New Zoo Czar

    The Thompson Park Zoo has a new director .  He is Gabriel Yerdon, an Oswego County native, who offered  this summary of his background.

When asked to summarize his background, he said: “I grew up on a dairy farm in Oswego County, and I've been surrounded by farm animals and wildlife my whole life. That passion took me to Brazil, where I spent a year working at a wildlife rehabilitation clinic, and it shaped my studies and research in conservation at Tufts University. Wanting to make a difference closer to home, I joined the Tug Hill Commission, working with local communities and partners to conserve one of the state's most unique landscapes. Most recently, at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, I've worked with partners across the Finger Lakes to improve water quality for both the people who rely on them and the ecosystems the watersheds support. Today, my family and I raise alpacas, sheep and many other animals on our own farm.