Partners in Conservation
Learn about the Zoo’s financial commitment to holistic conservation efforts in Central Africa.
The Power of Compassion: Dr. Priya's Journey from Childhood Dreamer to Global Conservation Leader
“Each charm on my necklace represents a moment, a place, a life I’ve helped protect.
They remind me why I do this work.”
— Dr. Priya Bapodra-Villaverde, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
When Dr. Priya Bapodra-Villaverde was a young girl, she was captivated by elephants—not just for their intelligence and family bonds, but for their deep cultural meaning. Her favorite deity growing up was Ganesha, the elephant-headed god known as a remover of obstacles.
That connection, passed down through generations, helped shape the compassionate values she lives by today.
Now, every time Dr. Priya travels to an elephant range country on behalf of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, she adds a charm to a necklace she started with her mother. Each one tells a story—a quiet reminder of the path she’s walked...The lives she’s touched...The passion that drives her forward.
“Each charm on my necklace represents a moment, a place, a life I’ve helped protect.
They remind me why I do this work.”
Your gift fuels stories like this.
As a child, Dr. Priya remembers the heartbreak she felt when she first learned about the threats elephants face.
She cried.
She felt helpless.
But then, with encouragement from her mother, she found a way to help—organizing a swim fundraiser to protect wildlife. Her uncle, a veterinarian, led by example and showed her what a life of animal care and service could look like.
That spark of compassion became her calling.
Want to help protect elephants and the people who care for them?
Dr. Priya’s passion carried her across the globe. She conducted field research in Sri Lanka, earned her veterinary degree from the Royal Veterinary College in London, and became a Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine—one of only 300 in the world. Just eight of those Diplomates practice in Ohio, and six of them are right here at the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds.
You might recognize Dr. Priya from Secrets of the Zoo on Nat Geo WILD, where her calm presence and expert care have made her a fan favorite. But it’s her work off camera that leaves a lasting impression.
- Parents send letters.
- Children dress up as her for Halloween.
- And countless young girls—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—see someone who looks like them making a difference in the world.
That visibility matters. That impact is real.
And it all starts with people like you.
Be part of a story that inspires the next generation.
Dr. Priya’s journey is a powerful reminder that compassion, when supported, can create lifelong impact. Your gift doesn’t just help animals. It supports the people dedicating their lives to protecting them.
