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Keeping the Zoo: Memories of a Forty-Four-Year Zoo & Aquarium Career
Rahkan, Orchid, Banyan, Jao Ying, and Sang Dao (the Clouded Leopards) give it five out of five paws... and that's really all you need to know.John Horton Houck’s forty-four-year career in zoos and aquariums began at the Oregon Zoo in 1974, where he was hired in a new direction of zookeeping. The goal was to educate the public about animal conservation and depict natural habitats in the exhibits.
After a dozen years, John accepted a curator position at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, and the family moved to Tacoma, Washington. Eventually, he became Deputy Director, retiring in late 2018. His career stories feature a cast of colorful reptiles, mammals, and birds, as well as the rise of a struggling zoo and aquarium from near closure to prominence as a community treasure and highly respected zoological facility.
***
Keeping the Memories of a Forty-Four-Year Zoo & Aquarium Career by John Horton Houck offers an insider's view of the fascinating world of zoos and aquariums, chronicling a career that spanned decades of transformation in the industry. Beginning at the Oregon Zoo in 1974 as part of a pioneering wave of educated zookeepers, Houck rose through the ranks to become Deputy Director at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington.
This compelling memoir is divided into three parts. In The Making of a Zookeeper, Houck recounts his early years working directly with animals—encountering daily challenges, breakthroughs, and moments of humor while learning the indispensable role of keepers and aquarists in advancing conservation. Crossing the Line details his transition to leadership, where he navigated financial crises and fostered relationships to transform Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium from a struggling facility into a respected institution.
In Red, White, and Ponderous, Houck highlights three emblematic conservation the Red Wolf, which emerged from the brink of extinction through groundbreaking efforts; the Polar Bear, symbolizing the devastating effects of climate change and human resilience; and the elephants, whose care evolved amidst controversy into more humane and safe practices.
With heartfelt anecdotes, keen observations, and an unwavering commitment to conservation, Houck provides a rich tapestry of his career while illustrating the growth of zoos as institutions dedicated to science and education. Readers will discover the profound impact of zoos on wildlife preservation and the tireless efforts of those working behind the scenes.
Keeping the Zoo is a celebration of the human spirit, the power of collaboration, and the hope for a future where humans and wildlife thrive together. Perfect for animal lovers, conservationists, and those curious about the magic of zoos, this memoir is a tribute to a life spent safeguarding the planet’s most vulnerable creatures.
After a dozen years, John accepted a curator position at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, and the family moved to Tacoma, Washington. Eventually, he became Deputy Director, retiring in late 2018. His career stories feature a cast of colorful reptiles, mammals, and birds, as well as the rise of a struggling zoo and aquarium from near closure to prominence as a community treasure and highly respected zoological facility.
***
Keeping the Memories of a Forty-Four-Year Zoo & Aquarium Career by John Horton Houck offers an insider's view of the fascinating world of zoos and aquariums, chronicling a career that spanned decades of transformation in the industry. Beginning at the Oregon Zoo in 1974 as part of a pioneering wave of educated zookeepers, Houck rose through the ranks to become Deputy Director at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington.
This compelling memoir is divided into three parts. In The Making of a Zookeeper, Houck recounts his early years working directly with animals—encountering daily challenges, breakthroughs, and moments of humor while learning the indispensable role of keepers and aquarists in advancing conservation. Crossing the Line details his transition to leadership, where he navigated financial crises and fostered relationships to transform Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium from a struggling facility into a respected institution.
In Red, White, and Ponderous, Houck highlights three emblematic conservation the Red Wolf, which emerged from the brink of extinction through groundbreaking efforts; the Polar Bear, symbolizing the devastating effects of climate change and human resilience; and the elephants, whose care evolved amidst controversy into more humane and safe practices.
With heartfelt anecdotes, keen observations, and an unwavering commitment to conservation, Houck provides a rich tapestry of his career while illustrating the growth of zoos as institutions dedicated to science and education. Readers will discover the profound impact of zoos on wildlife preservation and the tireless efforts of those working behind the scenes.
Keeping the Zoo is a celebration of the human spirit, the power of collaboration, and the hope for a future where humans and wildlife thrive together. Perfect for animal lovers, conservationists, and those curious about the magic of zoos, this memoir is a tribute to a life spent safeguarding the planet’s most vulnerable creatures.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2025
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