Heart of the Zoo: How San Diego Zoo Director Chuck Bieler Earned His Stripes

As executive director emeritus of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Chuck Bieler guided the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park through unprecedented challenges–notably, with the support of his beloved wife, Judy. During his five-decade tenure, Chuck built connections with the local community and his Zoo family, cemented relationships with important donors, championed science and research, and established international partnerships that ultimately brought wildlife like koalas and giant pandas to the Zoo. Heart of the Zoo tells the extraordinary story of how Chuck “earned his stripes” at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. With inside stories and humorous details, it captures his tireless efforts to help create an international conservation organization where all wildlife thrives.