Queens zoo strikes gold with Silver

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has announced the appointment of a new Facility Director and Curator of the Queens Zoo, Scott Silver.
The 24-year WCS veteran has a strong background in wildlife management and zoology. His responsibilities will cover a wide range of duties, including overseeing the zoo’s animal collection and development plans, as well as overseeing general operations.
Before taking the helm, Silver served for two years as the Assistant Director of the zoo.
During that time, he was responsible for establishing the zoo’s North American pronghorn antelope exhibit. He also coordinated the WCS Jaguar Conservation Program, and, since 2000, the Spectacled Bear Species Survival Plan for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
According to Robert Cook, Senior Vice President and General Director of Living Institutions for WCS, “Scott has proven his outstanding ability to care for our animals and demonstrated his dedication to our visitors and zoo employees, exemplifying his qualifications for leadership.”
Originally established 15 years ago as a zoo dedicated to North American wildlife, it now features many species native to South America, including pudu deer and Andean bears. WCS officials credit Silver with being an important part of the growth of the Queens zoo.
Among his many plans for the zoo, Silver wants to create more interactive exhibits that will encourage visitors of all ages to learn more about conservation.
“I am looking forward to having the opportunity to make this beautiful zoo a central attraction to Queens residents and other New Yorkers,” Silver said.
“The Queens Zoo is a wonderful, affordable place for a family to enjoy nature and learn about wildlife, and I would like to see more people take advantage of this jewel in Corona Park,” he continued.
Silver earned his bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the State University of New York at Oswego. Shortly after graduating in 1984, he joined the WCS’s Bronx Zoo mammal department, transferring to the education department in 1989.
He earned a master’s degree in biology from Fordham University in 1993, pursuing field research on monkeys in Belize, Central America.
A year after earning his Ph.D. in Biology in 1997, Silver became the Queens Zoo’s assistant curator of animals.
He is married with two children, two dogs and a snake.
The Queens Zoo is located at 53-51 111th Street in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Admission is $6 for adults; $2.25 for seniors 65 and older; $2 for kids three- to 12-years-old and free for children under three.
Zoo hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekends. For further information, call 718-271-1500 or visit www.queenszoo.com.