Meet our Curator

DON RICHARDSON, CURATOR
MOONRIDGE ANIMAL PARK

Big Bear Lake, California

Don Richardson joined the Moonridge Animal Park as curator in December 1993, following 13 years at the Los Angeles Zoo. While serving as a senior keeper at the L.A. Zoo, he was responsible for South American primates, worldwide hoof stock, and the zoo's entire North American animal collection.  His professional background includes 23 years of zoo keeping management.

At Moonridge Animal Park, Mr. Richardson has initiated numerous improvements and programs.  Music in the Zoo, an evening of animal talks and strolling musicians; and Flashlight Tours, narrated visits with the a parks nocturnal inhabitants, are among the activities that Richardson has introduced for the enjoyment and education of park visitors.  He has added several new animals during his tenure, including fishers a rare type of weasel that is rapidly disappearing from its natural home in the alpine forests of the Sierra Nevada. Two snow leopards and three grizzly bears are also among the many notable inhabitants who make their home at Moonridge Animal Park.   

Under Mr. Richardson's direction, facilities at Moonridge Animal Park have undergone major renovation and landscaping improvements to benefit animals and humans alike.  He has established an on-site medical center to aid in animal care and rehabilitation, along with an Education Center to provide a richer learning experience for park visitors.

For the past 28 years, Mr. Richardson has been active in emergency veterinary care.  He is licensed by the State of California as a Registered Veterinary Technician, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology (animal ecology) from California State University, Los Angeles.  His chief undergraduate study was taxonomy and systemics.

Mr. Richardson is a member of the American Zoo Association, the American Association of Zoo Keepers, the National Wildlife Federation, the American Institute of Biological Sciences, and has served on the New World Primate Taxon Advisory Group.