Douglas L. Hotle
Springfield,IL
Summary
Zoological professional with over four decades of progressive insight and experience in the field. A dedicated individual with a strong commitment to the care, display and research of captive animals and the enhancement of zoo/aquarium driven conservation and education. Possessing a deep understanding and motivation for effectively and efficiently achieving results while maintaining the highest ethical standards at all times. Uniquely well-versed in a wide variety of animal and botanical taxa as well as zoological facility management.
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
46
46
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director
Henson Robinson Zoo
08.2021 - Current
- Manage all zoological park operations
- Manage the workforce of both unionized and exempt staff.
- Oversee and culture relationships with donors, Zoological Society board members, vendors, contractors and other vital stakeholders.
- Conceive, plan and procure funding for park improvements, renovations and new construction.
- Ensure compliance and positive relations with accrediting and governing entities.
- Manage budget to assure smooth operations, mitigate deferred maintenance, and finance continued improvements.
- Serve as the “face of the zoo” to ensure open communication, generate public engagement, cultivate new donor relations, and keep the zoo at the forefront of community support.
- Responsible for a steady increase in attendance and internal sales, transformed staff morale and culture into a positive and productive workplace, created and/or renovated multiple exhibits to reflect modern zoological practices and greatly enhance aesthetics and visitor experience, streamlined and retooled budget to eliminate waste and redirect these funds to improvement-related line items, procured numerous sources of funding to strengthen infrastructure as well as new guest-driven projects.
Executive Director
Critical Conservation Services & Rattlesnake Preservation Trust
09.2014 - Current
- Contracted with Africam Safari as Curator of Birds, directing international conservation programs and exhibit design and construction.
- Designed and oversaw the construction of animal exhibits and off-exhibit housing for the multimillion dollar revamping of a city-block sized bio-dome in Puebla, Mexico to include birds, crocodilians, mammals, small herptiles and aquatics.
- Administrative oversight of organization operations.
- Field research involving critical species of the southwest for State and Federal wildlife agencies.
- Participation in species specific working groups and recovery committees.
- Publishing both academic and general interest articles regarding critical species.
- Zoo and aquarium consultation regarding operations, facilities and funding.
- Non-profit management of all levels.
Director of Life Sciences
Science Spectrum Museum
12.2019 - 08.2021
- Manage Life Sciences staff, interns and volunteers
- Oversee the direction, display, education and messaging for the Life Sciences department.
- Curate the live animal collection consisting of over 500 animals.
- Plan, design and construction of live animal exhibits and museum interactives
- Plan, direct and manage the museum’s conservation programs.
- Departmental oversight of inventory, budgetary, staffing and state and federal licensing.
- Grant writing, procurement and management.
Deputy Director
Hill Country Zoo (dba Snake Farm Zoo)
10.2017 - 07.2019
- Oversee the daily operations of the entire zoological park.
- Responsible for accurate expenditures and budgetary management.
- Directly manage all staff including animal care, maintenance, guest services and marketing.
- Identify institutional and guest needs and design, implement and manage all policies and procedures to ensure quality zoo-wide.
- Manage animal acquisition/disposition and all applicable permitting.
- Ensure facility meets and exceeds all accreditation, state, federal and municipal standards.
- Plan, design and oversee all construction projects and zoo development.
- Serve as liaison for media, state and federal agencies, contractors et al.
- Directly responsible for all operations of zoo and ancillary properties.
- Conceive, design and construct all improvements and new animal exhibits.
Curator of Herpetology & Aquatics
Albuquerque Biological Park
07.2010 - 08.2014
- Exercise direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical and clerical staff.
- Coordinate the organization, staffing and operational activities for a variety of Biological Park services, activities and operations including the acquisition, care, husbandry and disposition of animals, the maintenance of animal shelters and facilities and the provision of educational services to patrons.
- Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; recommend and implement resulting policies and procedures.
- Identify opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; identify resource needs; review with appropriate management staff; implement improvements.
- Direct, coordinate and review the work plan for assigned Biological Park services; assign work activities and projects; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
- Evaluate and determine the needs for exhibit design; make recommendations for animal habitat and security.
- Monitor animal husbandry methods, diets, enclosures and transportation; ensure health and welfare of animals; consult with veterinarians as needed.
- Supervise and participate in the construction and maintenance of various animal facilities; coordinate with maintenance and construction divisions and staff.
- Maintain various reports on all inventory, equipment and expenditures; direct the purchase of equipment, supplies and research products.
- Oversee the acquisition of new animals; research specific animal history prior to acquisition; make recommendations for acquisition and disposition of animals.
