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In a past life, Marc Duncan might have been a fish. The PDZA eight-year veteran aquarist has an eclectic list of interests and hobbies, but most of them involve marine life and being immersed in water. Most of us know him by his upbeat and approachable personality, however his extensive background and knowledge of marine life, which helped solidify his current position as Senior Aquarist, isn't as well known.
Marc grew up in Closter, New Jersey. He attended the University of New Hampshire and received his Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology and Outdoor Education. When asked what he misses most about living in New Jersey, he says that he hasn't yet been able to find a Philly Cheesesteak that compares. After receiving his degree from the University of New Hampshire, Marc became an intern at the New England Aquarium in Boston. This gave him the experience necessary for a number of marine biology-centered positions on Catalina Island, which is an island off the coast of California.
He began working on Catalina Island in 1998 as a Marine Science and Dive Instructor. He later changed positions to become an Aquarist and subsequently the Senior Aquarist. After spending five years on Catalina, he became the Marine Science Director at Camp Emerald Bay, which was operated by the Boy Scouts of Los Angeles. This position gave numerous opportunities, as he worked in all aspects of animal care, including animal collection, life support design, exhibit design, and hired all interns and staff. He created a program for diving and canoeing called Rugged Ocean, which was a high adventure marine science program that was based off a senior project in college. Marc decided that he wanted to expand his experience with a larger aquarium so in the spring of 2007, he began working at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium as a Staff Biologist. One of the factors that drew him to PDZA was that the aquarium was located within a zoo. Marc says that he has always had an interest in non-aquatic animals as well.
Many of Marc's passions and hobbies revolve around aquatic animals and their habitat. If he could be any animal, he
says that he would be a short fin mako shark, because they must have lots of experiences and they are like the jet fighters of the ocean. If he could have any super power, he would like to breathe underwater and withstand cold water temperatures so he wouldn't have to pay for dive gear. One of Marc's favorite aquarium animals is Buddy the male sheepshead wrasse. Buddy was caught off the coast of Catalina Island and has outgrown every tank he has ever lived in. He is a country-wide traveler, and moved from California, to Washington D.C., and finally to PDZA. Marc likes him because he is a bit of a troublemaker; he has eaten cleaning tools, some of his tank mates, and even recognizes Marc bringing him food through the glass. When not working or immersed in water, Marc likes to read, cook, hunt, backpack, mountain bike, and has an interest in collecting and building legos. When asked what sets him apart from others, Marc says that he considers himself a very open accepting person, and tends to get along well with everyone around him. He is addicted to Reece's Peanut Butter cups, and says that he can almost always be bribed by them. One goal he would like to accomplish during his lifetime is to stay in an underwater hotel or dive in a submarine. He would also like to visit the great barrier reef. The weirdest thing he has ever eaten is rattle snake when he lived on Catalina Island.
Marc's knowledge and experience has made him an invaluable asset to PDZA. Be sure to thank him for his hard work the next time you see him. We look forward to seeing how his knowledge and experience helps shape the new aquarium that is shortly scheduled to go under construction!
AAZK’s Zoo Stars!
Randomly chosen participants will receive a $5 gift card of their choice.
Zoo Stars can be any permanent staff, seasonal/temporary staff, volunteer, or intern from any department!
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