Nancy Armitage Wildlife Lecture Series: Derek Benson

About this event

The Nancy Armitage Wildlife Lecture Series was created to honor the memory of Nancy Armitage and her love for wildlife and conservation. This event is sold out. To inquire about a waitlist for this event, please email educate@omahazoo.com. Amphibian Conservation – From Awareness to Action Speaker Biography: Derek has worked in zoo-based amphibian conservation for more than 13 years, beginning with the Puerto Rican Crested Toad conservation project at Sunset Zoo in Manhattan, Kansas. He currently oversees the Amphibian Conservation Area at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, leading a team that maintains breeding populations of endangered frogs, toads, and salamanders totaling up to 3,000 animals seasonally. His work spans ex situ reproduction, in situ field monitoring, and strengthening the connection between zoo populations and native ecosystems. Through these efforts, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium has helped release more than 200,000 amphibians into their native habitats. Beyond the Zoo, Derek plays key roles in national conservation efforts. He serves as Vice Coordinator and Studbook Keeper for the Wyoming Toad SAFE program, Regional Coordinator for the Frosted Flatwoods Salamander Working Group, Regional Amphibian Biobanking Representative, and an instructor for the Assisted Reproductive Technologies Workshop. He has completed specialized training in IUCN's Facilitating Species Conservation Planning course and AZA Population Management and regularly provides amphibian conservation consultation to partner institutions.

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