AAAS Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion

Biography

Beth Stevens, Ph.D., is Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. She received her bachelor’s degree in Zoology at Duke University and went on to study behavioral physiology as a German academic exchange student at the University of Tueginden, West Germany. She completed her Ph.D. in Biology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Stevens began her zoo career as a post-doctoral curatorial intern at the national Zoo in Washington, D.C. From there she went to Zoo Atlanta as a research biologist and eventually became senior vice president for conservation research and education. Beth joined Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1996 where her first role was conservation and science director for Animal Programs. From there she became general manager and then director, leading the animal husbandry, veterinary, education and science programs at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The Living Seas, and Tri-Circle D Ranch. In August of 2001, she was promoted to Vice President for Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Animal Programs. In 2005 Beth was installed as president-elect of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. She also serves on the board for the International Species Information System, Exxon Save the Tiger Fund, and the International Rhino Foundation.