- Promote and coordinate educational programs and activities; determine methods of promotion and oversee implementation.
- Analyze community and Bio Park visitor needs; design programs to fit those needs.
- Oversee the development of lesson plans for various educational programs; oversee administration of onsite educational programs.
- Respond to public inquiries regarding animals and associated behaviors.
- Select, motivate, evaluate and direct the training of animal care or educational personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
- Participate in the development and administration of assigned budget; forecast funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; recommend adjustments as necessary.
- Provide staff assistance to the Director, Biological Park; participate on a variety of committees; prepare and present staff reports and other correspondence as appropriate and necessary.
- Coordinate Biological Park activities with those of other divisions and outside agencies and organizations.
- Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of zoo and aquarium operations.
- Create and direct conservation initiatives both globally and locally.
Curator of Herpetology, Conservation and Research
Natural Toxins Research Center-Texas A&M University
01.2009 - 06.2010
- Oversee husbandry programming of Texas A&M University’s Serpentarium
- Manage staff of animal and research technicians.
- Direct the care, feeding and propagation of over 500 venomous snakes.
- Ensure compliance with all University and outside regulatory agencies.
- Create and initiate protocols, policies and procedures.
- Perform venom extraction for research purposes.
- Conduct research and laboratory functions.
- Publish scientific research.
- Collect venomous snakes throughout the United States and within foreign countries.
- Secure and update all needed permits and licenses.
- Organize and initiate animal and biological sample shipments both nationally and internationally.
- Oversee and aid in the research projects and publishing of graduate students.
- Anti-venom acquisition and inventory.
- Identify grant opportunities and write grant proposals for future funding and expansion.
- Design and oversee grant-based construction and development.
- Additional responsibilities
Executive Director
South Texas Zoological Society (Texas Zoo)
04.2008 - 12.2008
- Overall administration of operations and development of the zoo.
- Directed all scientific and educational programs.
- Managed Curators, Veterinarian, Operations Manager, Office Manager, Guest Services Manager and all support personnel.
- Directed and developed animal husbandry programs.
- Oversaw and approved all animal acquisition and dispositions.
- Supervised the provision of veterinary care for the collection.
- Provided direction for the design, construction and maintenance of exhibits.
- Oversaw park and botanical aesthetics.
- Developed annual operating budget for the zoo.
- Directed the maintenance of all equipment and facilities at the zoo.
- Provided direction for all zoo improvement and enhancement projects.
- Researched and established long-term financial planning goals.
- Monitored and supervised the daily operations and inventory of the Gift Shop and Concessions.
- Monitored and supervised the daily handling of all cash receipts.
- Ensured all employment practices were followed and compliant.
- Responsible for training and accurate record keeping.
- Contract negotiations and review for all vendors and contractors.
- Responsible for ensuring the accuracy and current licensing and permit requirements.
- Conducted performance evaluations, hiring, discipline and termination of staff.
- Responsible for marketing and ensuring both market penetration and diversity of marketing campaigns.
- Interfaced through regular meetings and presentations with peripheral entities such as South Texas Zoological Society, Victoria City Council, Economic Development Council et al.
- All other duties as needed.
Zoo Curator (General Curator)
Abilene ZOOlogical Gardens
02.2005 - 04.2008
- Directly managed the zoo’s Area Lead Supervisors and Consulting Veterinarian and provided guidance and leadership for the entire Living Collections (keeper) staff.
- Oversaw staff and general workflow scheduling.
- Responsible for Collection’s staff performance reviews, discipline, consultation, and professional development.
- Directed health and husbandry of entire Living Collection (including horticulture).
- Supervised research programs and propagation efforts for the facility’s collection.
- Managed all training and behavioral enrichment programming.
- Directed AZA and other significant conservation programs such as Elephant management, SSPs, USFWS Atwater’s Prairie Chicken recovery et al.
- Oversaw all veterinary activities and on-site clinic.
- Supervised animal records, permits, licenses, and all animal acquisitions/dispositions.
- Managed all dietary programs and supervised operations of the zoo’s commissary.
- Identified a need, created, established and enforced protocols, policies and procedures that enhanced the well-being of the collection, generated a safer working environment for the staff, and/or created a more pleasing experience for our visitors.
- Oversaw the Education Department’s animal programming and volunteer/docent training regimes.
- Directed writing and/or approval of all on-grounds graphics.
- Oversaw line item budgets for living collections area and secondary departments to control expenses when appropriate.
- Oversaw general grounds aesthetics and night security.
- Ensured prioritization and follow-through of maintenance needs to assure both smooth facility operations and offset depreciation.
- Prepared and presented monthly reports to Board members concerning animal health issues.
