New General Curator joins Palm Beach Zoo from Australian Zoo
Contact: Aileen Van Pelt, Media Relations & Development Manager
(561) 533-0887 x222, avanpelt@palmbeachzoo.org
March 11, 2013, WEST PALM BEACH, Florida – Palm Beach Zoo has 
hired a new General Curator, Jan L. Steele from Australia, to lead the Animal Care and Conservation Departments. With her wealth of experience and animal care knowledge, Steele will also help enhance guest experience by introducing additional behind-the-scenes animal encounters and incorporating conservation tips in keeper talks. Steele will be available for interviews and photo ops tomorrow, March 12, to discuss her plans for leading the Animal Care and Conservation Departments at the Zoo.
Steele, pictured with Oz the koala, begins her position as General Curator at the Palm Beach Zoo today. She has worked at zoos in Nevada, Texas, Oregon and most recently, the Melbourne Zoo in Australia. During her 24-year career, Steele has held positions of keeper, senior keeper, supervisor, curator and senior curator. Steele has worked with a variety of species including, carnivores, primates, hoofstock, birds and program animals.
During her eight years in Australia, Steele greatly enhanced the guest experience for the Melbourne Zoo by increasing the number of keeper talks, introducing behind-the-scenes experiences and fostering interest in conservation among keepers and guests alike. Steele brings a comprehensive approach to conservation by inspiring staff and guests to adopt small changes in lifestyle that benefit the species and the natural world, while also supporting on-site conservation projects and legislation that can have a direct impact on animals in the wild.
Steele graduated from the University of Nevada with a B.S. in Animal Biology. She has also received management certification from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Management School.
About the Palm Beach Zoo
The Palm Beach Zoo is located at 1301 Summit Boulevard, just east of I‐95 between Southern and Forest Hill Boulevards. The Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, visit www.palmbeachzoo.org.