Alison Holland & Clint Lusardi – Zoo Express Program

Zoo Express: Bringing Joy and Comfort to Those Who Cannot Visit the World-Famous San Diego Zoo

Zoo Express is a program which was started in 1995. It was started as a way to reach out to children and seniors who might not otherwise be able to experience the wonderful world of animals.  Zoo Express is funded by generous donations and the program’s focus is on children’s hospitals, disabled children and senior homes.  The trainers showcase 2 to 6 animals and show an interactive presentation allowing tactile with some of the animal ambassadors while giving information about them, along with a wildlife conservation message.

Alison Holland has been working at the Zoo for 39 years. She initially served as a keeper in the Children’s Zoo and Nursery, but the majority of her time has been as a trainer in the Wegeforth Bowl. In 2012, Alison was made coordinator for the Zoo express program.

Clint Lusardi is an animal care supervisor in the Animal Connections division of San Diego Zoo Global. He oversees the Children’s Zoo, Free Flight Bird Show, and the Zoo Express program. He came to the San Diego Zoo as a keeper in 2003 with more than a decade of experience training many species of animals.