Stephen Schwanebeck

Manager of Horticulture, Landscaping & Grounds

Stephen Schwanebeck is The Florida Aquarium’s horticultural manager, caring for a vast collection of Florida native species found in and around the Aquarium, including the mangroves and large native trees within the wetlands dome. Stephen is helping to create a world-class conservation site at the Aquarium’s Apollo Beach campus with habitat restoration and more.

Stephen has been a nature enthusiast his entire life. As a Tampa native, during his childhood, he attended every zoo camp possible at Busch Gardens. Making a strong impression, he was hired for a work-study program at Busch Gardens at just 14 years old. His career continued as a stage manager and production assistant with the Anheuser-Busch Co. while simultaneously touring with Siegfried & Roy Productions. In 1998, while attending Valencia College and working as a Disney ambassador during the 25th anniversary celebration, Stephen was invited to join the opening team of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Stephen initially joined The Florida Aquarium in 2015 as a member of the learning department. His extensive knowledge gained the immediate attention of the long-tenured and original horticulturist and he was quickly recruited. Less than a year later, following his mentor’s retirement, Stephen was promoted. Stephen proudly continues his passion for conservation and enthusiasm for the world of plants. He is certified in permaculture design, an ecosystems design management principle using whole-system implementations. Stephen can be found inside the wetlands dome and around campus meticulously caring for the Aquarium’s flora and fauna. He is tireless in his efforts to positively impact the environment and inspire future generations, taking a contributing role in mangrove habitat restoration and educational/volunteer programs of The Florida Aquarium.

KEYWORDS: Florida Native Plants and Trees, Mangroves Conservation, Wetlands Conservation