Audio clip
Dardenelle Long
When Darde Long started working as a keeper at the Chattanooga Zoo in 1985, it was a far cry from the accredited institution she now oversees as executive director.
The 1.5-acre grounds were dotted with animals housed in wire-and-concrete cages so behind the times the Atlanta Journal Constitution referred to the facility as "Chattanooga's Animal Ghetto," Ms. Long said.
Now the zoo is eight times larger; the cages, with one exception, are new, and the facility is celebrating its 10th year of accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Q: How do you respond to people crediting you with the zoo's revitalization?
A: To be honest, I was really lucky because Friends of the Zoo formed simultaneously when I was hired. Back then, they provided volunteers who were critical. Suddenly, there were animals that were getting better care and having a little bit of extra time spent with them. Really, without Friends of the Zoo, the zoo wouldn't be here today. I couldn't have done it without them. They've been an unbelievable partner.
Q: What's most rewarding about your job, day to day?
A: Every time we put an animal in a new exhibit was amazing. Each thing that you improve gives you that really special feeling about that animal that you've just done something so wonderful.
Q: What's been most challenging?
A: Getting the community to realize the transformation that has occurred and to not only recognize the difference that's been made here but to embrace the zoo (as) a true resource for the community.
The other challenge is making the community aware of what we're doing, whether that's taking care of rescued exotic animals or giving a kid a chance at a job. I'm not sure everyone really understands that.
Q: Why was it important to get the zoo accredited?
A: That benchmark for us said, "This is a very different place now." That's a really important professional accomplishment for everybody here. Keeping your zoo accredited is saying that you always maintained those standards. That was a big deal, but it was a long process.
Q: What was the biggest hurdle to accreditation?
A: Our exhibits. We were providing good care for animals and were beginning to show some financial stability, but we had some old, out-dated exhibits. That was a challenge because it takes money to build exhibits, especially if you want to build them so they're good for the animal and good for the public.
Q: Having come so far from where you started, what are your plans for the zoo's future?
A: We're finishing out our Asian zone with the Komodo dragons and possibly getting some small-clawed otters. Our African penguins are slated to go up front. We're also currently building a new interpretive area that covers both the jaguar and spider monkey areas and allows you to stay indoors.
ABOUT HER
* Name: Darde Long.
* Birthday: April 1, 1957.
* Hometown: Chattanooga.
* Education: Brainerd High School, Auburn University/University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
* Family: husband, Rick Jackson.
* Pet names: dogs, Mugsy and Sunny.
FAVORITE Book
"Monkeys on the Interstate" by Jack Hanna.
FAVORITE Movie
"The Incredible Journey."
FAVORITE Animal
Elephants and big cats, especially jaguars.
FAVORITE Celebrity
Elizabeth Taylor.
PULL QUOTE
"I've never been comfortable not having an animal around. I'm much more comfortable doing public speaking, even, if I have a snake around my neck."
Casey Phillips has worked as a features reporter in the Life department for three years. He writes about entertainment, young adults, animals and people of interest. Casey hails from Knoxville and earned a bachelor of science degree in journalism and a bachelor of arts in German. He previously worked as the features editor for Sidelines at Middle Tennessee State University. Casey received the East Tennessee Society of Professional Journalists Award of Excellence for Reviewing/Criticism in ...
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