Doug Porter, Executive Director

“I like to know I am making a difference in our community by preserving the treasure that Chehaw is by educating our citizens about the importance of preserving our environment."

Overseeing the entire management team and directing all activities and functions is Chehaw’s Executive Director, Doug Porter. Prior to coming to Chehaw, he was the director of The Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and of Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida. He is also the former Deputy Director of the Toledo Zoo. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology from The University of South Florida and a Master’s in Adult Education from The University of Georgia.

Ben Kirkland,
Natural Resources Manager

“Chehaw is a gem in Southwest Georgia, and it is my honor to manage this natural resource and educate the public of the wonders of the outdoors.”

Taking care of the grounds at Chehaw is a big job. With over 700 acres of land to maintain, Ben Kirkland, Chehaw’s Natural Resources Manager, has a lot of ground to cover…literally. He manages the native wildlife, fish ponds and all forestry along with overseeing maintenance of the campgrounds, picnic grounds, play park, train route and picnic shelters. Kirkland has been employed at Chehaw for the past 23 years, and he has a degree is Wildlife Technology and Forestry Technology along with a plethora of certifications including prescribed burn manager, pesticide applicator, and hunting safety instructor.

Jan Thompson,
Zoo Curator

“I love working with the animals themselves, sharing them with people who appreciate them, and networking with an incredible and dedicated group of colleagues who feel the same way I do."

Ever wonder whose job it is to decide what animals The Wild Animal Park has? Or who designs each animal’s home exhibit? That would be Chehaw’s Zoo Curator, Jan Thompson. She does those things and so much more. Her responsibilities include collection planning, zoo master planning, exhibit design and participation in AZA managed breeding programs. Her prior experience at Sea World in Orlando and The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans along with an A.S. degree in Zoo Animal Technology, a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a Master of Arts in Zoo and Aquarium Leadership developed her skills before coming to work at Chehaw.

Natasha Harper,
Membership Coordinator

"I really love working with the public. It makes my day when someone calls with a problem and I am able to help."


The Passport Members are a large part of the Chehaw family, and to make sure they are taken care of Chehaw hired Natasha Harper as its Membership Coordinator. She is responsible for planning events for the members, arranging special previews of exhibits and festivals, processing new and renewal memberships, encouraging new member application, and most importantly showing appreciation to the members for the support they give Chehaw. After graduating from Valdosta Technical College she worked as a drafter for nine years. She said technical school prepared her well for all aspects of the job field from computer work to public relation, so it was an easy transfer to her job at Chehaw.

Jennifer Arledge,
Curator of Education

“My love for children and animals is what attracted me to the zoo profession. I love that my job has never felt like a job, it has always felt like a privilege."

Education is one of the most important components of Chehaw’s mission, and Jennifer Arledge, the Curator of Education knows how to dazzle the guests that visit the park and bring education to life when doing presentations out in the community. She also manages the adult and teen volunteer programs which are a vital part to the education program.

She has been working in the zoo education field since she graduated from The University of Texas, and has been working at Chehaw for the past 10 years.

Don Meeks,
Maintenance Manager

As a general contractor from Bozeman, Montana since 1992, Don Meeks brings superior talent and leadership skills to Chehaw. He is responsible for the beautiful Birds of Prey arena designed by the famous Jim Fowler, as well as, the Meerkat exhibit which has quickly become one of the Zoo’s main attractions. A graduate of University of Nevada, Don was hired as the maintenance manager in October 2009 to oversee daily Park operations and development projects throughout Chehaw.