Tim Sullivan, Director of Behavioral Husbandry, has been shaping Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s animal programs since 1980. Today, he manages our animal training and environmental enrichment programs, making sure the animals develop healthy, natural behaviors. He provides behavioral husbandry consultation to zoos around the world.

Sullivan’s expertise is in applied animal behavioral analysis. Using research and scientific methods, he works with animal care specialists and leadership to ensure every species of animal at the Zoo lives their best life. This includes helping the animals learn specific behaviors so we can better care for them — like getting on a scale or being still for an X-ray.

During his first 16 years at the Zoo, he worked with marine mammals and pachyderms. He trained the first dolphin at Brookfield Zoo Chicago to participate in a voluntary blood draw. When he moved to the pachyderm department, he developed and implemented a positive reinforcement-based elephant training program. He has also served as interim director for several animal departments over the years.

In 1999, he co-founded the Animal Behavior Management Alliance, expanding his expertise internationally. Currently, he serves as an instructor for two Association of Zoos and Aquariums professional development courses. He has a bachelors in applied behavioral sciences from National Louis University.