Daniel Cone
World Bird Sanctuary
St Louis,MO
2
Languages
1
Certification
17
years of professional experience
Business-focused conservation leader with a background in animal care operations, training, and executive support. Brings strong decision-making, communication, and organizational development skills, plus experience guiding policies, budgets, and cross-functional initiatives. Ready to support revenue growth, partnership success, and mission-driven results.
Work History
Assistant Executive Director
7 Years 3 Months- Lead development and execution of strategic plans through partnership with Executive Director and Board of Directors.
- Initiate, manage, and coordinate global conservation partnerships and initiatives.
- Coordinate government communications to support regulatory compliance and policy amendment requests.
- Develop and administer department and project budgets to support project planning and operational needs.
- Develop and update organization-wide animal welfare, human resource, and general operations policies.
General Curator
1 Year 5 Months- Directed avian collection plans.
- Created and managed nutrition protocols, housing and enrichment activities, and welfare standards to ensure organization-wide adherence.
- Managed habitat maintenance scheduling to support safe cleaning and species-appropriate enclosure standards.
- Coordinated habitat maintenance schedules to support safe, clean, and species-appropriate enclosures.
- Managed registrar oversight to maintain high-quality records and support institutional record accuracy.
Site Manager
1 Year 6 Months- Directed daily animal care operations for World Bird Sanctuary behind-the-scenes areas.
- Oversaw departmental building maintenance schedules across the site.
- Managed staff and volunteers to maintain daily operations.
- Supervised daily training plan updates and monitored behavioral progress trends for 50+ education ambassador birds.
Lead Animal Trainer
6 Years 2 Months- Trained raptors for flight demonstrations, educational programs, and safe public interactions.
- Implemented species-specific enrichment plans to support behavioral health and reduce stress.
- Monitored daily health, feeding, and husbandry routines for diverse bird species.
- Managed handling protocols during transport, examinations, and enclosure maintenance.
- Supported planning and design of seasonal bird show presentations at zoos including Memphis Zoo, Milwaukee County Zoo, and Zoo New England.
Skills
Strategic planning
Financial oversight and resource allocation
Revenue growth
Partnership development
Team leadership
Effective project coordination
Decision making
Organizational development
Verbal and written communication
Accomplishments
- Navigated the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic without any layoffs.
- Executed a strategic plan which resulted not only in a reorientation of our mission, but which led to our first budget surplus in three years.
- Facilitated the development of a 10 year Master Site Plan.
- Presented at conferences such as the Raptor Research Foundation, International Falconry Congress, and Avian Behavior International.
Certification
Certified Aviculturist - American Federation of Aviculture
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
German
Limited Working
Timeline
Assistant Executive Director
World Bird Sanctuary
07.2019 - CurrentRead More
General Curator
World Bird Sanctuary
02.2018 - 07.2019Read More
Site Manager
World Bird Sanctuary
08.2016 - 02.2018Read More
Lead Animal Trainer
World Bird Sanctuary
04.2010 - 06.2016Read More