Deb Dial
About Deb Dial
Deb Dial serves as the Assistant Curator at the National Aquarium, where she has worked since 2006. She leads a team of animal care professionals and operates an LLC, The Educated Zookeeper, providing consultative services to wildlife facilities.
Work at National Aquarium
Deb Dial has served as the Assistant Curator at the National Aquarium since 2006, accumulating 18 years of experience in this role. In her position, she leads a team of 16 animal care professionals responsible for the management of various taxa exhibits, including amphibians, fish, reptiles, and over 100 birds representing approximately 50 avian species. Her responsibilities include overseeing animal care and ensuring the well-being of the animals within the aquarium.
Previous Experience at Carrie Murray Nature Center
Before joining the National Aquarium, Deb Dial worked as a Naturalist at the Carrie Murray Nature Center from 2005 to 2007. This role allowed her to gain valuable experience in environmental education and wildlife conservation in Baltimore, Maryland. Her work at the nature center contributed to her foundational knowledge in animal care and education.
Education and Expertise
Deb Dial studied at the University of Maryland Global Campus and the University of Washington, where she achieved a focus in Applied Animal Behavior. Her educational background supports her professional expertise in animal husbandry, particularly in the care of sloths and tanagers, as well as a strong emphasis on animal behavior.
Consultative Services through The Educated Zookeeper
Deb Dial owns and operates an LLC called The Educated Zookeeper, which provides consultative services to facilities in the field of animal care. Through this initiative, she offers workshops and assistance for organizations looking to retrofit exhibits or construct new ones. The Educated Zookeeper also facilitates free opportunities for zookeepers to connect with researchers and wildlife professionals, addressing common challenges in animal care.
Professional Involvement and Leadership
Deb Dial is an elected steering committee member for the Avian Scientific Advisory Group and the Pangolin, Aardvark and Xenarthra Taxon Advisory Group (PAX TAG) within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Her involvement in these national committees highlights her commitment to advancing animal care practices and contributing to the broader zoo and aquarium community.