ABOUT STEPHANIE ARNE
Passionate About Inspiring Others
Since she was a child, Stephanie Arne has felt a strong connection with nature. She embraces the importance of living as a part of the natural world, rather than separate from it. And she knows that sharing that connectivity is critical to protecting nature on a global scale.
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She’s worked with – and learned from – biologists, conservation leaders, CEOs, farmers, and fisherman in Africa, Australia, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the United States.
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As a wildlife conservation professional, she’s committed to raising awareness about the disconnect between modern society and the natural world. And she’s determined to explore and share how each of us can use our specific talents and skills to bridge that gap to make our planet a healthier place for generations to come.
Today, Stephanie proud to be back in her home state of South Dakota and is the Director of Conservation for the Sioux Falls zoo and Aquarium, a new organization formed by the merger of the Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House and Aquarium. She is formerly the Director of Education for Endangered Wolf Center, founded by celebrity Wild Kingdom host, Dr. Marlin Perkins and his wife Carol, she is also the former online host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom furthering her commitment to the Perkin’s work.
Steph is a respected and engaging public speaker on global efforts in community conservation and her insight has earned her a seat on the International Union of Conservation Nature’s (IUCN), Education and Communication Commission. Stephanie has been the Wildlife and Conservation Ambassador for CuriosityStream: Deep Elite Ambassador for Scubapro; named Ambassador for the Planet by the Wyland Foundation; joined the advisory council for Alaska Sealife Center, and was the co-founder of The Creative Animal Foundation.
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Stephanie has appeared on the "Drew Barrymore Show," Harry Connick Jr.’s daytime show, “Harry!” as well as The Weather Channel, and Animal Planet’s, “Animal Nation” with comedian, Anthony Anderson. Steph is passionate about ecology and wildlife, but she is also fascinated with history and sustainably living; She was featured on Nebraska Public Media as the host of “Adventures in History: Discovering Nebraska’s State Historical Parks,” as well as an episode of the HGTV series “Tiny House, Big Living.”
ConservATION CREDENTIALS
Career
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Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium - Director of Conservation
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The Endangered Wolf Center– Director of Education
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Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium– Education Coordinator
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Honolulu Zoological Society– Education Outreach Coordinator
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Sea World, San Diego- Education Specialist
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San Diego Zoological Society– Education Specialist
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3 Islands Whale Shark Dive, Australia- Naturalist
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Reef Trips, Australia- Naturalist & Dive Guide
Awards
Media Appearances
Radio and Podcasts
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Festivals | Conferences
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Iowa’s Eco-Fest, 2019
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Assoc. of Zoos and Aquariums, 2019
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Shark-Con, 2018
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom
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Coral Reef– Coral Restoration Foundation
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Condors– Ventana Wildlife Society & LA Zoo
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Tegu– FWCC, USGS, & UF
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American Bison– Custer State Park
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Giraffes– Dallas Zoo
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Penguins– Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
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Elephants– Ft. Worth Zoo
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Cheetahs– Dallas Zoo
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Leopards– Tanganyika Wildlife Park
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Manatees– Mote Marine Laboratory
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Sea Otters– Monterey Bay Aquarium
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Kangaroos– Tanganyika Wildlife Park
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Sharks– Bahamas Marine Sanctuary
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Rays– Bahamas Marine Sanctuary
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Snakes– Reptile Gardens
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Wolves– Endangered Wolf Center
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Carnivores– The Wild Animal Sanctuary
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Crocodiles– XTC Dive Center & ACottonPhoto
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Polar Bears– Polar Bears International
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Kelp Ecosystem– UCSB & Wrigley Institute
Education
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South Dakota State University – B.S. – Education, Human/Animal Development & Behavior
Memberships
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Professional Member of Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Boards
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Creative Animal Foundation, Co-Founder/Board President
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Alaska SeaLife Center, Advisory Board
Speaker | Emcee | Workshops
Media Appearances
Nebraska Public Media
Ambassador Services
CuriosityStream
LET'S TALK
Stephanie has hosted and spoken to audiences around the world. To invite her to be part of your next conference, school event, fundraiser or gala, click the contact button check her availability.
Or, if you are a producer looking for a presenter for your next program, awesome! Let's talk and see how we can work together.