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212. Dr. Jackie Ogden on Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Conservation, and the Seas

11.20.2023 by Dan Heaton // Leave a Comment

Dr. Jackie Ogden was Vice President of Animals, Science, and Environment for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
Photo by Jackie Ogden
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Jackie Ogden, PhD, played a key role in the development and evolution of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Her educational background in psychology and animal behavior made her the right choice to work on this complicated new park. She joined Disney in 1997 just eight months prior to opening and became the Curator for Conservation Station. Jackie ultimately became the Vice President of Animals, Science, and Environment for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and worked there for 19 years.

On this episode of the Tomorrow Society Podcast, Jackie is my guest to talk about her career at Disney and beyond. Before joining Disney, she was the Curator of the Children’s Zoo at the San Diego Zoo. Her background leading a team focused on animal care and conservation fit perfectly at the Animal Kingdom. Jackie talks about what it was like to be part of the opening team for that park and how the group of experts delivered a place that served both the animals and guests.

We also talk about Jackie’s work on the important efforts of the Disney Conservation Fund around the world. Looking beyond the Animal Kingdom, Jackie discusses the Seas pavilion at EPCOT and the different challenges there. In addition, she describes the work of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and gives advice for listeners hoping to join this field. I really enjoyed talking with Jackie and learning more about her experiences at Disney and with animal care.

You get an up-close view of giraffes on Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Photo by Jackie Ogden

Show Notes: Dr. Jackie Ogden

Learn more about Jackie Ogden’s work as the Founder and Principal at Natural Leadership, LLC.

Watch Jackie Ogden speak about environmental sustainability at the World Environmental Education Conference on September 30, 2015.

Read a Zoophoria interview with Jackie Ogden from December 17, 2017.

Support the podcast through a one-time contribution and buy me a Dole Whip!

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Categories // Tomorrow Society Podcast Tags // Disney's Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, Interviews, Podcasts, Walt Disney World

About Dan Heaton

Dan’s first theme-park memory was a vacation at the Polynesian Resort in 1980 as a four-year-old. He’s a lifelong fan who has written and podcasted regularly about the industry. Dan loves both massive Disney and Universal theme parks plus regional attractions near his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. His favorite all-time attraction is Horizons at EPCOT Center.

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