From Interpreter to CEO: A Journey in Purpose, Connection, and Conservation

From Interpreter to CEO: A Journey in Purpose, Connection, and Conservation

Presenter: Dolf DeJong, CEO, Toronto Zoo

Join Dolf DeJong, CEO of the Toronto Zoo, as he reflects on his career journey from park interpreter to leading one of Canada's foremost conservation organizations.

Through stories, lessons learned, and moments of unexpected opportunity, Dolf will explore how the skills at the heart of interpretation—connecting people to nature, inspiring curiosity, and creating meaningful experiences—have shaped his leadership path and continue to guide his work today.

This session will offer insights for interpreters at every career stage on the lasting impact of their profession and the many directions it can lead.

Presenter bio:

Dolf DeJong is the Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Zoo, where he leads one of Canada’s largest conservation and wildlife organizations. His career began as a park interpreter, helping visitors connect with nature through storytelling, education, and shared experiences in the outdoors. Over the years, he has held leadership roles in parks, conservation authorities, botanical gardens, aquariums and the Toronto Zoo, always guided by a passion for inspiring people to care for the natural world.

Cost to attend:

• IC Members: this event is free, but we invite you to choose to donate $10 to help IC cover costs of planning our professional development sessions
• Non-members: $60

Cancellation policy:

If you wish to cancel your registration and are a non-member who has paid for a ticket, please note that refunds are only offered if the cancellation is made 72 hours or more in advance of the event. No refund will be issued if you cancel within the 72-hour period. Refunds can only be offered via e-transfer and may take 1-2 weeks to be processed. To request that a refund, please email info@interpretationcanada.ca. Non-attendance at an event does not qualify for a refund.