New manager takes reins at Aurora zoo

A longtime zoologist, Margaret Bowen, has been named manager at Aurora's 101-year-old Phillips Park Zoo.

Bowen has nearly 20 years experience working in the animal care field at zoos and animal clinics throughout the country.

She obtained her bachelor's degree in zoology from Oswego State University in New York and a specialized associate degree in zoo animal science technology from the Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo in Gainesville, Florida.

"I look forward to continue increasing our animal inhabitants at Phillips Park Zoo, while strengthening the quality of our education and conservation programs," Bowen said.

Bowen has a wide range of leadership experiences, including coaching corporate teams on communications and maximizing group dynamics.

Prior to joining Phillips Park Zoo, Bowen served as a veterinary technician at the Animal Medical Clinic in Rockford, the client care manager at Bethany Animal Hospital in Sycamore and an animal keeper/lead trainer at the Kangaroo Conservation Center in Dawsonville, Georgia.

During her tenure as curator/registrar of the Great Bend-Brit Spaugh Zoo in Great Bend, Kansas, she led the institution in the process of applying for accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the most widely recognized international accreditation program for zoos.

"I am excited about being able to work with such a great team at Philips Park Zoo," Bowen said. "The zookeepers here have great passion and dedication for the work they do, and I think we all can really look forward to a great future for this historic zoo."