GREENSBORO, N.C. – U.S. Representative Mark Walker (R-N.C.) honored six employees of the North Carolina Zoo as Community Heroes of the Month for October 2020.  Each month, Walker awards a constituent, business, or organization for displaying extraordinary acts of service and for making a difference in the lives around them.

“The North Carolina Zoo has faced many challenges amidst this pandemic, but these leaders have remarkably stepped up to the challenge and provided outstanding care to the animals who call this facility home,” Walker said. “I am proud to honor these individuals as community heroes for their selfless acts of service and diligence in the face of adversity.”

Crista McGee (Operations), Chris Shupp (Animal Section), Heather Scott (Veterinary Hospital), Jennifer Ireland (Animal Section), Amy Koepp (Veterinary Hospital), Donna Spencer (Environmental Services), and Leslie Seals (Rangers) are zoo employees who went above and beyond to care for and protect the zoo’s animals and facilities while it was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. These essential workers stayed onsite to ensure that the more than 1,800 animals had continuous care and that the internal operations continued to run smoothly. 

“Thank you for recognizing our staff and their dedication to the Zoo. This has been an interesting year with many twists and turns,” said Diane Villa, Director of Communications and Marketing for the North Carolina Zoo. “We can always count on our Zoo family to rise to any occasion and provide excellent care for animals and support each other.”

The employees were presented certificates and a flag which was flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of all North Carolina Zoo employees who have served so ably during this challenging year.