Canopy Strategic Partners

In 2015 I attended my first (of many) IAAPA Orlando Expo…. And as you can see from the photos, it was a hard work week! Flights and tickets booked, this November I’ll be doing it all again, and cannot wait to catch up with some of my favorite people in the industry and immerse myself in all things attractions and tourism. As always, if you are attending I would LOVE to connect. PS if you haven’t been to a Madame Tussauds it’s worth a visit! I never knew I could have so much fun posing with wax figures. Canopy Strategic Partners

We have a major project to announce! Welcome to the all new and transformed Bear Country—projected to open in Spring 2026. This major transformation will see many notable additions and changes that will create an awe-inspiring guest experience, allow us to continue to provide the highest standard of care for our bear species, as well as increased opportunities for our educational and community-based programs! Guests can expect some of these highlights: 🐻 Addition of a third habitat, to expand space and support our breeding program 🐻 A new, overhead Zoo360 trail, allowing the bears to rotate exhibits + great views for guests! 🐻 Areas for guests to watch training sessions with keepers 🐻 Special glass viewing areas to get up close to your favorite bear 🐻 Much, much more! This project was made possible by a milestone $5 million gift from the W. P. Carey Foundation, a family with roots in the Philadelphia area and a history of charitable giving in the region. In addition, the overall $20 million effort is being graciously supported by the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, William Penn Foundation, donors, and continued fundraising. This projected is expected to break ground in early 2025, and we can't wait to keep you updated on its progress. Stay tuned! 💙 For all info related to Bear Country: https://bit.ly/4e1pxlx

Ya'at'eeh! I recently presented a project on Indigenous Science and really dove into the history of indigenous knowledge and science and asked how we could incorporate it into the way we view animal care. Thank you to the folks with Minorities In Aquarium and Zoo Science (MIAZS), Leadby.co, and Canopy Strategic Partners for making this a possibility for me! Such a valuable experience and I am excited to continue the evolution of this project! If you have 25 minutes to spare please feel free to click the link below to see my presentation! https://lnkd.in/gV2DH3CG

Join us in welcoming Charles Hopper to the Santa Barbara Zoo! We are pleased to share that Charles Hopper has accepted the position of President and CEO of the Santa Barbara Zoo, following a comprehensive national search. Charles is an experienced nonprofit executive leader with a proven record of driving organizational success through visionary leadership, strategic planning, and effective communication. In February 2024, the Santa Barbara Zoo began the search for a new President and CEO following the official announcement of Rich Block’s January 2025 retirement, and Charles was selected from a strong field of experienced candidates. He will begin his Zoo tenure on January 6, 2025. Charles comes to us from the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California, where he serves as the Chief Operating Officer. Before his time with Birch, Charles held multiple leadership positions with the Seattle Aquarium and served in the United States Air Force. Charles is active in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) community, most recently serving on the AZA Board of Directors. “It is a profound honor to be entrusted with the leadership of the Santa Barbara Zoo,” said Hopper. “Rich Block has set an extraordinary standard, and I am deeply inspired by the Zoo’s unwavering commitment to conservation, education, and creating unforgettable guest experiences. I look forward to collaborating with the talented and dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, supportive Board, and community to build upon this strong foundation and guide the Zoo toward an exciting future.” Charles will make history as only the third person in the Zoo’s 61-year history to serve in this leadership role and the first African American to hold this position. He recognizes the significance of this milestone as an opportunity to inspire others, and is committed to creating a welcoming environment for all. Charles and his family look forward to getting to know you and the entire Santa Barbara Zoo community!