In her nearly twenty-five years at the Calgary Zoo, Cathy Gaviller has worked in Animal Care, in animal shipping and exhibit design, as Curator of Destination Africa, the Discovery Centre, Australia/Nocturnal and the Conservatory, and currently as Director, Conservation, Education and Research. With her involvement in all aspects of the zoo's work she has developed a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife, and for the unique value in engaging others in the endless discoveries awaiting them on their next journey.

Cathy is an avid outdoor and nature enthusiast spending her free time bird watching, hiking, camping, gardening, and canoeing. She especially enjoys the opportunity to share the wonders of nature with her two children, and to foster in them a true appreciation for all its flora and fauna. Since 2002 Cathy has led numerous groups and family trips into Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana, Ecuador and Peru.