Thane Maynard

Since 1987, Thane Maynard has hosted ‘The 90-Second Naturalist,’ a nationally syndicated radio program dedicated to science and environmental news. Maynard began his distinguished career at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden in 1977 as the Assistant Curator of Education. Demonstrating exceptional leadership and a profound commitment to wildlife, he steadily advanced through various roles, ultimately ascending to the position of Executive Director in 2006. Currently, Maynard serves as the Executive Chair of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, an institution he has helped transform into a globally recognized leader in conservation.

He also completed the inaugural National Education Leadership Institute, an initiative supported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Disney, highlighting his dedication to advancing environmental education. His extensive travels across five continents to promote biological diversity and wildlife conservation have earned him membership in the prestigious Explorers Club. In 2008, his unwavering commitment to animal welfare was recognized with the P.B. Johnston Humane Care Award.

His visionary leadership has positioned the institution at the forefront of global conservation efforts, impacting public understanding and action for natural history and biodiversity. Through his multifaceted career spanning decades, Maynard remains a vital force in inspiring millions worldwide to protect our planet’s precious ecosystems and the diverse animal species within them.