About the TAG

The Ape Taxon Advisory Group

Apes- bonobos, chimpanzees, gibbons/siamangs, gorillas, and orangutans – are found in 120 Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited institutions. The primary mission of the AZA’s Ape Taxon Advisory Group (Ape TAG) is to coordinate the management of these five taxa within AZA zoos.

Specifically, the Ape TAG works with the individual ape Species Survival Plan (SSP®) programs to ensure that ape populations in accredited zoos are properly managed to secure their long-term future and physical and psychological health. 

Additionally, the Ape TAG makes recommendations for how ex situ populations of apes may most effectively serve as ambassadors to educate zoo visitors and contribute to the conservation of their wild counterparts. You can find important information about TAG activities and partnerships on our Resources page.

The Ape TAG is a completely volunteer organization administered by a group of professionals that care about apes and ape issues. Find out more about the people behind the TAG and the subcommittees that they manage.

Voting Members	Affiliation	Role
Tina Cloutier Barbour	Curator of Conservation, Research & Chimpanzees, Lion Country Safari	Chair
Victoria McGee	Manager of Primates, Cincinnati Zoo	Vice Chair
Audra Meinelt	Curator, Congo Expedition and Orangutans, Columbus Zoo	Secretary
Pamela Carter	Chimpanzee Forest Area Manager, Maryland Zoo	Member
Ron Evans	General Curator, Louisville Zoological Garden	Member
Roby Elsner	Gladys Porter Zoo	Member
Heidi Hellmuth	Curator of Primates, Saint Louis Zoo	Member
Jennifer Ireland	Curator of Mammals, North Carolina Zoo	Member
Josh Meyerchick	Lead Keeper, Primates, Zoo Atlanta	Member
Jill Moyse	Curator of Primates, Lincoln Park Zoo	Member
Lee Ann Rottman	Director of Animal Programs, Naples Zoo	Member

Program Advisors	Affiliation	Role
Marietta Danforth	Great Ape Heart Project, Detroit Zoo	Research Chair
Elena Hoellein Less	Cleveland Metroparks Zoo	Research
Hayley Murphy	Detroit Zoo	Veterinary
Priya Bapodra	Columbus Zoo	Veterinary
Rich Bergl	North Carolina Zoo	Biomaterials
Gina Ferrie	Zoo Atlanta	APM Committee Liaison
John Andrews	Lincoln Park Zoo	Population Management