About Us - Wild Wonders Zoo

OUR HISTORY

Historic photo of Wild Wonders Zoo in 1965

Wild Wonders Zoo was established in 1965 by renowned conservationist Dr. Thomas Williams, who transformed a modest 30-acre family farm into what would become one of the nation's premier wildlife sanctuaries. What began as a small collection of rescued native species has evolved over five decades into a 120-acre conservation center housing over 2,500 animals from around the globe.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, under the leadership of Dr. Williams and later his daughter Dr. Emma Williams, Wild Wonders pioneered innovative habitat design, moving away from traditional caged enclosures toward naturalistic environments that prioritize animal welfare. The zoo weathered significant challenges during the economic downturn of the early 1990s, when community support and strategic partnerships with international conservation organizations proved crucial to its survival and continued growth.

In 2005, Wild Wonders underwent a transformative expansion, doubling its size and introducing the groundbreaking Ecosystems Pavilion, which recreates five distinct global biomes under one roof. Today, our institution stands as a leader in conservation breeding, having successfully reintroduced fourteen endangered species to their native habitats while educating millions of visitors about the importance of biodiversity and environmental stewardship.

OUR MISSION & VALUES

Mission Statement

Wild Wonders Zoo is dedicated to inspiring conservation of wildlife and wild places through immersive experiences, innovative education, and scientific research while providing exemplary care for our animal ambassadors.

Our Core Values

EXCELLENCE IN ANIMAL WELFARE

We maintain the highest standards of physical and psychological care for all animals in our collection, continually adapting our practices based on the latest scientific understanding of species-specific needs.

CONSERVATION LEADERSHIP

We actively participate in global conservation efforts through breeding programs, field research, habitat protection initiatives, and sustainable resource management both locally and internationally.

EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION

We create transformative learning experiences that foster deep connections between people and wildlife, inspiring environmentally responsible behaviors through engaging, accessible, and scientifically accurate programs.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

We build meaningful partnerships with diverse communities, collaborating on conservation initiatives and ensuring our programs and facilities are accessible to people of all backgrounds and abilities.

MEET OUR EXPERT TEAM

Our dedicated team of wildlife professionals brings together diverse expertise in animal care, conservation biology, veterinary medicine, and environmental education.

DR. ELIZA MARTINEZ

Director of Conservation

Dr. Martinez joined Wild Wonders in 2010 after a distinguished 15-year career leading field conservation projects across South America. With a Ph.D. in Conservation Biology from Cornell University, she oversees our global conservation partnerships and breeding programs for critically endangered species. Her groundbreaking research on amphibian population recovery has been published in Science and Nature.

MARCUS CHEN

Head Zoologist

With over two decades of experience in animal husbandry, Marcus leads our animal care department, supervising a team of 35 specialized keepers. His pioneering work in behavioral enrichment for large carnivores has transformed industry standards. Marcus holds a Master's in Zoology from the University of Michigan and serves on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Cat Specialist Group.

DR. AISHA OKAFOR

Chief Veterinarian

Dr. Okafor heads our state-of-the-art veterinary hospital, bringing expertise in wildlife medicine from her previous role at the Smithsonian National Zoo. A board-certified zoological medicine specialist, she has pioneered minimally invasive surgical techniques for exotic species. Dr. Okafor frequently consults on international wildlife health initiatives and trains veterinary students through our teaching partnership with the State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

JAMES BLACKWOOD

Director of Education

With a background in environmental education and communication psychology, James transformed our education department into an award-winning program reaching over 200,000 learners annually. He developed our innovative "Conservation Classroom" curriculum now used by zoos nationwide and leads our public engagement strategies. James holds a Master's in Environmental Education from Yale and previously directed outreach programs for the National Wildlife Federation.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS & IMPACT

For over five decades, Wild Wonders Zoo has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation, education, and animal care excellence. Our accomplishments reflect our unwavering commitment to protecting biodiversity and inspiring environmental stewardship.

SPECIES REINTRODUCTION PROGRAMS

We've successfully reintroduced fourteen endangered species to their native habitats, including the black-footed ferret, Arabian oryx, and golden lion tamarin.

200K+

PROTECTED ACRES

Our conservation funding has helped establish over 200,000 acres of protected habitat across five continents, safeguarding critical ecosystems for countless species.

120+

RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

Our scientific team has published over 120 peer-reviewed studies advancing the fields of animal behavior, reproductive biology, and conservation medicine.

ACTIVE FIELD CONSERVATION PROJECTS

We currently support 45 conservation initiatives worldwide, from anti-poaching efforts to community-based conservation programs.

5M+

EDUCATIONAL REACH

Over five million people have participated in our education programs, fostering a new generation of conservation advocates.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

"Wild Wonders Zoo has been an invaluable partner in our global conservation efforts. Their breeding program for the Sumatran rhinoceros has made a critical difference in our fight to save this species from extinction. The zoo's commitment to scientific research and field conservation sets a gold standard for zoological institutions worldwide."

DR. MIGUEL SANCHEZ

Director, International Conservation Alliance

"As a teacher who has brought student groups to Wild Wonders for over a decade, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of their education programs. The hands-on learning experiences they provide ignite curiosity and passion for wildlife conservation in ways no textbook could achieve. Many of my former students have pursued careers in biology and environmental science thanks to these formative experiences."

SARAH THOMPSON

Science Department Chair, Westfield High School

"Our family visits Wild Wonders Zoo at least monthly, and we're continually impressed by how the experience evolves throughout the year. The animal habitats are immaculately maintained, and the educational content is engaging for both children and adults. What truly sets this zoo apart is the evident passion of the staff—from keepers to volunteers, everyone we encounter shares fascinating insights about the animals and conservation efforts."