Kane County Reporter

Zoologist Margaret Bowen recently accepted the top position of zoo manager at Aurora’s Phillips Park Zoo, a century-old institution, bringing almost two decades of expertise in the field of animal care at clinics and zoos nationwide.

 

With a bachelor’s degree in zoology from Oswego State University in New York and a specialized associate's degree in zoo animal science technology from the Gainesville, Florida-based Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo, Bowen expressed enthusiasm for her new job.

 

"I am excited about being able to work with such a great team at Phillips Park Zoo," Bowen said. "The zookeepers here have great passion and dedication for the work they do, and I think we all can really look forward to a great future for this historic zoo."

 

Previously, Bowen worked as a vet tech in Rockford, as a client care manager for an animal hospital in Sycamore, and as an animal keeper and lead trainer at a conservation center in Dawsonville, Georgia.

Notably, Bowen initiated Great Bend-Brit Spaugh Zoo's accreditation application to the international Association of Zoos and Aquariums during her tenure as curator/registrar at the Great Bend, Kansas, zoo.

 

"I look forward to continue increasing our animal inhabitants at Phillips Park Zoo while strengthening the quality of our education and conservation programs," Bowen said.