Zoo & Aquarium Professional Troublemaker of the Year Program

Alexandrea Rodriguez, 2024 Zoo & Aquarium Emerging Professional Troublemaker of the Year 

Alexandrea Rodriguez has been chosen as the 2024 Zoo & Aquarium Emerging Professional Troublemaker of the Year for her pioneering work in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the zoo and aquarium community. Despite officially joining the San Antonio Zoo and the AZA community less than three years ago, Alexandrea has made significant strides, driving meaningful change and fostering an environment where diverse voices are amplified and valued.

In her role as Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the San Antonio Zoo, Alexandrea has been a catalyst for transformation. She has spearheaded initiatives that challenge the status quo, including the creation of an internal mentorship program that connects professionals across various departments with experienced mentors. This program not only promotes professional development but also cultivates a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing, aligning with Alexandrea’s commitment to lifting others and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Beyond her work at the San Antonio Zoo, Alexandrea has played a crucial role in supporting minority professionals in the zoo and aquarium industry. Her efforts have focused on dismantling systemic barriers and creating pathways for underrepresented groups, aligning with the rubric’s emphasis on fostering psychological safety and encouraging unconventional solutions.

Alexandrea’s impact is further exemplified by her active involvement in the broader community. She serves on the board of the San Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the American Red Cross, where she continues to advocate for inclusivity and social justice. Her nearly boundless energy and passion for DEI work have made her an inspiration to many, particularly as she leads conversations and initiatives that push the industry forward.

Recently, Alexandrea facilitated the Diversity Summit at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Mid-Year meeting, where she provided a brave space for reflection and deep conversation. Her ability to create these spaces, where difficult but necessary conversations can occur, underscores her role as an emerging leader who is not afraid to challenge established practices and advocate for meaningful change.

Through her innovative mindset and unwavering dedication to making lasting impacts on both people and wildlife, Alexandrea Rodriguez embodies the qualities of an Emerging Professional Troublemaker of the Year. Her work at the San Antonio Zoo, combined with her broader contributions to the zoo and aquarium community, positions her as a rising leader committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive future for zoos and aquariums.

Dolf DeJong, 2024 Zoo & Aquarium Professional Troublemaker of the Year 

Dolf DeJong has been named the 2024 Zoo & Aquarium Professional Troublemaker of the Year in recognition of his visionary leadership and transformative efforts at the Toronto Zoo. Over his six-year tenure as CEO, Dolf has redefined the zoo’s mission, driving significant changes that challenge traditional norms and foster a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and social responsibility. 

Under Dolf’s leadership, the Toronto Zoo has undergone a profound transformation, evolving from a traditional guest-financed institution to a more conservation science organization supported by a community-funded zoo model. This shift is exemplified by the “Animal Lives With Purpose” plan, which reimagines the zoo’s approach to animal wellbeing, conservation, and guest engagement. By reducing the zoo’s species count and ensuring each species plays a defined role in conservation education, scientific research, or outreach, Dolf has set a new standard for how modern zoos can operate with purpose and impact.

Dolf’s commitment to innovation is further demonstrated through his leadership in creating a Technology Master Plan for the zoo. This plan leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance animal care, improve guest experiences, and increase operational efficiency. Initiatives such as the use of technology to monitor and improve animal well-being highlight Dolf’s forward-thinking approach to conservation, ensuring the Toronto Zoo remains at the forefront of global efforts to protect wildlife.

Beyond his work within the zoo, Dolf has been a strong advocate for building community relationships, advancing social capital, and advocating for wildlife at all levels of government. He has prioritized integrating traditional knowledge perspectives into the zoo’s operations, leading to collaborative projects that honor Indigenous knowledge and traditions while enhancing the zoo’s conservation strategies. The addition of an Indigenous Relations Director in 2022 underscores his commitment to further the zoo’s efforts in bridging social and conservation narratives to effect change.

Dolf has also championed initiatives like the “Prescription for Nature” program, which partners with local healthcare providers to promote wellness through nature-based activities. In addition, his belief that the Toronto Zoo is a zoo for all communities is demonstrated in his support for newcomers to Canada through the Institution for Canadian Citizenship’s CANOO program, which enables access to the zoo. His dedication to fostering inclusive environments extends beyond the zoo, as he frequently engages in difficult conversations and challenges industry norms to encourage others to think differently about historical approaches and envision a forward-thinking future for conservation. He can often be heard saying, “conservation is a team sport, and we need more players.”

Through his leadership, Dolf DeJong has transformed the Toronto Zoo into a model for 21st-century conservation efforts. His work embodies the qualities of a true “good troublemaker”—one who challenges the status quo, embraces innovation, and inspires others to join in the pursuit of a thriving planet for both people and wildlife.