Dr. Ryan Zimmerling: Manager, Migratory Birds and Wildlife Health

Dr. Ryan Zimmerling started his career at Environment and Climate Change Canada 11 years ago and currently works out of the nation’s capital, as Manager of Migratory Birds and Wildlife Health.

Each day is different for Ryan. One day, he may be working to protect and manage migratory birds domestically and internationally, whereas the next day Ryan may be addressing emerging wildlife diseases, or working on initiatives to conserve and manage polar bears. 

Over the past decade, Ryan has seen cutting-edge technologies such as satellite tags and radar applied  to collect data on migratory birds and other wildlife behavior and movements across the landscape.

One of Ryan’s fondest memories was working with a multi-disciplinary team to state Canada’s position and concerns regarding the regulatory changes to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States. His team worked hard to develop submissions on behalf of the Government of Canada and to prepare for high-level bilateral meetings. Ryan found it extremely satisfying to see the positive response domestically and internationally to Canada’s interventions on behalf of wildlife.

Ryan finds it motivating to be working alongside dedicated and passionate professionals at ECCC, whose aim is to conserve migratory birds and other wildlife.

To learn more about Ryan’s work, visit the Migratory Bird Conservation web page.

Here are a few random facts about Ryan:

• What was your first job? Cashier at McDonald’s.
• If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? Antarctica (during our winter, their summer).
• What is your favourite game or sport to watch and play? Ice hockey.
• Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car? Ride a horse.
• If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Peanut butter and strawberry jam on toast.
• What are your hobbies? Bird watching, hiking, playing guitar, and hobby farming.
• What is your favourite flavour of ice cream? Chocolate (in soft serve).
• Summer or winter? Spring. Summer in eastern Ontario is too hot and humid, and winter is too cold and snowy...yes, I am soft!
• What's your favourite holiday? Christmas because it brings the family together and, of course, big meals!
• Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I really cannot imagine myself doing anything different from what I am doing today.

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