Sanford, FL (December 14, 2017) – The Central Florida Zoological Society is pleased to announce that Mr. Dino Ferri has accepted the position of CEO of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Mr. Ferri moves into this position after serving as Zoo Director since May 2016.
“With over 20 years of zoo management experience, the Central Florida Zoo has benefited greatly from Mr. Dino Ferri’s expertise.” says Charles Davis, Central Florida Zoological Society Board of Directors, Chair. “The Board strongly believes that Mr. Ferri’s vision and existing leadership of the Zoo will serve to move the organization forward in the coming years. His guidance throughout the reaccreditation process in 2016 showcased his commitment & dedication to maintaining the Central Florida Zoo’s reputation as a regional education and conservation resource.”
Before arriving at the Zoo in 2016, Mr. Ferri served in leadership roles at several other facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), including the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, Virginia Zoological Gardens in Norfolk, VA and the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens in Florida. Dino also holds a B.S. in Biology from Wayne State University and is a recognized expert in the field of Herpetology. Throughout his career, Mr. Ferri has served on the AZA Inspection Team and was most recently appointed to the AZA Field Conservation Committee in September 2017. Mr. Ferri’s longtime zoo experience and expertise will provide the Central Florida Zoo with stability and knowledge in achieving the Zoo’s recently adopted 20-year master plan.
“The vision for the future of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is one that I am proud to have helped develop, and that I am eagerly looking forward to realizing for the benefit of all Central Florida residents and visitors,” states Mr. Ferri. “We will create meaningful and lasting partnerships within our community while we continue our mission to inspire others to learn and act on behalf of wildlife and the wild places they call home.”
