handling a multitude of interviews and press conferences both on and off camera.
I have extensive public-speaking experience in front of large and small audiences. I have maintained ISIS records and arranged both national and international shipments. Additional personnel management skills have been gained in dealing with difficult supervisory situations. I have acted as a coordinator of behavioral watch, keeper aide, exhibit interpretation, docent staffed programs. I participate in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan for several species. National Zoo committee membership and/or coordination include animal welfare, education council, exhibit program evaluation, minority outreach, and bias awareness/employee relations.
I have lived overseas for nine years. Through Friends of the National Zoo, International Expeditions, and World Wildlife Fund, I have acted as a tour leader for natural history tours in Africa, Madagascar, India, and South America. I have traveled extensively and am comfortable living in diverse cultures and extreme environments. I have a working knowledge of French and Thai languages.
Selected Publications
Genetic Management Through Deception, Liontails, Volume 2, No. 2, Page 1, 1985.
Monitoring Ovarian Function and Pregnancy in the Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) by Evaluating Urinary Bioactive FSH and Steroid Metabolites, Journal of Reproductive Fertility, 85;203-212.
A Giant Dilemma, ZooGoer, March/April, 1992.
Tomoka, Gorilla Gazette, Vol. 6, No. 23, April, 1992.
National Zoo Gorillas: An SSP Success Story, ZooGoer, March/April 1993.
Mandara's Motto: Why Not Adopt?!, Gorilla Workshop Proceedings, Milwaukee Zoo, Milwaukee, WI, 1993.
Pandas and the National Zoo, Curator Chat, Adopt News, Issue 2, Spring 1997.
Preservation of Primates, Curator Chat, Adopt News, Issue 3, Fall 1997.
Positive Reinforcement Training for Biomedical and Reproductive Management of Giant Pandas, Animal Keepers’ Forum, Vol. 33, No. 9, September 2006
Contact Information
Smithsonian's
National Zoo
P.O. Box 37012, MRC 5507
Washington, DC 20013-7012
