Meet the JMZ's Zoo Director: Sean Ramsdell

March 25, 2025

Hello Friends,

It’s spring at the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo, and the plants in the California Dinosaur Garden are entering full bloom. I hope you’ll come and visit the JMZ and see what’s new soon. 

Our second annual Spring Breakfast will be Friday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Funds raised at this event will directly support programs that expand access to science education throughout our community. If you are interested in attending this event, please reach out to Stephanie Kerry, Advancement and Operations Manager at stephanie@friendsjmz.org. If you would like to become an early supporter, please consider making a donation online.

In this newsletter, we’re excited to spotlight the JMZ’s Zoo Director, Sean Ramsdell. Sean combines his passion for wildlife and strong organizational skills to provide the best care for the JMZ’s critters and fun experiences for guests. Read on to learn more about what he enjoys most about the JMZ, and how his team works to enhance programming both at the JMZ and local schools served by JMZ Educators.

Warmly, 

Lauren Angelo

President, Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo

Spotlight on Sean Ramsdell, JMZ Zoo Director:

Exploring a Lifetime of Curiosity

How did your early experiences shape your desire to pursue a career with animals?

Although I don’t have many clear childhood memories, I always remember loving animals. Growing up on the edge of a state forest, I was lucky to have nature right in my own backyard. I would spend hours outdoors, often looking for small critters like frogs and salamanders. One of my favorite toys was my Fisher Price zoo set with little monkeys and an elephant, which further piqued my curiosity about animals all over the world. Having early exposure to science and nature shaped my desire to pursue a career that involved working with animals. I love that I have the opportunity to introduce animals to young learners, which can then inspire them to become more curious about nature.

I studied biology in college, but I wasn’t quite sure what my path should be. I later secured an internship at the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas, where I had the opportunity to work with rhinos. Soon after, I started working at the Houston Zoo before relocating to Busch Gardens in Tampa. When I first visited the JMZ, I knew this place had something special. I was really drawn to the warm, collaborative environment of the museum and zoo. I knew that the JMZ would give me the opportunity to both work with animals and engage with guests.



Sean poses with a reindeer.

What do you enjoy most about working at the JMZ?

One of the things I love most about working here is the relationships I get to build with the animals. Some of them are elusive, but have their own unique personalities—like Bruce, the Bruce’s green pigeon, who can be a bit challenging to find when it’s time for bed. I made a shirt that says, “Ask me about Bruce” to prompt conversations with guests about her. Beyond that, I’m passionate about creating a positive environment for my team. I want them to feel supported and valued in their work. Working with such a dedicated group of people, and knowing we’re all here for the same purpose—providing the best care for the animals and creating meaningful experiences for our guests—is incredibly rewarding.

Sean's favorite work shirt features a photo of a Bruce's green pigeon.

How do the education and zoo teams collaborate to improve programs?

The high-quality lessons that JMZ Educators deliver at local schools are a huge part of what makes the JMZ so unique. We’re lucky to have a team of passionate educators who want to share the wonder of nature with students across our community. Collaboration between our zoo staff and the education team is key to our success: educators share knowledge with the zoo team on how to best stimulate learning, and we work with the educators on animal handling and behaviors. Both educators and zoo team members actively incorporate a Socratic teaching style, which encourages collaborative learning with guests. Instead of simply telling guests about an animal, we encourage them to think critically about why an animal might behave a certain way or how it adapts to its environment. I’m proud to be part of a team that’s dedicated to making our programs educational for everyone involved.

We’re always looking for ways to expand and improve our programming, both at schools and at the JMZ. One area we’re really focused on right now is animal training, which will benefit both JMZ Science Outreach lessons and the Friends’ Animal Encounters Program. Creating quality experiences with science and nature lays a foundation for success in the lives of many young children. Expanding access to our programs is important to the Friends and the JMZ. I’m excited to continue to reach more young learners and their families through working with our educators and introducing guests to our animals.

Sean and Zookeeper and Friends Ambassador Lee Harper pose with the JMZ's whistling ducks.