Cultivating a vision: Brandon Gibson to lead ABQ BioPark into its next phase of growth

Brandon Gibson remembers how he felt every time he’d get the opportunity to visit the Rio Grande Zoo as he grew up in Albuquerque.

Little did he know that the impact it had on him would lead him to a career in conservation and project management.

The Albuquerque native was named the ABQ BioPark director on April 15.

The BioPark includes five entities: the Zoo, Botanic Garden, Aquarium, Aquatic Conservation Center and Tingley Beach. In all, his staff oversees 150-plus acres.

Cultivating a vision: Brandon Gibson to lead ABQ BioPark into its next phase of growth

“I’m very humbled and honored to be in this role here,” Gibson said. “The BioPark is very important to our community.”

With more than 21 years of leadership at the city of Albuquerque, he managed a vast portfolio of public lands, nature preserves and specialized facilities. He has supervised the city’s Open Space Division, Recreation Division and Aquatics Division.

Beyond the BioPark, Gibson oversaw the construction and openings of the International District Library and Explora’s X Studio.

It’s been the BioPark that has been a constant in his life.

The seed was planted as a child and his world of wonder expanded. As he cultivated his career, it brought him back to the area.

He recalls the opening of the Botanic Garden and the Aquarium — and the BioPark became a place where he would take his children on the weekends.

“I would love my impact to be inspiring local conservation and action efforts. Making sure that the BioPark is accessible and equitable to all members of our community. Being fully aware that most members of our community, this is the only place they’re going to be able to see some of these incredible ocean fish — some of these critically endangered animals and learn about what they can do to protect them and learn about these amazing cultures,” he said.

Gibson has more than 25 years of professional experience and leadership in programming, youth education, conservation and project management.

He returns to the BioPark after four years as the deputy director for the Department of Arts & Culture, where he oversaw many of the Gross Receipts Tax projects at the BioPark, including the new Asia and Australia habitats.

He also served as the BioPark’s associate director from 2019-2020.

Prior to that, Gibson was the associate director of the city’s Parks & Recreation Department.

“Brandon has demonstrated his commitment to conservation throughout his career with the city of Albuquerque,” said Shelle Sanchez, Department of Arts & Culture director. “He brings a passion for connecting our community to nature, a clear vision for growth, and a dedication to collaborative leadership that will help the BioPark thrive for years to come.”

In October 2023, the BioPark Zoo completed its largest addition since 1996, when the Asia habitat opened to the public.

The $33 million project took more than three years to finish.

The habitat was transformed within 4½ acres of empty space near where the elephants are housed. The project has become the benchmark for future projects at the zoo.

The funding came from the 1/8-cent gross receipts tax, which was approved by voters in 2016.

Gibson said there are a lot of big projects underway right now being funded by the 1/8-cent gross receipts tax.

“We’re a few weeks away from opening our Australia phase one habitat,” he said. “We have construction underway for the Heritage Farm expansion, and we’re all hand deck for Asia, which opened in October, and we have a lot of great work going on in that habitat.”

In his new position, Gibson will be able to walk through the Botanic Garden to gain some relaxation between projects and meetings.

He’s also able to walk through the Asia habitat, where he can see visitors enjoying learning about the animals.

“The BioPark is very fortunate to have so many unique components, and each has their own mission,” Gibson said. “A lot of these missions tied together with our greater collection plan, with our greater conservation plans. It’s our job to always be training our staff, providing opportunities for them that will hopefully impact all the animals in our care and plants in our care and inspire action towards conservation for members of our community that come and learn. I’m inspired by this area every day, and my goal is to make sure that everything is taken care of at each destination.”

Gibson replaces Stephanie Stowell, who vacated the position in August .