Hello, and welcome to the official Fresno Chaffee Zoo blog.

I’m Jon Forrest Dohlin, and I have the privilege of serving as CEO and Director of this extraordinary Zoo. As someone who’s spent a career at the intersection of wildlife conservation, animal care, and community engagement, I’m excited to share a more personal window into the work we do every day.

At Fresno Chaffee Zoo, we aim to inspire care for animals, create meaningful connections, build community, and save wildlife. This blog is a new way for us to invite you behind the scenes—to meet the people, hear the stories, and witness the impact of our mission in action, both here in Fresno and around the world.

You’ll hear from animal care staff who develop deep, lasting relationships with the animals in our care, from veterinarians who steward their health and well-being, and from conservationists working to protect species in the wild. But you’ll also get to know the unsung heroes who make all of this possible—our horticulture and maintenance crews, our guest services and safety teams, our educators and conservation interpreters, and the many volunteers who give their time to help this place thrive.

Since arriving at Fresno Chaffee Zoo, I’ve been struck by the extraordinary warmth and generosity of this community. It’s clear how much this Zoo matters—to our visitors, members, patrons, and partners. I’m honored to work alongside such a dedicated staff to nurture an institution that means so much to so many.

Whether you’re a lifelong member or a first-time visitor, we’re excited to bring you along on this journey. Together, we can imagine—and build—a more just and vibrant future where people and wildlife thrive together.