We are thrilled to announce the addition of John Ziegler, MD, FASA to the Mountain Lion Foundation’s Board of Directors. Dr. Ziegler brings a wealth of experience in advisory roles along with a deep passion for Utah wildlife conservation that will be invaluable to our mission.

A Distinguished Background

Dr. Ziegler has established himself as a thoughtful voice in both medicine and conservation. As a Fellow of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (FASA), he has demonstrated not only clinical excellence but also leadership capabilities that have made him effective on numerous advisory boards. His analytical approach to complex problems has guided organizations through challenging decisions while maintaining a commitment to evidence-based solutions.

Throughout his career, Dr. Ziegler has served on several advisory committees where he developed a reputation for building consensus while advocating for science-based approaches. His ability to translate technical information into actionable recommendations has made him particularly effective in roles that bridge different stakeholder communities.

Passion for Utah Wildlife

Dr. Ziegler has an unwavering commitment to Utah’s wildlife. A long-time resident of the state, he has witnessed firsthand the challenges facing mountain lions and other native species as development expands into previously wild areas. His concern for maintaining healthy ecosystems and protecting biodiversity has motivated his involvement in various conservation initiatives throughout Utah.

“The mountain lion represents not just an iconic species, but a critical component of healthy western ecosystems,” Dr. Ziegler noted upon joining the board. “Protecting these magnificent animals requires thoughtful management based on the best available science.”

Championing Science-Based Wildlife Management

Dr. Ziegler is a member of the Central Regional Advisory Council for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. He is a strong proponent of evidence-based wildlife conservation. He believes that effective management must be grounded in rigorous research rather than misconceptions or political pressure. Throughout his conservation work, he has emphasized the importance of making decisions informed by data on population dynamics, habitat requirements, and ecosystem interactions.

With the Mountain Lion Foundation, Dr. Ziegler hopes to advance conservation strategies that incorporate the latest scientific understanding of carnivore ecology while respecting the needs of all partners and communities.

Encouraging Civic Engagement in Wildlife Governance

One of Dr. Ziegler’s primary goals is to inspire broader public participation in wildlife management decisions. He firmly believes that conservation succeeds when local communities are engaged and informed about the issues affecting wildlife in their regions.

“Wildlife belongs to all citizens,” Dr. Ziegler explains, “and we all have a responsibility to participate in decisions about how these public resources are managed. Too often, these decisions happen without sufficient public input.”

Dr. Ziegler plans to work with the Mountain Lion Foundation to create more opportunities for public education and engagement in wildlife governance, particularly at the local and state levels where many critical decisions are made.

Looking Forward

The Mountain Lion Foundation is thrilled about the perspective and expertise Dr. Ziegler brings to our work. His combination of advisory board experience, passion for Utah wildlife, and commitment to science-based management aligns perfectly with our mission to ensure that mountain lions thrive in the wild.

We look forward to working with Dr. Ziegler to advance mountain lion conservation throughout the western United States and to inspire more people to get involved in protecting these magnificent cats for generations to come.

Welcome to the team, Dr. Ziegler!