David G. Wood, 61, curator and innovator at Elmwood Park Zoo
David G. Wood, 61, of West Norriton, an animal curator at the Elmwood Park Zoo who was a familiar presence at Eagles home games with a bald eagle named Noah tethered to his arm, died Wednesday, March 22, of an inflammatory disease at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
From an early age, Mr. Wood never met an animal he didn't like, and that passion set the tone for a life of zookeeping, success at breeding endangered species in captivity, and attracting the public to interact with some of the world's shyest – and tallest – creatures.
He spent 20 years at the Philadelphia Zoo, first as a keeper, then as curator of large mammals, including elephants and rhinos. While there, he was the first keeper to get naked mole rats – so called because they have no fur -- to breed in a zoo exhibit. He did so by playing radio station WMMR round the clock to desensitize the burrowing rodents to the city's noise and vibrations.
Hedy Cerwinka, a former colleague of Mr. Wood at the Philadelphia Zoo, said that "Dave was just a natural with animals of all kinds."
He was the first to bring the famous white lions of Timbavati, South Africa, to North America in 1993. He installed them in a rocky exhibit at the Philadelphia Zoo. A year later, the white lions produced two white lion cubs, Khanya and Tandi, and a fawn-colored cub named Kholwa.
The public flocked to see them and followed their progress as they grew into big cats. Mr. Wood made numerous appearances with the cubs, including the 1994 Best of Philly Party and Captain Noah's TV show. He also appeared with the cubs and his friend Jack Hanna on Good Morning America and David Letterman's show.
"What a wonderful time it was when our paths crossed on a daily basis," Milly Hudgins, a former Philadelphia Zoo colleague, posted online. "I have amazing memories of our trips to New York for Good Morning America, The Today Show and Live with Regis and Kathie Lee. How many people have snuck naked mole rats on Amtrak? We did."
Mr. Wood left the Philadelphia Zoo in 1996 for the Palm Beach Zoo in West Palm Beach, Fla. After four years, he became general curator of the Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke, Va.
At Mill Mountain, he created many new animal exhibits, including areas for the secretive snow and clouded leopards, and for the takin, a goat-antelope native to the eastern Himalayas of Tibet. His family said he "will always be remembered" at the zoo for being able to raise two red wolves, a species that is critically endangered.
In 2005, Mr. Wood became the general curator for the Elmwood Park Zoo on Harding Boulevard in Norristown. He was instrumental in bringing two giraffes on loan to the zoo in 2013, and he created a feeding experience in which the public could climb some steps to a high wooden platform for face time with the gentle creatures that, it turns out, have purple tongues.
It was a win-win-win. The giraffes liked eating the Romaine lettuce they were offered and allowed themselves to be petted. The public was enthralled. The zoo's popularity soared.
Mr. Wood transformed a young bald eagle that could not exist in the wild into an education ambassador for the zoo by teaching it to tolerate the presence of people. For the last three years, Mr. Wood attended Eagles home games with the august bird attached to a leather glove on his arm. When the public asked questions about the bird, he answered them. He told his family that he "was very proud to be associated with the Eagles."
Over time, Mr. Wood oversaw the expansion of the zoo's animal collection, shifting its focus from primarily North and South American animals to others from across the globe. He acquired two zebras, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, capybara (a dog-sized rodent, the world's largest), and straw-colored fruit bats, and he designed and planned the new Trail of the Jaguar exhibit that is due to open in early May.
"I can't overstate how important Dave Wood's work was, certainly to our zoo, as well as the community worldwide," said Al Zone, the Elmwood Park Zoo's executive director and CEO. "He had an incredible amount of knowledge, and I learned so much from him. He was also a great advocate for wildlife and the environment."
Mr. Wood oversaw and managed the zoo's jaguar breeding program that resulted in the birth of two cubs in January, one a girl, the other a boy. There is a naming contest for the cubs.
"Dave's passing is a tremendous loss, and we will miss him terribly," Zone said. "But I know he was very excited for the zoo and the direction it was going in. In truth, Dave Wood's passion and commitment to the zoo has ensured we will continue to grow and remain strong for many years to come."
Born in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia, Mr. Wood graduated from Edison High School, where he enrolled in the Edison Project, an early attempt to focus students on career preparation. He was the first to be hired as a co-op employee at the Philadelphia Zoo and upon graduation he joined the staff full time.
When not engaged with animals, Mr. Wood was fond of the water. He fished at the Jersey Shore, kayaked on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia, went diving in the Caribbean, or enjoyed Lake Wallenpaupack, a favorite spot in the Poconos. He also enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycles and driving his Harley-themed Hummer.
He is survived by his wife, Laurie Smith Wood; a brother; and seven nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Mr. Wood's life is being planned for a later date at the zoo.
Memorial donations be made to the Elmwood Park Zoo, Development Department, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, Pa. 19401.