For Immediate Release: September 5, 2017

Zoo Director Mike Crocker Recognized by American Association of Zoo Keepers

 Springfield, MO –Dickerson Park Zoo’s Director Mike Crocker was awarded a Certificate of Merit for Zoo Keeper Education Award by the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) on August 29, 2017, in Washington D.C.

The award, received at the annual AAZK national conference, recognized Mr. Crocker’s commitment to keeper staff training and animal care through professional development opportunities.

As the Director of Dickerson Park Zoo, Mr. Crocker has made it a high priority to support the zoo’s animal care staff attendance at AAZK conferences and animal husbandry workshops.

Mr. Crocker was nominated by Dickerson Park Zoo Tropical Asia Zookeeper Lee Hart. Hart serves on the Ozarks Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers and was recently appointed to the national AAZK board.

Dickerson Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things.  With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, visit www.aza.org.

Contact: Joey Powell, Public Relations/Marketing Director

417-833-1570 (office) or 417-860-3303 (cell)

jpowell@dickersonparkzoo.org