Gulf Breeze Zoo Update... It's Now The Zoo Northwest Florida
Wow... blast from the past!
After I got an email from Lucie, someone I used to work with at the Gulf Breeze Zoo, I got all reminiscent and decided to The Zoo's website to see what's going on there these days.
To my surprise, The Zoo's website was dead.
This is a pretty big deal, as The Zoo was fairly well connected in the world of media & marketing... so for them not to have an active website definitely signaled that something was up.
Some Google searches have shed some light on what's happening at the Gulf Breeze Zoo...
Turns out, The Gulf Breeze Zoo has been through some troubled times, and they're still dealing with a number of challenges at this point.
First and foremost, they changed their name from The Zoo at Gulf Breeze to The Zoo Northwest Florida.
Here are some pictures from The Gulf Breeze Zoo.
For the record, I left The Zoo in the year 2000. (This is what people were saying about The Zoo back then.)
But it certainly does my heart some good to learn that those I was closest with have gone on to pursue the things they are most passionate about -- while still remaining grounded in Zoo life.
Pat Quinn (my former boss who is still listed as "founder and director emeritus of The Zoo in Gulf Breeze, Florida") is continuing his great wildlife tours in Africa, Peru, and the Galapagos Islands. Something he's been doing for over 30 years. He's also on the board of directors for the Zoological Association of America.
This is a photo that Pat and Donna Quinn sent me as a Christmas card one year. Here, they're enjoying one of their many safaris!
Jean Benchimol (Assistant Director of The Zoo when I was there) is now the Director at the Capron Park Zoo. And she's still leading safari tours all over Africa, Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands, Madagascar, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
(I'm certain that if Jean ever saw this photo, she'd be cussing me because she hated having her picture taken. You can't even find pictures of her on her own Zoo's website... That's why this one's so classic!)
Lucie Easley (a staff member at The Zoo) shared "joint custody" of Kera with Jean Benchimol when it came to taking Kera home at night when she needed round-the-clock care.
Today I'm not sure what Lucie is up to... She's the one who e-mailed me the other day, but our server was on the fritz and I couldn't see any of the e-mail addresses of the people who e-mailed me over the course of a few days.
So Lucie... if you read this, e-mail me again. It works now! (UPDATE: See Comments)
And the same is true for Susi Robicheau. I've wondered for years where Susi ended up after leaving The Zoo at Gulf Breeze. I trust that she's enjoying a lucrative career in marketing these days. Suz... I'd love to hear from ya!
Another UPDATE: I also got a note from Jean soon after I wrote this. All is well in Jean's world. Her thoughts on the above photo: "You are right... I hate that picture. But thanks for thinking about me..."
RELATED:
How I Decided To Try Out Zoo Life
My Experience Working At A Zoo
Got an update from Lucie today!
She writes:
Hi, Lynnette, Just visited your website again. The zoo is under new management and hopefully will start making a comeback. It was very close to closing last year. Pat and Donna are still doing safaris. I'm volunteering at a Chimp and Orangutan sanctuary in central FL when I'm not at work for the Navy in Pensacola. Love your website. Take care, Lucie
THANK YOU LUCIE FOR THE UPDATE!!! I miss you all...
Hi there. Val & I were apartment managers for Todd & Sandy Quinn in Buena Park, CA long ago & were talking about our parrot we got from Todd (just a couple of months out of the egg) & we were wondering how they all were doing. Wishing you well. Glenn... Yesterday, today, tomorrow.
I am trying to see how to get in touch with Pat Quinn... need to discuss something with him as regards Zoo etc...
Hi - I am glad to see someone with such fond memories of the zoo in gulf breeze - 3 of my friends work there - 1 as a keeper and 2 as docents and they adore the animals and all they entail. I think it would be nice if you were able to speak with them - my friend the keeper, he is over hoofstock and is in love with Jafar the Rhino there among the others, what area did you work in again? If you would like get in touch with me and I can give you their contact info...
Lisa
I would like to compliment the zoo staff on all their hard work in getting the zoo up & running since the storm damage & all the related problems.
you should all be proud. Just words of encouragement to all of you.
Cool... another blast from the past!
Got an email today from Gerry a.k.a. the *infamous* gorilla boy from NYC who used to come visit Husani and Babuka at The Gulf Breeze Zoo.
He wrote in part:
"I found your site by googleing the zoo and remember seeing you there. It was very cool finding your website, brought back some very nice memories."
He also shared Lucie's email address with me.
Thanks, Gerry!
Update: That's actually the same email address I found for Lucie in a Google search... and while my email to her didn't bounce back, she hasn't responded, so I'm guessing it's an old one. Anyone else got an email for Lucie?