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Name:
Bob Flores |
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Title:
Senior Aviculturist |
Park:
SeaWorld San Antonio |
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Hometown:
San Antonio, TX |
Time with SeaWorld:
16 years |
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Background:
In 1988, I was finishing college when I became aware that SeaWorld was coming to San Antonio. My aspirations at the time were to work for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, but a colleague of mine, Dr. Ron Heinz, encouraged me to consider SeaWorld. At that time, the park was still in its infancy with very few animals, and they had just begun building their zoological team. Sixteen years later, I'm still here.
Highlights: Participating in the National Audubon Society's Seabird Restoration Program, better known as "Project Puffin." Being selected as part of the multi-park team of keepers sent with penguins to Loro Parque in the Canary Islands. Participating in the annual penguin census on the Galapagos Islands with the Charles Darwin Research Station. And serving as the SeaWorld representative for the Atwater's Prairie Chicken Recovery Team - aimed at protecting one of the most endangered birds in North America.
Favorite part of the job: Working on the Atwater's Prairie Chicken Recovery Team. The group was established by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to help this flagship Texas species. The birds once numbered in the millions, but due to habitat loss, over-harvesting and pressure from settlers, the birds' population is at an all-time low. Most recent counts range from just about 40 to 60 wild individuals. SeaWorld's role, along with several Texas zoos and wildlife parks, is to participate in a bird breeding program. There are about 500 birds currently living in zoological facilities. SeaWorld San Antonio has 15 birds and last year was our most successful breeding year yet. To be part of a program that works to bring a species back from the brink of extinction is definitely a career highlight. But as a Texan, this project is so much more rewarding. I am equally proud of my position at SeaWorld and of being a part of our parent company Anheuser-Busch. The company's commitment to the environment, wildlife and the great outdoors is impressive. I'm fortunate to be part of such a great team.
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