Zoo Director Biography

Hank Barstow is the Director, curator, and administrator of The Wild Things Zoo Complex.  He is also a volunteer fire fighter.  Hank is a wildlife biologist with degrees in both biology and animal husbandry. 

The fire department has set up a remote fire station at the zoo complete with its own tanker and ladder truck.  There is also an emergency services vehicle on hand with round the clock EMTs and a Paramedic on duty.  They are ready for any emergency. 

Hank is one of the most eligible bachelors in the surrounding area.  He heralds from Boston and moved to Small Town soon after obtaining his PHD specializing in exotic animals. He is the center of Small Town's social life here, though he seems dedicated to his work first and foremost. 

Each year the zoo throws a big fund raiser.  It is a masquerade ball.  The participants have to dress in costumes depicting exotic animals.  It is quite an elaborate affair complete with sound effects, exotic music, and catered dishes equal to any served by the Monarchy.  The whole affair is tented on the zoo grounds with lavish chandeliers and glowing candles.  All proceeds go towards the upkeep and supplies for the zoo.

Hank has been a resident of Small Town for six years now.  He rents a small apartment in town and drives a Mustang convertible...Red.  He serves on the board of the local school district and offers field trips to the zoo free of charge to the schools.  He also offers opportunities for the high school students to work at the zoo and provides scholarships for those students who have an interest in going into this field of work after college. 

Hank has implemented a traveling  zoo experience program where a group of animal trainers and handlers go around to schools in the surrounding counties and introduce some of the exotic animals to the students in an up-close way.  Some of the funds raised by the masquerade ball go to the operation of this program.