Dr. Terry L. Maple is best known for his visionary leadership in revitalizing the Atlanta Zoo in the aftermath of one of the most publicized scandals in the history of American zoos. He was appointed director in 1984 and in 1985 founded and became CEO of Zoo Atlanta, a nonprofit corporation formed to operate the zoo. Zoo Atlanta’s privatization started a trend in the zoo industry. Former Mayor Andrew Young hailed Zoo Atlanta as the most successful privatization in Georgia history.  The zoo won five awards for excellence in exhibit design and conservation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). 

Dr. Maple is the author and editor of more than 200 scientific publications, including ten books, and a past president of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), where he established the association’s first diversity initiative, worked to differentiate AZA institutions from roadside attractions, and strengthen the association’s scientific network. 

He is internationally recognized as an expert on the behavior, welfare, and conservation of great apes. 

Maple taught at Emory University and at the Georgia Institute of Technology for 30 years. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of the Pacific and a Master's degree and Ph.D. in psychobiology from the University of California at Davis.

Dr. Maple retired from Zoo Atlanta in 2003 and became President/CEO of the Palm Beach Zoo in 2005.

He has been an advisor and consultant to the World Wildlife Fund, the African Wildlife Foundation, the Wildlife Society, the Walt Disney Company, and the National Institutes of Health and chairman of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, and received a presidential appointment as a member of the National Museum Services Board.

Dr. Maple is currently the Professor in Residence and Director of Wildlife Wellness at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, where he is continuing his long legacy of promoting animal welfare and wellness.