Case Studies in Conservation

Marie Fidele Tuyisenge

Marie Fidele Tuyisenge’s relationship with the Zoo and its Conservation & Science experts goes back nearly a decade. Mentored by Zoo scientists through the Zoo’s Memoirs Program in partnership with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, she completed her undergraduate thesis, went on to secure a Cleveland Metroparks Zoo internship with the Fossey Fund, and is now pursuing a master's degree.

Marie Fidele in Rwanda. Photo courtesy of Dian Fossey Fund.

This partnership leverages the Zoo’s scientific expertise to help build the next generation of conservation leaders in Rwanda, and after a decade of mentoring, Marie Fidele is among 70 students who have benefitted from Cleveland’s support and guidance.

Marie Fidele was awarded the Zoo’s Steve Taylor Conservation Award in 2024.

She hopes to return to Rwanda upon completion of her degree and leverage her unique expertise to make a difference for its wildlife, both plant and animal. Marie Fidele was awarded the Zoo’s Steve Taylor Conservation Award in 2024 in recognition and support of her accomplishments as a young scientist.

In partnership with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, the Zoo’s Memoirs Program pairs undergraduate biology students with Zoo scientists for an intense mentorship, culminating in a research thesis that prepares participants for careers in conservation and science.

Nguyen Thu Thuy

Nguyen Thu Thuy has been working with the Asian Turtle Program, your Zoo’s partner in freshwater turtle conservation, since 2009 and is now the Animal Manager for the organization. Her professional development along the way has benefitted from the mentorship of Dr. Selig, the Zoo’s Head of Veterinary Programs, who has traveled to Vietnam several times to provide hands-on training in treating sick and injured turtles.

Nguyen Thu Thuy (left) and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Head of Veterinary Programs Dr. Mike Selig

Turtles confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade come to the Turtle Conservation Centre, where they are treated, cared for, and released back into the wild when possible. The team sees a wide variety of conditions that often necessitate specialized care, and Dr. Selig’s coaching has increased their capacity to treat more turtles successfully.

Nguyen Thu Thuy

In addition to the in-person training he has provided, Dr. Selig communicates with Thuy regularly via WhatsApp to advise on treatment plans for the turtles in her care. He notes a marked improvement in her skill level as a result of this relationship: “I’ve been able to watch her go from having limited ability to now having a pretty advanced skill set. She’s able to do a lot of things she just couldn’t do before – it’s really great to see that progression.”

Through its longtime support of the Asian Turtle Program, the Zoo has helped make possible significant improvements to the veterinary care the ATP team provides through hands-on training and the provision of donor-funded medical supplies.

Robert Marquez

Robert Marquez is the manager of your Zoo’s Andean Bear Conservation Alliance. His journey in Andean bear conservation began in 1999 when he secured a research assistant position as an undergraduate student at the University of Los Andes. There, he met Isaac Goldstein, who would become the founding manager of ABCA in 2011. Goldstein quickly valued Robert’s tenacity and enthusiasm for tough field work, and a decades-long mentorship began.

Robert Marquez with scientists in Colombia

The Andean Bear Conservation Alliance pairs the strategic expertise of Zoo conservation scientists with the resourceful know-how of field researchers in Andean bear range. The Zoo has been part of Robert’s journey from undergraduate to Ph.D., and he now leads ABCA’s important work in monitoring and managing Andean bear populations at the landscape level.

Andean Bear Conservation Alliance (ABCA)

Robert’s work spans five countries and requires skilled collaboration with colleagues ranging from governmental stakeholders to national park wildlife managers. It is a monumental, complex job, and it has been an honor for the Zoo to watch Robert grow into the role over the course of their relationship.

Andean bear mother and cub

The Andean Bear Conservation Alliance is a program of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, working across five countries in South America to conduct first-of-its-kind monitoring and protection of this elusive species.