As Director of Nutrition, Dr. Jennifer Watts designs and manages all the diets and feedings of the animals at Brookfield Zoo Chicago from start to finish. She works with veterinarians and animal care specialists to create the best possible diet for each animal’s physical and psychological health, overseeing logistics such purchasing and distribution. Through innovative research and team leadership, Watts loves helping keep the animals engaged and interested in their food.

Since joining Brookfield Zoo Chicago in 2007, Watts has had the opportunity to shape all kinds of unique animal diets. She established the Zoo’s participation in the ComEd Browse Program, which offers animals at the Zoo leaves and branches trimmed from around power lines throughout Chicago. She’s also responsible for developing the current pangolin diet, supporting the Zoo’s leading care for the endangered species. And she’s been able to reduce sugar overall in primate diets.

In her previous work, Watts supported nutrition research with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in North Dakota. She received her doctorate in animal nutrition from Clemson University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Cornell University. She is also currently vice chair of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Nutrition Advisory Group.