Bob Wiese

The San Diego Zoo: PLNU was here

Dr. Robert Wiese (’82)

San Diego Zoo Global is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conservation, education, and recreation. Under its auspices are the world-famous San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. 

And PLNU is here.

PLNU alumnus Dr. Robert Wiese is the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park’s chief life sciences officer. Wiese oversees the care, sustainability, and development of every living thing in the parks – plants and animals alike. He helped develop the new Elephant Odyssey exhibit in the San Diego Zoo and is currently working on a new tiger exhibit for the Safari Park. Wiese also chairs the Wildlife Conservation and Management Committee for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for North America. 

Wiese is part of the San Diego Zoo team selected for a multi-year project to create an animal park, much like the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, with the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi. 

Wiese finds wonder in nature. He finds God in God’s creation. Learning about animal diversity and the intricacies of how life works on earth is a faith-inspiring journey for him.

He has dedicated his life to finding creative ways to maintain a sustainable earth. His focus has mainly been on the care and recovery of nearly extinct species. Above all, Wiese is committed to being a good steward of the earth. He believes we can try to reverse some of our mistakes from the past – it will just take a little bit of environmental consciousness from everyone.