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25 t m c » p u l s e | a p r i l 2 0 1 9 *First-time visitors and local residents only. Certain restrictions apply. $28 minimum value. At participating studios only. Orangetheory® and other Orangetheory® marks are registered trademarks of Ultimate Fitness Group LLC. © Copyright 2018 Ultimate Fitness Group LLC and its affi liates. TRY IT FOR FREE* ORANGETHEORY.COM Visit one of three nearby OTF Houston studios: West University, Bellaire, Midtown, TX 77005 832.939.9130 GUESSING DOESN'T LEAD TO GREATNESS. CONNECT YOUR HEART TO YOUR WORKOUT. CONNECT YOUR HEART TO YOUR WORKOUT. SHOW THE FRONT DESK YOUR MEDICAL BADGE TO RECEIVE A CORPORATE RATE ON MEMBERSHIP. Medical experts here provide treatment to the animals and patients often visit with the animals. How important is that relationship? A | It's a pretty unique relationship. We've worked with Baylor College of Medicine on a partnership on the elephant herpes virus, which is a major problem for elephants in zoos and some- what in the wild. We're now at the point that we can treat outbreaks when they do happen, which wasn't possible five or six years ago. Our ZooMobile program takes animals and educators into the community. It's spent some time at Ben Taub Hospital and several of the children's hospitals to bring the zoo to people who can't come to the zoo. It can be uplifting. Q | The Houston Zoo is competing with social media and streaming services for people's leisure time, yet attendance is still strong. Why do you think interest in the zoo remains robust? A | It's a real encounter. You're looking into the eyes of another living being. I've tried VR gog- gles, and they're kind of cool, but it just doesn't compare with reality. Sure, we're looking at how to use technology to augment and extend the zoo experience. But the reason people come is that connection with other living things. Q | You're 61. What do you want people to say about your impact on this zoo, or maybe the field as a whole, at your retirement party? A | I want people to acknowledge the amazing team of people at the zoo who are super talented and dedicated to what we do here. I want people to know that, as a group, we've delivered on this idea that the zoo saves animals in the wild. It's more than 450 incredible people here, plus our board, the community and our partners all over the world. I want people to see what a group of very committed people can get done. I don't think I've ever been in a community that so universally loves the zoo in their city. They love it, in part, because of their memories. But I also hear constantly: "It's improved so much." And that will only increase. Lee Ehmke was interviewed by TMC Communications Director Ryan Holeywell. The conversation was edited for clarity and length. A new Texas Wetlands exhibit at the Houston Zoo, shown above in a rendering, will open later this year. Credit: Courtesy of Houston Zoo