A Roaring Success: OKC Zoo Names Employee Of The Year
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden proudly
announces the 2007 Ralph D. Harris Employee of the Year, Cat
Forest/Lion Overlook Supervisor Jonathan Reding. The Employee of the
Year award is selected each year by the Zoo’s Employee Recognition
Committee and management staff.
Under Reding’s supervision, the Zoo’s Cat Forest and Lion Overlook
areas have flourished and continue to be two of the Zoo’s most popular
areas. Aside from overseeing all cat species, Reding also manages
several animals found in Oklahoma Trails, including the Zoo’s red
wolves, cougars, bobcats and black and grizzly bears. Prior to the
opening of Oklahoma Trails, Reding lead a team responsible for creating
habitats inside the new addition and moving the animals once their new
homes were complete. Reding was also the first carnivore supervisor to
accept animal area volunteers. His willingness to participate will
allow the Zoo’s volunteer program to flourish and prepare a generation
of individuals for careers focusing on animal conservation, care and
education.
“Jonathan has gone to great lengths above and beyond his position,”
said Brian Aucone, Interim Director/CEO of the Oklahoma City Zoo. “His
continued efforts help the Zoo meet our goals of conservation and
education that contribute to the outlook of cat species for future
generations.”
Aside from admirable execution of his day-to-day duties, Reding has
gone above-and-beyond the normal call of duty to ensure the safe
arrival and continued health of four African lion cubs born last
November. Prior to the cubs’ birth, Reding engaged in extensive
planning so his team would be prepared for any situation. His foresight
proved beneficial, as both lionesses that gave birth experienced
difficulties during labor. Reding’s preparation allowed the process to
go smoothly and helped guarantee the best possible outcome for both the
lionesses and their cubs. After their arrival, Reding’s dedication
became more apparent as he spent nearly half of his scheduled vacation
time to monitor the cubs through their first week.
“Despite his many personal accomplishments, Jonathan is a selfless
individual who cares first and foremost for his team,” said Laura
Bottaro, Curator of Mammals. “Instead of taking personal credit, he
acknowledged their role in achieving the Employee of the Year award.”
Aside from his internal duties, Reding has served as an ambassador for
the Zoo through his work with the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s
(AZA) Felid Taxon Advisory Group (TAG). The Felid TAG works to enhance
the management and conservation of wildlife in zoos and in nature.
Reding studied recommendations for zoos distributed by the TAG and
submitted his own ideas on how these practices could be improved. The
TAG committee adopted Reding’s recommendations, benefiting zoos
nationwide. His involvement in this effort allowed the Zoo to
contribute to breeding programs benefiting the conservation of
endangered cat species to a greater level today. Reding also served as
an Institutional Representative for several AZA Species Survival and
Population Management committees, and these recommendations led to the
successful reproduction of lions and other endangered or threatened
species in the Zoo’s animal collection.
After arriving at the Zoo in 2005, Reding assumed the role of Cat
Forest/Lion Overlook supervisor in June 2006. In 2000, he received an
associates degree in general studies with an emphasis in biology from
Weatherford College in Weatherford, TX. Reding is currently pursuing a
bachelor’s degree in Management from the University of Central
Oklahoma. He resides in Edmond, OK.
Along with the title of Employee of the Year, Reding will receive a
plaque, 16 hours of paid leave, a $25 Zoo gift card, a $200 VISA gift
card and lunch or breakfast with the Zoo’s Executive Director.
Zoo Pride members enjoyed a behind the scenes tour with Reding in the Zoo's Cat Forest exhibit. His humor, knowledge, and professional demeanor made the tour enjoyable for the donors.
Recognized as one of the top three family friendly zoos in the nation and the state’s #1 attraction, the Oklahoma City Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with exhibit buildings closing at dusk. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for children ages three to 11 and seniors age 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. For more information, call the Zoo at (405) 424-3344 or go online at www.okczoo.com.
To find out how to become Zoo Pride members and enjoy unlimited admission to the zoo and behind the scenes tours as well as other great events click here!