David Hagan

Chief Zoological Officer

How long have you worked at the Zoo?

I have worked at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens since October 10, 2022.

What does a day in your shoes look like?

I have the terrific opportunity to work with the animal care, conservation and wellness teams. Though my day is spent mostly working and connecting with the teams, I do find time to get out and see the animals, plants and guests each day.

What were your previous jobs/career paths and how did they lead you here?

I spent over three decades at the Indianapolis Zoo. My first full-time position was as an Animal Keeper at the Indianapolis Zoo working in the Plains biome with African species. Over the years, I held various positions with increasing responsibility, and I oversaw almost all areas and taxa within the Life Science department at one time or another as a Curator. I developed a strong interest in animal care and welfare, exhibit design, education, research and conservation. While there, I was involved in the care of a wide variety of animals but have worked the longest with elephants. I was a part of numerous elephant research activities, including data gathering on memory, visual acuity, cognition, physiology and behavior. We contributed to notable reproductive research that resulted in six African elephant calf births through artificial insemination. I was able to participate in and build a team approach to design, development, construction and openings of multiple exhibits.

Additionally, I have been an accreditation inspector with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for many years and have been active in several AZA animal programs. I currently serve as the Elephant Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) Chair, African Elephant Species Survival Plan (SSP) Coordinator and was a long-standing member of the Lion SSP management group.

What is your favorite animal?

I love all plants and animals and have had the privilege to work with many distinct species and teams over the years. The one species I have worked with and am deeply passionate about is elephants.

What is your favorite exhibit?

Wow, this is a difficult question! I have several favorites at the Zoo. It would be difficult to pick just one. Some of my top picks are Range of the Jaguar, African Forest, Land of the Tiger and African Savanna Blooms Garden.

When or how did you first develop an interest in animals/the zoo world/education?

I was always interested in working outdoors and at first thought I wanted to be a forest ranger. I learned of an explorer post hosted by the Louisville Zoo. I joined the post while I was in high school and as part of the experience, we were able to assist with animal care. The explorer post only lasted a year or two and was led by the General Curator. Once the post came to an end, he allowed anyone interested to continue to volunteer in animal care. I continued to participate in this experience throughout high school and college. During this time, my interest in animal training, conservation, guest education and multi species exhibits solidified. I was hooked and this experience started me on my career path today.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. I went to college at Eastern Kentucky University and received a degree in Biology and minor in Chemistry. In college, I met my future wife who spent most of her life growing up in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to go hiking and walking; to explore new places in the wild and in the city. Kim and I are excited to be here and explore all that Florida and Jacksonville have to offer.

What is your favorite part of your career or what is your most memorable experience at the Zoo (or your old zoo)?

The opportunity to work and build collaborative relationships with other zoos, universities and scientists over the years as we worked together to continue to raise the bar in caring for animals and plants at the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens, has been a highlight of my career. Those relationships and collaboration led to the first African elephant to be conceived via artificial insemination (AI) and was the first of six calves born at the Indianapolis Zoo. In looking at partnerships and collaborations, Zahara, currently pregnant (via AI), was sired by Ali from Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. With these partnerships, we can do so much to advance science and care.