Years: 

1930–2017

Year Hutchinson Medal awarded:

2011

George B. Rabb, Ph.D., was a leading figure in advancing zoos as centers of conservation education and biological research. He joined the Brookfield Zoo in 1956 as curator of research and was instrumental in transforming it into a conservation center, promoting naturalistic exhibits to immerse visitors in environmental experiences. His career helped shape modern zoo practices and global amphibian conservation efforts.

Key Contributions:

• He created the zoo's education department and led pioneering efforts in zoo research, nutrition, and genetics for small populations.
• He was deeply involved in amphibian conservation, founding the Declining Amphibian Populations Task Force and working with global conservation groups such as the Amphibian Survival Alliance.

Other Major Honors:

• Dr. Rabb received numerous honors, including the Heini Hediger Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Conference on Science, Policy, and the Environment.