- Wrote, produced and hosted “On the Wild Side” a zoo-based cable television program.
- Oversaw entire Zoo in absence of Director including Concessions, Gift Shop, and Administration office.
- Served as contact for media, special events, buy-outs, vendors, etc.
Supervisor of Herpetology and Aquarium
San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium
04.2003 - 02.2005
- Managed both the Herpetology and the Aquarium Departments in conjunction with Curator.
- Oversaw the daily operations of primary reptile, amphibian, and aquarium complexes, and all peripheral exhibits and holding enclosures and ensured the highest quality of exhibitry and husbandry.
- Directed activities associated with rare and endangered species propagation programs.
- Complete staff supervision including scheduling, tracking payroll, training, evaluations, etc.
- Responsible for creating and implementing new husbandry and propagation programs.
- Coordinated botanical and horticultural needs for the department.
- Formulated and approved safety and emergency procedures.
- Scheduled and emergency veterinary care in conjunction with vet staff.
- Antivenin inventory and control.
- Arranged and oversaw animal acquisition/disposition and live specimen collection.
- Oversaw budget parameters in union with area Curator.
- Worked with other zoo departments on educational programming aimed at delivering our conservation message.
President/Director (owner)
Wildlife Advisory Services, Inc.
03.2000 - 03.2003
- Controlled all executive-level decisions regarding company operations.
- Provided vision, guidance and assurance of the company’s direction in keeping with the mission statement and business plan.
- Created, applied, and controlled operational and capital budgets.
- Oversaw company’s accounting, licensing requirements, staffing and overall operations.
- Researched, targeted and employed new clientele strategies.
- Supervised Operations Manager, Accounting and Field Technicians.
- Oversaw animal husbandry, training, and enrichment programs.
- Created and implemented educational programming.
- Interfaced with local and federal wildlife agencies.
- Directed animal acquisitions/dispositions and supervised the acquisition and renewal of animal and plant permits and licenses.
- Oversaw and participated in wildlife-handling issues and projects.
- Networked with similar and related entities and ventures.
- Fundraising and marketing.
- General bookkeeping and tax compliance.
- Responsible for the multiple successes of the company including nationwide recognition, numerous customer service awards, professional certifications and respectable notoriety.
Manager of Herpetology and Entomology (Zoo respective)
Indianapolis Zoo
03.1989 - 02.2000
- Managed zoo’s entire herptile and “Monster Bugs” collection.
- Supervised exhibitry, care and propagation of these animals in five (5) separate biomes.
- Oversaw SSP and other international conservation programs.
- Responsible for the zoo’s integration of venomous reptiles into the collection. This included writing and implementing safety and handling protocols.
- Antivenin acquisition/inventory.
- Networking with local emergency poison control professionals.
- Staff training and direct supervision for venomous snake care.
- Oversaw acquisition/disposition, quarantine, and exams of all venomous and dangerous reptiles and amphibians.
- Worked directly with the General Curator and Zoo President to design and create the zoo’s major new exhibit “Drop Dead Gorgeous” featuring snakes from around the globe.
- Traveled throughout the US to select specimens and gain husbandry insight into various species.
- Oversaw design and construction projects.
Supervisor of Natural Sciences Gallery
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
06.1987 - 05.1989
- Staff and volunteer supervision.
- Exhibit maintenance and repair.
- Developing and conducting educational endeavors.
- Gallery inventory control.
- Opening, operating and closing the museum’s Natural Sciences gallery.
- Animal acquisition and disposition.
- As a result of my performance and dedication this position was elevated from an animal care position to a gallery management position complete with new salary parameters and additional responsibilities.
Senior Keeper (Waters Biome/Indy Zoo)
- Responsible for care and exhibitry of entire Waters Biome collection including sharks, reef fish, asst. sea life, fresh water fishes, birds (including sea birds), amphibians and reptiles.
- Staff supervision including scheduling, training, hiring/terminating, evaluation of staff under direct management.
- Served as Dive Safety officer.
- Oversaw biome’s horticulture collection for 10,000 square foot indoor Amazon exhibit and assorted displays.
- Management of entire Waters staff including full-time, part-time, interns and volunteers.
- Staff administrative duties.
- Direct husbandry duties.
- Oversaw husbandry, propagation and research projects.
- Maintained quality husbandry and exhibitry parameters.
- Budgetary control.
- Directed weekly and emergency staff meetings.
- Maintenance and repair of life-support systems.
- Oversaw biome activities such as special events, buy-outs, and marketing events.
- Animal acquisition, disposition and inventory control.
- Scheduled and emergency meetings with zoo’s other Senior Keepers to maintain overall zoo integrity and smooth operations.
