Joan Embery


Joan Marie Embery is an American animal and environmental advocate. She was a Trustee of the Morris Animal Foundation, a professional Fellow of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a member of the Advisory Board of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine's Wildlife Health Center, and a founding member the American Association of Zoo Keepers. The goodwill ambassador to the San Diego Zoo's Zoological Society of San Diego for 32 years, she has hosted educational series "Animal Express", "Animals of Africa", "Baby Panda" and "Challenge to Wildlife Specials for Public Broadcasting". She has raised awareness of animals and wildlife conservation through her books, tours, projects, and appearances on television shows, including talk shows.
In addition to being an environmental advocate, Embery is a skilled horsewoman who has won many awards.
Embery studied zoology and telecommunications at San Diego State University before earning a bachelor of arts degree in communication at Eastern Illinois University. She lives with her husband Duane Pillsbury on Pillsbury Ranch, a ranch in Lakeside, California, home to show horses, wildlife ambassadors, native wildlife, and personal pets.

Television appearances

Embery appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, Entertainment Tonight, ALF, The Phil Donahue Show, Newhart, Hollywood Squares, Win, Lose or Draw, The Larry Sanders Show, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, Xuxa, Leeza, Kidsongs and PM Magazine.

Honors

Embery was nominated and inducted into the San Diego County Women's Hall of Fame in 2007 by Women's Museum of California, Commission on the Status of Women, University of California, San Diego Women's Center, and San Diego State University Women's Studies.
Outstanding Celebrity Philanthropist – Rotary International, San Diego Chapter

Headliner of the Year Award – San Diego Press Club

Paul Harris Award - Rotary International

Honorary Lifetime Member – AAZK

Outstanding Documentary Personality – ON CABLE Award 1983

Excellence in Informational Programming – Cable ACE Award 1983

Living Legacy Award – Women's International 1994

Honorary Doctorate of Public Service – Eastern Illinois University 1994

Distinguished Alumna Award – Eastern Illinois University 1998

Soroptimist Honoree of Distinction 2001

Style Award – Fashion Group International, San Diego Chapter 2002

Tracks in the Sand Conservation Award – The Living Desert 2004

Communications and Leadership Award – Toastmasters International 2005

Ambassador for Wildlife Award – Miami Metro Zoo 2005

Life Time Achievement Award – PAWS San Diego County, 2006

Legacy Award – Nonprofit Management Solutions 2006

Alumni Award – San Diego City Schools 2006

San Diego County Women’s Hall of Fame – Spirit of the Hall of Fame 2007

Outstanding Celebrity Volunteer – American Federation of Philanthropists - 2010

Conservation Medal-Zoological Society of San Diego -2011

Women of Distinction Salvation Army 2011

Cool Women – Girl Scouts of San Diego 2012

Women Who Mean Business Community Service Award – 2015