Stephanie Stowell Named as New ABQ BioPark Director

Nov. 23, 2020 - The ABQ BioPark is proud to welcome its newest director, Stephanie Stowell. Stowell has been at the BioPark since July 2019, previously serving as associate director. She has years of previous experience working at other zoological facilities.

As director, she’ll be in charge of the Zoo, Tingley Beach, Botanic Garden and Aquarium, working to improve guest experience, education programs, facilities, grounds and animal care. 

"It has been a privilege to serve this community and the ABQ BioPark for the past year in my capacity as associate director. It's been inspiring to learn about and better understand the diversity of programs and facilities," Stowell said. "And it's been incredibly humbling to truly experience the breadth and depth of the staff expertise we have at the BioPark. We have an amazing resource here in Albuquerque that serves our community and beyond. And I could not be more excited to work with the BioPark team and our community to chart a course for an even more exciting future."

The BioPark is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Less than 25% of AZA-accredited institutions have female executive leadership. Stowell is currently leading the BioPark's AZA reaccreditation process.  

Stowell has extensive experience working in and with AZA-accredited facilities. She joined the BioPark team after serving as the Vice President for Learning and Engagement at the Denver Zoo. There she was responsible for advancing the mission of Denver Zoo by developing, implementing, and evaluating a diverse menu of programs for multiple audiences both onsite and in the community and was an active member of the zoo's Executive Team. 

Prior to joining Denver Zoo, Stowell served as the executive director of the Pueblo Zoo providing overarching leadership on institutional operations and performance including mission-related education, conservation, and guest experience programs. She also served as the vice president of education at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle from 2007 to 2010, and was on staff at the National Wildlife Federation for nine years ultimately serving as the senior director of Field Education Programs.