About Ron

Ron is Miami Zoo's Communications and Media Relations Director

Born February 28, 1960 in New York City and is married with two children.

Ron has worked with wildlife for over 30 years and has had the privilege of having “hands-on” experience with a tremendous variety of animals.  As Zoo Miami’s  “Goodwill Ambassador”, he has made frequent television appearances on many programs including, “National Geographic Explorer”, the “Today Show”, “The Late Show with David Letterman”, “CBS’ The Early Show”, “Dateline” and “CNN”.  Ron is also a regular guest on several Spanish language television programs including international hits “Sabado Gigante” and “Despierta America”.  In addition, he has written and produced many wildlife articles and award-winning photographs that have appeared in publications and galleries around the world.  He has traveled extensively throughout Africa, India and Tropical America while developing and directing award-winning conservation projects and documentaries focusing on the wildlife of those regions.

Ten things about me!

1) Skipped the 4th grade because I was a “braniac nerd” when I was younger who never missed a day of school until senior high.

2) I met my wife in the hospital after I got bitten by a crocodile and she was part of my physical therapy team after surgery (now I get physical therapy for free!).

3) I was one of the primary animal handlers for a variety of animals including “Elvis” the alligator for the television show, “Miami Vice.”

4) I have one of the largest private collection of animal skulls in the U.S.

5) My hero is Jim Fowler

6) My single most valued possession is a 25,000 year old skull of an extinct cave bear that stood nearly 15 feet tall!

7) Craziest thing I ever did was bungee jump off of the bridge over Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Africa.

8) Closest I came to dying was being charged by an elephant in the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.

9) There is nothing I love more than staying home with my wife on a rainy day and watching a good movie (I love tear-jerkers).

10) I have won 3 Emmy Awards!