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 |
|---|---|---|
| Lori Perkins | Deputy Director, Birmingham Zoo | Chair |
| Tina Cloutier Barbour | Curator of Conservation, Research & Chimpanzees, Lion Country Safari | Vice Chair |
| Nancy Hawkes | Director of Animal Care, Woodland Park Zoo | Member |
| Lisa New | President & CEO, Zoo Knoxville | Member |
| Lee Ann Rottman | Director of Animal Programs, Naples Zoo | Member |
| Michael Stern | Curator of Primates & Small Mammals, Philadelphia Zoo | Member |
| Heidi Hellmuth | Curator of Primates, Saint Louis Zoo | Member |
| Rob Shumaker | President & CEO, Indianapolis Zoo | Member |
| Species Survival Plan Advisors | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Audra Meinelt | Columbus Zoo & Aquarium | Bonobo SSP Coordinator |
| Tina Cloutier Barbour | Curator of Conservation, Research & Chimpanzees, Lion Country Safari | Chimpanzee SSP Coordinator |
| Beth Richards | Disney’s Animal Kingdom | Gibbon & Siamang SSP Coordinator |
| Kristen Lukas | Cleveland Metroparks Zoo | Gorilla SSP Coordinator |
| Megan Elder | Como Park Zoo & Conservatory | Orangutan SSP Coordinator |
| Steve Ross | Lincoln Park Zoo | Chimpanzee Studbook Keeper |
| Megan Elder | Como Park Zoo & Conservatory | Orangutan Studbook Keeper |
| Roby Elsner | Little Rock Zoo | Gorilla Studbook Keeper |
| Becky Malinsky | Smithsonian National Zoo | Siamang Studbook Keeper |
| Keith Zdrojewski | Dallas Zoo | White-Handed Gibbon Studbook Keeper |
| Amanda Ott | Disney’s Animal Kingdom | White-Cheeked Gibbon Studbook Keeper |
| SME Advisors | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Jennifer Mickelberg | Zoo Atlanta | Population Management |
| Rich Bergl | North Carolina Zoo | Conservation |
| Hayley Murphy | Zoo Atlanta | Veterinary |
| Tracy Fenn | Jacksonville Zoo | Ad Hoc |
| Tara Stoinski, | Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International | Past Chair |
| Elena Hoellein Less | Cleveland Metroparks Zoo | Research |
| Marietta Danforth | Great Ape Heart Project | Research & Technology |
| Jeff Sailer | Toledo Zoo | APM Committee Liaison |
Ape Tag 