Eric Flossic

Background

About Eric Flossic

Originally from Massachusetts, I graduated from Westfield State University with a bachelors degree in environmental biology with a double minor in art & chemistry. I have been involved in wildlife research and conservation for 25 years. Starting my journey doing Desert Tortoise research in the Mojave desert for the Student Conservation Association in Then in 2001, I went to Texas and worked with Black Rhinos at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. I then started work at the Tulsa Zoo to work with their White Rhinos, Giraffe, Zebra, Cape Buffalo and other assorted hoof-stock & African birds. In 2007 I had the privilege to spend time in Indonesia at their Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary and see first hand where our local fundraising dollars were being put to use. In 2016 I was able to do a field research study with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation in Namibia. That experience inspired me to start the World Giraffe Day 5K in 2020. This annual event helps raise funds for GCF in their effort to help save Giraffe in Africa. I now spend my time working as a horticulturist at The Gathering Place, voted best City Park by USA Today in 2024. I am part of the ecology team, teaching visitors the benefits our plants have for the local and migrating wildlife in our community. I love the outdoors and staying as active as possible. As a father of two, I like to keep my children active by doing local 5K races throughout the year.