Last Updated on February 22, 2024, 8:49 PM | Published: February 22, 2024
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden sends this information as posted below:
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is pleased to announce Dr. Jennifer D’Agostino as its new Chief Animal Program Officer. D’Agostino stepped into her new role in early February and was previously the Zoo’s Senior Director of Veterinary Services.
“First and foremost, I’m really looking forward to working with the animal teams in a new way,” said D’Agostino. “I’m really excited to help be a part of the progress the Zoo is making. We’ve come leaps and bounds in the 20 years I’ve been here and I want to keep that momentum going.”
D’Agostino earned her doctorate from Michigan State University before joining the Oklahoma City Zoo in 2003 for her residency in zoological medicine and post-graduate training. In addition to her work as Senior Director of Veterinary Services, D’Agostino is a diplomate in the American College of Zoological Medicine, was the 2022 recipient of the Kirkpatrick Honor for Animal Wellbeing which honors achievement and leadership in Oklahoma animal welfare, and in 2023 was named an Accreditation Inspector of the Year for Veterinary Care by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
D’Agostino’s new role includes continued oversight of the veterinary services team with the addition of the animal management team, taking over the duties of the outgoing Director of Animal Collection, Kevin Drees. Drees will continue to assist the Zoo in preparation for its upcoming AZA accreditation process and special projects.
“It has been a joy to work with Kevin over the past several years and I’m grateful for his guidance as I step into the big shoes he leaves behind,” D’Agostino said. “I am determined to continue his work ensuring the best care for the Zoo’s animal population.”
While D’Agostino will take a step back from clinical veterinary work, she will remain a valuable resource and aid when called upon. With the Zoo’s new master plan coming online, she is looking forward to being a bigger part of implementing that vision and helping the Zoo in elevating and innovating animal care and wellbeing, she said.
“For the past two decades, the Zoo has been fortunate to have Dr. D’Agostino’s expertise and insight close at hand,” said OKC Zoo’s Executive Director/CEO, Dr. Dwight Lawson. “Her new, expanded role is vital to the Zoo’s continuing mission of connecting Oklahomans with wildlife and wild places all around the world.”
The Oklahoma City Zoo is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry no later than 4 p.m. Purchase advance Zoo admission tickets at okczoo.org/tickets and avoid the entry lines. Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the OKC Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. Zoo admission is $16 for adults and $13 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. Membership has its perks! As a ZOOfriends member of the Oklahoma City Zoo, enjoy free admission all year-long, plus many additional benefits and discounts. You will also be supporting the Zoo’s animal family, education programming and conservation initiatives both locally and globally. Join or renew today at www.okczoo.org/membership.
Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. To learn more about Zoo happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.
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