Joining the team almost two years before the aquarium was constructed as the Curator of Water Quality and Animal Health, Joe’s job was to help construct and operate the offsite animal holding and quarantine facility that would house all of the many animals for the aquarium. Establishing strict quarantine procedures and assisting with quality animal acquisitions led to a successful grand opening on Labor Day 1990.
During construction, Joe was tasked with overseeing the proper installation of the mechanical and life support systems and all of the husbandry service areas, food preparation room and laboratory. After opening, Joe was promoted to Assistant Director of Husbandry to assist in running the entire husbandry department.