Dr. John Cambridge's life pursuit has always focused on small things from doing great work with them. He is an entomologist, with a PhD from Rutgers University, who has spent most of his career working at the Nexus of Science Education and moving big ideas into the public realm. While the current pursuit (method section) of his life work, the Bethesda Zoo project under the non-profit Village Edu, is more than simply a scientific trajectory; it is a clear path informed by agential and purposive idealism that put science as a public practice.
Dr. Cambridge is probably best known for founding and leading the John Cambridge Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion, in Philadelphia. The Insectarium, which came together out of the shambles of a failing pest control company, grew into an engaging science museum that brought thousands of children from the community together. The Insectarium was an example of the marrying of education, conservation, and art into a living museum that inspired and invited visitors to engage with insects.
That chapter of his career, while important, was not without controversy. The Insectarium navigated a company of other obstacles which have brought public attention to the organization when not warranted, catalyzed by press that Cambridge refers to as misleading, and taking more liberties to depict things than allowed by facts. Nonetheless, he seized his chance to not let the storm distract from the mission. He instead took his time to think, reflect, recharge, and create another environment for him to envision all of the aspects that were important moving forward and all of the 'noise' that would be lingering behind.
From Trauma to Reimagine, A Personal and Professional Terms Reset
Making a turn again toward public-facing science work was not a simple decision for Cambridge. He has spent many months not in the public eye, openly and honestly assessing not only his own reputation, but his professional path to date. It was clear that something tugged at him to claim his connection to the spirit of science engagement in the public sphere. It wasn’t about getting the attention back, it was about getting back to the purpose for which he came to science education in the first place.
As Cambridge states, "I love teaching people about the natural world. When I read environmental reports that come out now, I feel this sense of responsibility to do something especially knowing I’ll be a father soon. I understood why people say they want to save the world for their child."
The Bethesda Zoo project is a direct manifestation of that mentality. It was created under Village Edu nonprofit and is more than just a zoo. It is a place of hands-on learning, community-based conservation, and long-term environmental education.
What Makes the Bethesda Zoo Concept Unique
Unlike conventional zoos, which are often showcases for exotic animals in glass aquariums, Bethesa puts an emphasis on live animal engagement with a focus on arthropods and ecosystems. Cambridge and his team want to create a science-first space where students can work through real data collection, environmental trends, cause-and-effect, and community programs.
Village Edu is designed around action. Kids will not only learn about insects, they will be using their learning and helping the local environments flourish. Programming will include biodiversity projects at the neighborhood level, soil quality mapping, and monitoring local pollinator populations. The hope is that we can change the face of education into community level interventions that are observable and measurable in science.
According to John Cambridge, this work is not possible if it is not permanent and scalable. "In my last position, we were always doing new or different things. This was exciting, but made for difficult growth. We're creating repeatable, quality experiences through Village Edu that we can take to schools and programs across the country."
The Insectarium Legacy
It's unlikely that Cambridge's story can be told without reference to the original John Cambridge Insectarium, which, while struggling in its final years and ultimately closing, left an impression on visitors, employees, and the public alike. Staff and volunteers continue to share stories and memories of the experience, the creative atmosphere in the Insectarium, and the feeling of worth and meaning it created in people.
Cambridge emphasizes that his biggest take-away from the Insectarium chapter was to learn about the value of integrity in leadership and operational systems. "A business is people. And if leadership has integrity, commitment and is competent, an organization can get through anything."
That approach drives Village Edu; they are trying to create a culture, not an exhibit, not a class, a place where staff are empowered, standards are high and decisions are transparent, and where decision makers have cared about the outcome.
From Boy to Man, With Quiet Resolve
Public positions of leadership can draw the public eye, for better or worse. While he is very critical of the effects of media biases and controversies about the Insectarium, he is also forthright with the toll it took on him as an individual. After retracting a particularly damaging documentary about Cambridge's Insectarium, he thought seriously about how best he could move forward in his journey, and now there is no attempt to reduce things to explain or justify, but rather to focus on outcomes.“I think people should be judged based on what they do. They aren’t going to listen to your version of it, but if the focus is on you doing work that is meaningful, then that work will speak volumes.”
This is a familiar sentiment and one that resonates with many people who have worked with him. Most of his employees who have moved on, still keep in touch and continue to show support as well as an interest in the new project. To Cambridge, all of this means something, even more, inspires him. “I've learned that you don’t have to convince the masses, you just have to do good work and let the work speak for itself.”
Expanding What a Zoo Can Deliver
At the heart of Village Edu's mission is an innovative way to think about zoological institutions. Cambridge sees a zoo as more than the exhibit of animals. It is a learning lab. A community touchpoint. A way to bring science and nature to people who may otherwise never engage.
The Bethesda location is going to combine comparative education with public engagement. Students from regional schools will take part in structured programming underlining the STEM curriculum. Visitors will come on weekends for workshops about how they can engage in scientific observation in their own backyards. Long-term partnerships with local organizations will create an ecosystem of shared intrinsic care.
Programming will continue outside the zoo, such as through remote learning modules, mobile field kits, and seasonal campaigns for classrooms or community centres that may be in far geographic locations from Bethesda.
Looking Forward: What Fuels the Vision Now
Cambridge is not taking on this project from a mindset that he held ten years ago. He is taking a more responsible and reflective approach while being very aware of the gravity of being in the position of authority and leadership. He is, however, excited especially about making a meaningful and lasting impact on education and in caring for the environment.
This new chapter is not for going back to the original; instead, it is to curate the best parts of what Cambridge previously did to create a more focused and sustainable plan. The aim is to create a place that cares and educates people, not just entertains them.
"I’m not chasing a thumbs up,” he says. “I’m building something that matters. If we get it right, whatever we create will last far beyond me."
Science, Community, and a More Certain Future
In a time where public confidence in institutions is often fragile, Village Edu and the future Bethesda zoo, provide models for grounded, genuine engagement. We now have examples that demonstrate science can be local, education can be active, and that leadership can be passionate and steady.
John Cambridge is still doing what has been done; helping people understand and care for the natural world. Village Edu continues to help build a legacy that intends not to erase the past, but grew from it.
