Former PDZA director turns author

John Horton Houck, the former deputy director of the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA), has released a memoir titled "Keeping the Zoo: Memories of a Forty-Four Year Zoo and Aquarium Career," which recounts his extensive journey in zoo work. The book is organized into three sections, detailing Houck's early passion for biology, his ascent in zoo leadership, and the institution's role in conservation. Starting his career as a zookeeper in the Oregon Zoo in 1974, Houck later moved to Tacoma, where he faced significant financial challenges at PDZA, including the threat of closure. He credits community support as a vital factor in the zoo's recovery, highlighting the passing of bond measures that ensured its survival. The memoir also sheds light on PDZA's achievements in species conservation, particularly through successful breeding programs for red wolves and the rescue of polar bears from dire conditions.

Houck's reflections emphasize the deep connection between the community and the zoo, portraying it as a cherished institution. His narrative serves as a testament to the importance of wildlife conservation and the personal fulfillment derived from a lifelong career in zoo management. Overall, Houck's book captures the essence of dedication, passion, and the impact of community involvement in preserving wildlife.