Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/72324
workWith Me Ronda Schwetz Settling into a wild role at Henry Vilas Zoo Th ere aren't many people whose work breaks involve sitting down to check in with an orangutan. But Ronda Schwetz, the newly minted director of Madison's Henry Vilas Zoo, never doubted that her career path would bring her here. What began as the curiosity of a wide- eyed girl has since evolved into a serious mission. After deciding at a young age that she wanted to become a zookeeper, she made it happen. And it was this drive that led her to positions at zoos across the country and an opportunity to work with animals around the world. It's beyond the zoo gates where Schwetz The Zoo's Wish List Call it an "animal bucket list." As the Henry Vilas Zoo continues to evolve, Schwetz hopes to expand the species of animals that call Madison home. After recently creating a home for pygmy elephants from Borneo, what's coming next? A platypus. has indulged in one of her top passions: primate conservation. Adding to her al- ready busy workload, she serves as a fi eld supervisor for the Orangutan Species Survival Plan, an initiative working to save orangutans in the wild and ensure their health in captivity. In that capacity, she takes annual trips to orangutan reha- bilitation centers in Indonesia, delivering supplies and helping facilitate staffi ng in coordination with zoos in the U.S. Closer to home, Schwetz is intent on creating the best homes pos- sible for animals in Madison, while helping grow a facility that has been close to her heart since she was young. "You feel connected to nature here," explains the McFarland native. "Th e animals are well taken care of, there are opportunities to she says the zoo is ramping up educational offerings for kids, as well as increasing supervised opportunities for visitors to interact with the animals. Schwetz is also looking forward to breaking ground on an eco-friendly animal health facility this fall. Whether acting globally or locally, learn, and it's peaceful." In an effort to engage more area families, Schwetz is all about inspiring the same awe and respect for the animal world she's had since childhood. "I get to do what I dreamed about when I was 5 years old," she says, smiling. "[And] share that passion with as many people that will listen." June 2012 bravamagazine.com 31 Photo by Tyler Robbins