- Committees and team positions while at Indy Zoo
- -Collection Management (Senior Keepers and General Curator)
- -Animal Containment (Entire Collection)
- -Zoo Pride (Staff recognition, benefits and morale improvement)
- -Blockbuster Exhibits (New exhibits and features for annual peak seasons)
- -Community Relations (External relations with various community leaders)
- -White River Gardens Fundraising (Fund raising campaigns for Zoo’s new sister botanical gardens)
- -Zoo Master Plan (Zoo/Aquarium and Garden vision, planning and implementation)
- -Public Relations (Television appearances, on-sight interviews, radio, television and written media)
- -Co-hosted, wrote and appeared in over 50 episodes of the Emmy award winning “At the Zoo” show, a weekly television program giving insight into the zoo’s operations and animal collection.
General Manager
Midwest Wildlife Educational Services
02.1980 - 05.1987
- Provided “hands-on” care and training for a variety of exotic animals such as large carnivores, primates, birds, venomous reptiles, ungulates, and assorted small to medium exotic mammals.
- Developed expertise in the care and handling of exotic and native wild animals.
- Provided compound security.
- Managed staff of five.
- Oversaw pet shop activities and inventory.
- Enclosure construction and maintenance.
- Gained valuable experience with noted animals such as Bengal tigers, black bear, leopard, cougar, African lions, bobcat, servals, caracals, jaguars, badgers, coyote, fox, camels, Celebes apes, spider monkeys, rhesus monkeys, Hamadryas baboons, and much more…
Education
B.S. (Bachelors of Science) - Biology
Indiana State University/Purdue University At Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Skills
- Exhibit fabrication
- Public speaking and lobbying skills
- Negotiation
- Donor management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Team building
- Budget management
- Staff management
- Relationship building
- Innovation management
- Financial reporting
- Fundraising events
- Non-profit management
Certification
- Chemical Immobilization of Animals/Safe Capture International certification
- Scuba certified
- Indiana State Wild Animal Possession permit(s)
- Indiana State Nuisance Wildlife Control permit
- Indiana State Educational permit
- Indiana State Wildlife Rehabilitation permit
- Indiana State Scientific Collectors permit
- Certified Wildlife Management Professional (NWCOA)
- Certified Bat Professional (Bat Conservation International)
- USFWS Wildlife Rehabilitation permit
- USDA/APHIS Wildlife Exhibitor license
- Texas State Venomous Reptile Possession permit
- Texas Scientific Collector’s permit
Affiliations
- AZA Professional Member (1990-present)
- ZAA Professional Member (2014-present)
- ZAA Accreditation Inspector & Conservation Programs Committee
- ZAA Code of Conduct Committee member
- ZAA- Conservation Committee advisory member
- Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR) (member)
- Contractual Biologist for State of Indiana (Timber rattlesnake conservation research)
- Contractual Biologist for United States Navy (Timber rattlesnake conservation management)
- Indiana Amphibian and Reptile Technical Advisory Committee (State appointed/Associate member)
- National Wildlife Control Operators Association (Certification Chairman)
- United States Fish and Wildlife Services (Timber rattlesnake task force)
- Bat Conservation International (Honorary Member)
Timeline
Director
Henson Robinson Zoo
08.2021 - Current
Director of Life Sciences
Science Spectrum Museum
12.2019 - 08.2021
Deputy Director
Hill Country Zoo (dba Snake Farm Zoo)
10.2017 - 07.2019
Executive Director
Critical Conservation Services & Rattlesnake Preservation Trust
09.2014 - Current
Curator of Herpetology & Aquatics
Albuquerque Biological Park
07.2010 - 08.2014
Curator of Herpetology, Conservation and Research
Natural Toxins Research Center-Texas A&M University
01.2009 - 06.2010
Executive Director
South Texas Zoological Society (Texas Zoo)
04.2008 - 12.2008
Zoo Curator (General Curator)
Abilene ZOOlogical Gardens
02.2005 - 04.2008
Supervisor of Herpetology and Aquarium
San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium
04.2003 - 02.2005
President/Director (owner)
Wildlife Advisory Services, Inc.
03.2000 - 03.2003
Manager of Herpetology and Entomology (Zoo respective)
Indianapolis Zoo
03.1989 - 02.2000
Supervisor of Natural Sciences Gallery
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
06.1987 - 05.1989
General Manager
Midwest Wildlife Educational Services
02.1980 - 05.1987
Senior Keeper (Waters Biome/Indy Zoo)
B.S. (Bachelors of Science) - Biology
Indiana State University/Purdue University At Indianapolis (IUPUI)
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