Woodland Park Zoo Press Release

SEATTLE - Stephanie Stowell has joined Woodland Park Zoo as its new Director of Education. At the helm of the zoo’s Education Department, Stowell will evaluate the development and implementation of educational programs for children and adults to advance the zoo’s mission. She will work with the local community, as well as state and national institutions, to develop and offer jointly-sponsored wildlife conservation education programs. She will develop and implement long-term strategic priorities, advance zoo goals, and communicate a broad vision to the organization and community. She also maintains fiscal budgetary control over the department's $2 million annual budget and oversees a 40-member staff and volunteer program of nearly 700 members.

Most recently Stowell worked for the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) for nine years, contributing to the education programs of the organization in a variety of capacities. As Senior Manager of Educator Programs, Stowell managed the national Schoolyard Habitats program and oversaw the integration of all of NWF’s formal education programs including curriculum development, teacher training programs and project evaluation. As Senior Director of Field Education Programs, Stowell oversaw the implementation of NWF’s education programs in all eight of NWF’s regional Natural Resource Center offices including volunteer, teacher and community-based programs.

Stowell obtained her master’s degree in curriculum & instruction/environmental education from the University of Montana and has also worked as an environmental education consultant in Montana and Washington.

In 1996 Stowell was named Montana’s Environmental Educator of the Year.

Accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting a standard for zoos all over the world. With conservation, education and excellent animal care at the core of the zoo’s mission, the zoo is helping to save endangered species in Washington state and around the world including tree kangaroos, snow leopards, red-crowned cranes, African wild dogs, western pond turtles and Oregon silverspot butterflies. By inspiring visitors and others to care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future.