Meet Zoo Midland's Zoo Director, Jason Green. His love for animals was sparked on a vast 1,000-acre horse and cattle ranch where he grew up north of Tampa, Florida, bringing forth his extensive background and first hand involvement in wildlife and conservation initiatives. Unbeknownst to him, this childhood interest has blossomed into an unexpected journey, unfolding into a three-decade career in the fascinating world of zoology.
Growing up surrounded by a menagerie of creatures, Green's fascination with animals, particularly rhinos, was evident from an early age. His involvement in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) during high school laid the foundation for his future endeavors in the animal care field. After graduation, he worked with an equine veterinarian and later enrolled in a Kentucky horseshoeing school, showcasing his diverse skill set.
Green's unexpected entry into the world of large and exotic animals occurred when a friend suggested he apply to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, a theme park with a large zoological collection. Despite initial skepticism, his familiarity with domestic animals landed him a position that opened unexpected doors.
Reflecting on his unconventional path to the world of zoology, Green said, "Many times you don't think that working with animals such as rhinos or giraffes is possible; I thought it was fantastical and didn't seem like a reality." However, his journey led him to a 31-year tenure at Busch Gardens in Tampa, where he gained invaluable experience and exposure to a wide range of animals, shaping his perspective on the dynamic nature of zoological facilities.
Green brings a wealth of experience and exposure to the table. His deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of working in the zoological field is evident when he states, "It's a very hard field, physically and emotionally challenging, and demanding. It's not for everyone, but for those it is for, it's very passionate and family-like."
Expressing his gratitude for his time in the zoo field, Green highlighted the significance of the new role, stating, "This zoo is incredibly important to all of those behind it and it's incredibly important to me. We want this to be a place everyone can be proud of – safe, educational, and a unique and meaningful experience for all."
Despite the estimated three-year construction timeline until Zoo Midland opens its doors, Green and his team are already hard at work developing plans for the facility. "Right now, we are laying out the current footprints and working off several professional zoological organization’s best practices as well as state and federal regulations," said Green.
As Midland continues to develop, Green sees the zoological facility as a cultural cornerstone for the city. "As a city develops, people look for those cultural aspects to become a part of, and this zoological facility will be one of those enriching experiences beyond the basic necessities of life," he said.
With 31 years of experience at Busch Gardens and an additional 18 months at ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Jason Green brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for animals to his new position, poised to make Zoo Midland a prideful and integral part of the Midland community. As the citizens of Midland anticipate the grand opening of Zoo Midland, they can rest assured that with Jason Green at the helm, the facility is in capable and passionate hands and ready to create a unique and memorable experience for all.
For additional information and to stay updated on the ongoing developments, visit https://zoomidland.org/ and join their email list or check out their social media accounts at https://www.instagram.com/zoomidland/ and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551759302041.